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The Life and Faith of F. Scott Fitzgerald
A Review of Fitzgerald’s Essay, “For What It’s Worth”
F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American novelist and short story writer known for his works that capture the essence of the Jazz Age. Born in 1896 in St. Paul, Minnesota, Fitzgerald’s life was marked by artistic success and personal struggles.
He was a prolific writer, producing novels such as “The Great Gatsby” and “Tender is the Night,” as well as short stories widely regarded as some of the finest examples of the form in American literature [1].
Despite his literary accomplishments, Fitzgerald struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulties throughout his life. His marriage to fellow writer Zelda Sayre was often tumultuous, and his later years were marked by declining health and a sense of disappointment at his perceived lack of success [2].
Fitzgerald died on December 21, 1940, at 44 in Hollywood, California. He had suffered a heart attack, likely caused by his longstanding alcoholism. At the time of his death, he was working on his final novel, “The Last Tycoon,” which was published posthumously. Fitzgerald’s death was a great loss to American literature; his legacy inspires readers and writers today.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Faith
Fitzgerald’s faith, or lack thereof, is debated among scholars. Some have argued that his upbringing as a Catholic significantly influenced his work. In contrast, others point to his later disillusionment with religion and spirituality as evidence of a more secular worldview [3].
One of Fitzgerald’s essays, “For What It’s Worth,” was published posthumously in Esquire magazine in 1945. The essay mediates the nature of success and the importance of perseverance in adversity. It offers insights into Fitzgerald’s beliefs about the creative process and the challenges of pursuing artistic excellence [4].
At its core, “For What It’s Worth” is a reminder that success is not a matter of talent alone but also of hard work and determination. Fitzgerald reflects on his own struggles with financial insecurity and the disappointment of seeing his work overlooked or dismissed by critics. He argues that success requires a willingness to endure setbacks and…
