F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” is a classic allegorical short story that has been widely studied and celebrated. The story revolves around John T. Unger, a student at an exclusive Massachusetts prep school, who befriends Percy Washington, a new classmate who boasts that his father is “the richest man in the world.” He invites John to spend the summer at his family’s home in the Montana wilderness, where he discovers a shocking secret.
The story is a biting satire on the American Dream and the excesses of wealth and power. Fitzgerald uses the allegory of the diamond to represent the corrupting influence of wealth and the dangers of unchecked ambition. The story is set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age, a time of great social and cultural upheaval in America, and reflects the disillusionment and cynicism of the era. The story is notable for its vivid, poetic language and its powerful imagery, which captures the beauty and brutality of the American landscape.
About ‘The Diamond as Big as the Ritz’
“The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” is a novella by F. Scott Fitzgerald that was first published in 1922. The story is set in Montana and follows John T. Unger, a young man from a wealthy family who befriends Percy Washington, a new classmate who boasts that his father is the richest man in the world. Percy invites John to spend the summer at his family’s home in the Rockies, where John discovers the Washingtons’ dark secret.
The novella is an allegory that explores themes of wealth, power, and corruption. It is considered one of Fitzgerald’s most celebrated and widely studied works, and it has been the subject of numerous critical analyses.
In “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz,” Fitzgerald uses symbolism and satire to critique the excesses of the wealthy elite. The story is also notable for its use of imagery, which vividly brings to life the opulence of the Washingtons’ home and the natural beauty of the Montana landscape.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Brief Biography
F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American novelist and short story writer, born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1896. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Fitzgerald’s literary career began in 1917 when he dropped out of Princeton University to join the army during World War I.
After the war, Fitzgerald moved to New York City and became part of the “Lost Generation” of writers, including Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. His first novel, “This Side of Paradise,” was published in 1920, and he quickly became a literary sensation. Fitzgerald’s other famous works include “The Great Gatsby,” “Tender Is the Night,” and “The Beautiful and Damned.”
Fitzgerald was known for his writing style, which was characterized by its lyrical prose and vivid descriptions. His works often explored the themes of love, wealth, and the American Dream. Despite his success, Fitzgerald struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulties throughout his life. He died in 1940 at the age of 44.
The Concept of Allegory
Allegory is a literary device that uses symbolic characters, events, and settings to convey a hidden meaning or message. In an allegory, the characters and events are not meant to be taken literally, but rather as representations of abstract ideas or concepts.
Allegories can be used to convey complex ideas and themes in a way that is more accessible to readers. They can also be used to critique social and political issues in a more subtle way.
In “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz,” F. Scott Fitzgerald uses allegory to critique the excesses of the wealthy elite. The story follows John T. Unger, a young man who befriends Percy Washington, a fellow student at his boarding school. Percy invites John to his family’s home in Montana, where John discovers that Percy’s father is the richest man in the world and has a diamond as big as the Ritz.
Through the character of Percy and his family, Fitzgerald satirizes the excesses of the wealthy elite and the corrupting influence of wealth. The diamond, which symbolizes the family’s wealth and power, ultimately leads to their downfall.
Major Themes and Symbols
Wealth and Materialism
In “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz,” F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the theme of wealth and materialism. The story portrays the extreme wealth of the Washington family, who have a diamond as big as the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The family’s wealth and power have made them arrogant, selfish, and immoral. Fitzgerald uses this theme to critique the American obsession with wealth and material possessions. He suggests that the pursuit of wealth can lead to moral decay and the loss of one’s humanity.
The American Dream
The American Dream is a central theme in “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz.” The story portrays the Washington family as the embodiment of the American Dream. They have achieved great wealth and power through hard work and determination. However, Fitzgerald suggests that the American Dream is a myth. The Washingtons have achieved their wealth and power through immoral means, and their pursuit of the American Dream has led to their moral decay. Fitzgerald suggests that the pursuit of the American Dream can be dangerous and can lead to the loss of one’s humanity.
Illusion vs. Reality
“Illusion vs. Reality” is a major theme in “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz.” The story portrays the Washington family as living in a world of illusion. They have created a false reality for themselves, where they are the only ones who matter. However, this illusion is shattered when John Unger discovers the truth about the family’s wealth and power. Fitzgerald suggests that the pursuit of illusion can be dangerous and can lead to the loss of touch with reality. He also suggests that the truth can be liberating, even if it is painful.
Characters as Allegorical Figures
John T. Unger
John T. Unger is a young man from a middle-class family who is sent to a prestigious boarding school. He is initially portrayed as innocent and naive, but as the story progresses, he becomes more aware of the corrupt and immoral world around him. John represents the common man who is easily influenced by the wealthy and powerful.
Percy Washington
Percy Washington is the son of the richest man in the world. He is charming and charismatic, but also arrogant and entitled. He represents the wealthy elite who use their power and influence to maintain their status and control over others.
Braddock Washington
Braddock Washington is Percy’s father and the owner of the diamond mine. He is ruthless and manipulative, willing to do whatever it takes to protect his wealth and maintain his power. Braddock represents the corrupt and oppressive ruling class who exploit the working class for their own gain.
Setting as Allegory
The setting of “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” is a crucial element in the allegory of the story. The story takes place in Montana, a place that is often associated with rugged individualism and the American frontier spirit. This setting is used by Fitzgerald to represent the excesses of American capitalism and the dangers of unchecked wealth.
