The Diamond as Big as the Ritz

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.