Francis Scott Fitzgerald

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (September 24, 1896 – December 21, 1940) was an American novelist, short-story writer, and one of the defining literary figures of the 20th century. Named after his famous ancestor Francis Scott Key, the author of "The Star-Spangled Banner," Fitzgerald rose to prominence during the Jazz Age of the 1920s, becoming the voice of a generation. His masterpiece, "The Great Gatsby" (1925), remains an American classic, exploring themes of wealth, love, ambition, and the corrupted American Dream through the tragic story of Jay Gatsby. Fitzgerald's other major works include "This Side of Paradise" (1920), which launched his career, "The Beautiful and Damned" (1922), and "Tender Is the Night" (1934). His prose style—characterized by lyrical beauty, psychological depth, and social critique—established new standards for American literary fiction. Though Fitzgerald struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulties, his influence on American literature proved immeasurable. His exploration of American character, materialism, and idealism continues to resonate with readers, and his work remains required reading in schools worldwide.