The Beautiful and Damned

Main Ideas

• Exploration of the theme of decline and decadence in the Jazz Age, where wealth and luxury do not guarantee happiness and fulfillment.
• Depiction of the destructive consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle and irresponsible attitudes towards money and time.
• The theme of love and marriage, where the relationship between the main characters, Anthony and Gloria, shows how personal ambitions and selfishness can destroy love.
• Critique of the American Dream, where the pursuit of wealth and success leads to moral and spiritual emptiness.
• Psychological exploration of the characters, their internal struggles, and inability to adapt to changing life conditions.
• Reflection of social and cultural changes in early 20th century America, including the impact of World War I and the subsequent economic boom.