Thursday, March 28, 2013

You Make Me Happy and Everything Makes You Sad


This picture of Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, his wife Zelda, and their daughter Scottie was taken in Paris in 1925. 

Immediately upon inspection of this picture, one thing is evident.  The look on Mrs. Fitzgerald’s face does not match the countenance of Mr. Fitzgerald.  He appears content and even pleased with his little domestic creation.  She looks bothered and impatient.

Having dealt with individuals with mental illnesses, I can understand why she may be less than enthusiastic about family portrait day.  Conversely, having been so in love with someone who I could not please nor provide for, I can understand the pleasure Mr. Fitzgerald is taking in this moment of fleeting domestic normalcy.

Thus far, I have enjoyed The Great Gatsby immensely.  I am only about halfway through the book, but so far, it is delightful.  The imagery and symbolism that Fitzgerald uses transports the reader to the setting via a vernacular so extensive, intricate, and beautiful that it makes you wonder if Fitzgerald wasn’t  weaned on Tennyson and Frost instead of nursery rhymes.

(…to be continued)

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