Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Tender is the Night is a novel of great artistic value written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1934, and is set in the complex and confusing world of the 1920s. The novel is a commentary on the decadence of the era, and explores the theme of moral decline and its consequences. The novel is a masterpiece of modernist literature that continues to resonate with readers today.

The novel revolves around the lives of Dick Diver, a young psychiatrist, and his wife Nicole Warren Diver, a wealthy and beautiful woman who suffers from mental illness. The couple meets Rosemary Hoyt, a young actress, who becomes involved in their lives. Rosemary becomes infatuated with Dick, who is attracted to her, but he resists her advances because of his love for Nicole. This sets the stage for a complex and intriguing love triangle that drives the plot of the novel.

The first part of the novel introduces the main characters and their relationships. The setting is the French Riviera, where the Divers have a villa. The setting is described in great detail, emphasizing the beauty and luxury of the place, but also the emptiness and superficiality of the people who inhabit it. The first part of the novel lays the foundation for the characters and their relationships, which are central to the rest of the story.

The second part of the novel takes place in Switzerland, where Nicole is receiving treatment for her illness. The focus of this part is on the unraveling of the Divers' marriage, as Dick becomes increasingly distant and Nicole begins to lose her grip on reality. The theme of moral decay is also explored, as the characters engage in behavior that is considered immoral and unethical. The second part of the novel is a turning point in the story, as the characters face the consequences of their actions and the relationships between them begin to crumble.

The third part of the novel takes place in Rome and focuses on the aftermath of the Divers' marriage. Dick has become an alcoholic and is living with a group of expatriates who lead a dissolute lifestyle. Nicole has recovered from her illness and has taken control of her life. She confronts Dick and tries to save him, but he resists her efforts and ultimately dies. The third part of the novel is a powerful and emotional conclusion to the story, as the characters come to terms with their past and their future.

The novel is a critique of the decadence and excess of the 1920s, and the consequences of the erosion of traditional values. Fitzgerald uses the characters of Dick and Nicole to explore the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of moral decline. The novel is also a commentary on the shallowness of the wealthy and the emptiness of their lives. The author uses the novel to make a statement about the loss of values and the dangers of a society that is focused on material wealth and superficiality.

In conclusion, Tender is the Night is a powerful and poignant novel that explores the human condition in all its complexity. The novel is a masterpiece of modernist literature that continues to resonate with readers today. The novel is a commentary on the moral decay of society, and the consequences that arise from the erosion of traditional values. The novel is also a powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the challenges that arise from moral decline. The novel is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the complexities of the human condition and the challenges that arise from moral decay.