From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023

What is the significance of the setting in F. Scott Fitzgerald's “The Last Tycoon”?

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Last Tycoon," a posthumously published novel that offers a glimpse into the golden age of Hollywood and the tumultuous world of the American film industry. Within the pages of this unfinished masterpiece, the significance of the setting emerges as a vital element, a dynamic backdrop that not only captures the allure and grandeur of Hollywood but also serves as a metaphorical canvas upon which the characters' ambitions, dreams, and inevitable downfall are played out.

Fitzgerald's choice of setting is an astute one, for Hollywood in the 1930s becomes a microcosm of the American Dream and the pursuit of success, fame, and wealth. The glitz and glamour of the film industry, with its sprawling studios, lavish parties, and larger-than-life personalities, form the backdrop against which the protagonist, Monroe Stahr, and his contemporaries navigate their careers, relationships, and inner conflicts. The setting represents the apex of the American Dream, a place where dreams are manufactured and illusions are spun, but also a place where the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred.

Furthermore, the setting in "The Last Tycoon" embodies the contradictory nature of Hollywood, a world of both creativity and commerce, artistry and exploitation. Fitzgerald captures the dichotomy between the dream factory and the harsh realities that lie beneath its shimmering surface. The studios and backlots, with their dazzling facades and meticulously constructed sets, become metaphors for the illusory nature of the entertainment industry. Through the setting, Fitzgerald exposes the complex power dynamics, moral compromises, and cutthroat competition that define the world of Hollywood.

The significance of the setting also lies in its portrayal of the clash between old Hollywood and the encroaching forces of change. The novel is set during a time of transition in the film industry, as the advent of sound films and the rise of powerful studio moguls reshape the landscape. Fitzgerald captures the tension between the old guard and the emerging players, the clash between tradition and innovation, as Stahr finds himself navigating the treacherous waters of power struggles, shifting loyalties, and the relentless march of progress. The setting becomes a battleground for competing visions and a reflection of the changing times.

Moreover, the setting in "The Last Tycoon" serves as a backdrop for the exploration of themes such as the pursuit of perfection, the corrupting influence of power, and the cost of ambition. The relentless drive for perfection and artistic integrity is embodied in the studios and the creative process of filmmaking. The setting becomes a crucible for the characters' aspirations and desires, as they strive to create masterpieces while battling the constraints of the industry and their own personal demons. Fitzgerald delves into the moral compromises and sacrifices required to achieve success, as the characters grapple with the allure and the price of their ambitions.

Additionally, the setting in "The Last Tycoon" is a reflection of the characters' inner landscapes and emotional struggles. The lavish parties, the opulent mansions, and the vibrant nightlife of Hollywood create an intoxicating backdrop against which the characters' personal dramas unfold. The setting becomes a metaphor for the characters' inner desires, insecurities, and yearnings. It mirrors their search for love, identity, and a sense of belonging in a world defined by illusion and artifice.

The significance of the setting in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Last Tycoon" is manifold and profound. Hollywood serves as a microcosm of the American Dream, a stage upon which the characters' ambitions, dreams, and downfall are played out. The setting captures the contradictory nature of the film industry, the clash between old and new, and the complexities of power, ambition, and the pursuit of perfection. Through his masterful portrayal of the setting, Fitzgerald invites readers to reflect on the nature of success, the seductive allure of fame, and the tragic dimensions of the human condition in the shimmering world of Hollywood.