F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Tender is the Night"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, unlike earlier novels, Fitzgerald's "Tender is the Night" pays more attention to internalized issues instead of focusing solely on the wealth of the characters as the means by which they express themselves. The author points out that, in this manner, Fitzgerald brings the reader closer to the characters he creates, characters who operate with less flash and dazzle and more strain and spontaneity. The paper relates that the main conflict of the novel lies in Dick Diver's complete collapse as his life changes from that of an affluent and respected doctor to a humiliated, alcoholic outcast.

From the Paper:

"At this point, as it seems to be moving towards an inevitable climax in which the couple comes to a resolution, the novel surprises the reader by going back in time several years and exploring Dick's career as a doctor, the Great War, and the early relationship between Dick and Nicole. We see that Dick is no stranger to Europe, as he was stationed
there when in the US Army. More of an intellectual than a soldier, Dick spends the war as a doctor in France and Germany. The reader is introduced to the character of Franz Gregorovius, Dick's business partner and friend, who, though the two have much in common initially, acts as a rational foil to Dick during his later unraveling. Dick meets
Nicole when she is a patient at their clinic, and writes to her while in France."

More papers on F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Tender is the Night":

• Book Review # 110416 : "Tender is the Night"
• Book Review # 98071 : "Tender Is the Night"
• Essay # 65385 : "F. Scott Fitzgerald"

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