The Washington family’s home, which is made entirely of diamond, is a symbol of their wealth and power. The house is isolated in the middle of a mountain range, representing the isolation and detachment that comes with extreme wealth. The house’s opulence and extravagance are also symbolic of the excesses of capitalism and the dangers of greed.
The contrast between the Washington family’s home and John’s hometown of Hades is also significant. Hades is described as a small, rundown town, representing the poverty and struggles of the working class. The stark contrast between the two locations highlights the inequality and class divide that exists in American society.
Plot Overview and Analysis
“The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” is a novella by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1922. The story follows John T. Unger, a young man from the East Coast who goes to Montana to visit his friend, Percy Washington. Upon arriving at Percy’s home, John discovers that Percy’s father is incredibly wealthy and has a diamond the size of a mountain. John is sworn to secrecy about the diamond and its location, but eventually, he is discovered by the Washingtons’ butler, who reveals the truth about the diamond.
The story is a commentary on the corrupting influence of wealth and power. Fitzgerald uses the diamond as a symbol of the Washingtons’ wealth and power, and the lengths they will go to protect it. John represents the innocent and naive observer who is drawn into their world and ultimately corrupted by it.
The story is also an allegory for the American Dream, with the diamond representing the ultimate goal of success and wealth. However, the story suggests that the pursuit of this dream can lead to moral decay and destruction.
Literary Devices Used
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” is a literary masterpiece that employs various literary devices to convey its message. Fitzgerald uses symbolism to represent abstract concepts and ideas. For instance, the diamond in the story symbolizes wealth and power, while the mountain represents the corrupting influence of wealth.
Moreover, Fitzgerald uses imagery to create vivid descriptions that evoke the reader’s senses. For example, the description of the diamond as “a hundred times as large as the Ritz-Carlton” creates a mental image of the diamond’s immense size. Additionally, the description of the mountain as “a vast, flat-top mountain” conjures up an image of a massive, imposing structure.
Furthermore, Fitzgerald uses allegory to convey his message about the dangers of wealth and power. The story is an allegory for the corrupting influence of wealth and power, and the consequences of pursuing them at any cost. The characters in the story represent various social classes and their attitudes towards wealth and power.
Interpretations of the Allegory
Critiques of Capitalism
The allegory in “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” has been interpreted as a critique of capitalism. The story portrays the Washington family, who have amassed great wealth through exploitation of natural resources, as corrupt and morally bankrupt. The family’s extravagant lifestyle, built on the backs of workers in the mines and forests, is contrasted with the poverty and suffering of those who work for them. This allegory serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked capitalism and the exploitation of natural resources.
Social Commentary
The allegory in “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” has also been interpreted as a social commentary on the class divide in America. The story highlights the vast difference between the wealthy and the poor, and the power that wealth can bring. The Washington family’s immense wealth gives them the ability to control the lives of those around them, and they use this power to maintain their position of privilege. This allegory serves as a reminder of the importance of social justice and the need to address economic inequality.
Comparisons to Other Works by Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” is a unique work in his literary canon, but it does share some similarities with his other works. One of the most notable similarities is the exploration of the American Dream and the corrupting influence of wealth.
In “The Great Gatsby,” Fitzgerald portrays the lives of wealthy individuals in the roaring twenties, and how their wealth and excess ultimately lead to their downfall. Similarly, in “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz,” Fitzgerald uses the allegory of a massive diamond to represent the corrupting influence of wealth on individuals and society as a whole.
Another common theme in Fitzgerald’s works is the idea of the outsider looking in. In “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz,” the protagonist, John Unger, is an outsider from a small town who is introduced to the world of the wealthy. Similarly, in “The Great Gatsby,” the narrator, Nick Carraway, is an outsider who observes the lives of the wealthy individuals around him.
Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism is also present in both works. In “The Great Gatsby,” the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock represents Gatsby’s unattainable dream. In “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz,” the massive diamond represents the ultimate symbol of wealth and power.
Influence on Modern Literature
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” has had a significant impact on modern literature. The allegory has inspired many writers to explore the themes of wealth, power, and corruption.
The novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published two years after “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz,” draws heavily on the themes and motifs of the short story. The character of Jay Gatsby, with his mysterious wealth and extravagant parties, is reminiscent of the character of Percy Washington in “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz.”
The allegory has also influenced writers such as J.D. Salinger and Hunter S. Thompson. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” explores the theme of disillusionment with the wealthy and powerful, much like “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz.” Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” satirizes the excesses of the American Dream, a theme also explored in Fitzgerald’s allegory.
Teaching and Discussion
When teaching “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, it is important to focus on the allegorical elements of the story. The diamond itself represents the corrupting influence of wealth and power, and the characters’ actions reflect the dangers of unchecked ambition.
One way to encourage discussion is to ask students to compare the story to other works of literature that explore similar themes. For example, “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald also deals with the corrupting influence of wealth, while “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad explores the dangers of imperialism.
Another approach is to analyze the characters and their motivations. Students can discuss the character of John T. Unger and how his innocence and naivety make him susceptible to the allure of wealth. They can also examine the character of Braddock Washington and how his greed and desire for power lead to his downfall.
Finally, it can be helpful to discuss the historical context of the story. “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” was written in the aftermath of World War I, a time of great social and economic change. Students can explore how the story reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of the era.