#36105
Mentioned in 1 episodes
THE DIAMOND AS BIG AS THE RITZ
Book • 1922
The story follows John T. Unger, a young man from a middle-class town, who attends an exclusive preparatory school where he befriends Percy Washington.
Percy invites John to spend the summer at his family's estate in Montana, where John learns about the family's extraordinary wealth and their secret: a diamond as big as the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
The Washingtons have maintained this secret through various means, including enslaving descendants of slaves who believe the Civil War never ended.
However, with the advent of airplanes, their secrecy is threatened, leading to a dramatic confrontation and the eventual destruction of their estate.
The story explores themes of wealth, greed, and the illusions of the wealthy elite.
Percy invites John to spend the summer at his family's estate in Montana, where John learns about the family's extraordinary wealth and their secret: a diamond as big as the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
The Washingtons have maintained this secret through various means, including enslaving descendants of slaves who believe the Civil War never ended.
However, with the advent of airplanes, their secrecy is threatened, leading to a dramatic confrontation and the eventual destruction of their estate.
The story explores themes of wealth, greed, and the illusions of the wealthy elite.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 1 episodes
Mentioned by 
Ryan Holiday as a favorite short story, highlighting Fitzgerald's satirical talent and commentary on capitalism.
Ryan Holiday as a favorite short story, highlighting Fitzgerald's satirical talent and commentary on capitalism.
11 snips
Professor Sarah Churchwell on Genius, Big Dreams and F. Scott Fitzgerald
Mentioned as a source for illustrating linking verb patterns in Everyday Grammar.
Learning English Podcast - January 18, 2025
Mentioned as a source for a passage used to explain linking verb patterns.
Learning English Podcast - January 17, 2025
