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The Lost Generation In This Side Of Paradise

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The Lost Generation In This Side Of Paradise
The time after World War I is usually seen as a prosperous one, full of extreme economic growth and opportunity. The most prominent image is over flappers and speakeasies, people that challenged any traditional thoughts, and boldly moved forward into the future. F. Scott Fitzgerald is known for being a writer from this time period, and is labelled as one of the “Lost Generation.” Interestingly, his perception of the time period is something much more bleak. The author recognized the social unrest that had been stirred up by the conflict between traditions and innovation. Many were scared of the future, while others pushed ahead without looking back. The angst of this time period is often recognized in the novels of the Lost Generation in the …show more content…
The main focus of the work is documenting how Amory Blaine finds and accepts his place in the world. At times, he reflects on the things that have changed him. The first important influence on his life was his mother. Rather than using her thorough education in a productive way, Beatrice focuses much more on impressing people. She believes that she is entitled because of her education and money, and refuses to conform to the regular standards of society. As a way to rebel, Amory attends a boarding school, St. Regis’, and spends his time attempting to reach the highest social status possible. In order to continue that status, Blaine decides to attend Princeton University. Part of the way through his experience at Princeton, however, Amory realizes how empty his life is, even with the success, and abandons conformity. Another formative part of Amory’s life is women. From an early age, he found himself easily able to attract girls. Several times he attempts to have romantic relationships, but eventually each one fails. Finally, he comes to meet Rosalind and falls deeply in love. She left him because he is not wealthy, and Amory is crushed. After Rosalind he attempts to engage in another relationship, but soon realizes that he has lost himself in Rosalind, and will never be capable of loving another woman again. Consequently, women no longer make up any part of Amory’s personality. Another way Amory transforms …show more content…
Epigraphs are short quotations found at the beginning of a novel, or a chapter that are meant to highlight a theme (Citation needed). The first Fitzgerald used is from where he derives his title. “...Well this side of Paradise!... There’s little comfort in the wise.” The quote comes from Robert Brooke. Brooke wrote a poem called “Tiare Tahiti.” In this line Brooke discusses how heaven is supposed to be a relief to a select few; a paradise at the end of life. But the next part of the quote shows that he truly does not find comfort in this, since life on Earth is just too dreadful sometimes. This theme is present in the novel when Amory grapples with similar predicaments. While corresponding with Monsignor Darcy, Blaine reveals that he finds no comfort in the thought of heaven, and that he does not even believe in a god (James,
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