The Diamond as Big as the Ritz

Summary

«The Diamond as Big as the Ritz» is a story about John T. Unger, a young man from a poor family who attends a prestigious school. He befriends Percy Washington, the son of one of the wealthiest men in the world. Percy invites John to spend the summer at his home, which is built on a massive diamond. The Washington family lives in isolation, hiding their wealth from the outside world. John soon realizes that their fortune is protected by brutal measures, including slaves and murder. When John falls in love with Percy's sister, Kismine, he becomes entangled in dangerous events. Ultimately, the Washington home is attacked, and John narrowly escapes, understanding that wealth does not bring happiness.

Main Ideas

• Critique of the American Dream and the illusions of wealth
• Exploration of corruption and moral decay
• Satirical portrayal of the luxury and eccentricity of the rich
• Conflict between reality and fantasy
• Dangers of greed and the pursuit of material wealth
• The idea of the unattainability of absolute happiness through wealth
• Theme of isolation and loneliness amidst wealth

Historical Context and Significance

«The Diamond as Big as the Ritz» is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, first published in 1922. It is part of the collection «Tales of the Jazz Age» and reflects themes characteristic of the Jazz Age, such as luxury, wealth, and moral ambiguity. The story explores the illusory nature of the American Dream and criticizes the excessive pursuit of material prosperity. The tale of the incredibly wealthy Washington family, who own a gigantic diamond, serves as an allegory for greed and corruption. The story's impact on culture lies in its ability to capture the spirit of the time and critically examine the social and economic realities of that period. Fitzgerald masterfully uses satire and fantasy to highlight the contrasts between wealth and morality, making the work relevant even today.

Main Characters and Their Development

• John T. Unger — the protagonist, a student from a poor family who receives an invitation from his classmate Percy Washington to visit his home. John is dazzled by the luxury and wealth of the Washington family but soon begins to realize that there are many secrets and dangers lurking beneath the surface. His development involves a transition from naive admiration to an awareness of the moral and ethical dilemmas associated with wealth and power.
• Percy Washington — John's classmate and heir to a vast fortune. He invites John to his family's home, which is built atop a giant diamond. Percy embodies a person accustomed to luxury and power, yet he is also aware that his family lives in isolation and constant fear of exposure.
• Braddock Washington — Percy's father, the head of the Washington family. He is the embodiment of wealth and power, but also paranoia, as he is willing to do anything to keep the secret of his fortune. His development involves a gradual realization that his wealth cannot provide him with true happiness and security.
• Kismine — a mysterious character who serves the Washingtons. She symbolizes the mystery and danger surrounding the family. Her role in the story underscores the theme of the illusory nature of wealth and its destructive influence on people.

Style and Technique

F. Scott Fitzgerald's story «The Diamond as Big as the Ritz» is distinguished by a vivid and rich style characteristic of the author. Fitzgerald uses a luxurious and sophisticated language to create an atmosphere of opulence and illusion that permeates the entire story. One of the key literary devices is hyperbole, which emphasizes the incredible size and wealth of the diamond, as well as the extravagance of the characters' lives. The structure of the story is designed to gradually reveal the mysteries and secrets surrounding the Washington family, creating tension and intrigue. Fitzgerald masterfully uses symbolism to explore themes of greed, illusion, and moral decay, making the story not only engaging but also profound in content. The dialogues in the work are lively and dynamic, helping to reveal the characters' personalities and their internal conflicts. Overall, Fitzgerald's style and technique in this story demonstrate his skill in creating complex and layered narratives that remain relevant today.

Interesting Facts

• The book is a satire on the American Dream and capitalism, showing how wealth and power can distort moral values.
• The story contains an element of fantasy: the diamond, which is the basis of the Washington family's wealth, is so large that it is beyond valuation.
• The protagonist, John T. Unger, faces a moral dilemma when he realizes that the Washington family's wealth is built on exploitation and isolation.
• The Washington family lives in isolation from the outside world to keep their wealth a secret, symbolizing the divide between the rich and the rest of society.
• Fitzgerald uses hyperbole and grotesque to create an image of incredible wealth and its consequences, making the work unique in his oeuvre.

Book Review

«The Diamond as Big as the Ritz» is one of F. Scott Fitzgerald's most famous and unusual novellas, first published in 1922. Critics note that this work is a vivid example of a satire on the American Dream and the illusion of wealth. Fitzgerald masterfully combines elements of fantasy and realism, creating an atmosphere of mystery and luxury. The story of the incredibly wealthy Washington family, who own a gigantic diamond, serves as an allegory for greed and vanity. Critics emphasize that the author successfully captures the spirit of the time and shows how wealth can become a trap. Fitzgerald's style, his attention to detail, and his ability to create vivid images make this novella unforgettable. Despite its brevity, the work leaves a deep impression and prompts reflection on values and morality. Overall, «The Diamond as Big as the Ritz» is considered an important part of Fitzgerald's literary legacy and continues to intrigue readers and scholars alike.