The Daily Stoic Professor Sarah Churchwell on Genius, Big Dreams and F. Scott Fitzgerald
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Churchwell, a Professor of American Literature at the University of London, explores the intricate legacy of F. Scott Fitzgerald. She delves into the themes of ambition, societal decay, and the duality of the American Dream as depicted in 'The Great Gatsby.' Churchwell reveals Fitzgerald's self-awareness regarding his strengths and shortcomings, and how his portrayal of ambition can mirror contemporary figures like Elon Musk. Additionally, she emphasizes the often-overlooked discipline behind Fitzgerald’s craft, challenging romanticized notions of creativity.
01:11:36
Fitzgerald's Self-Awareness
- F. Scott Fitzgerald possessed remarkable self-awareness regarding his flaws and genius.
- This awareness is reflected in his writing, particularly in his portrayal of Gatsby's sensitivity.
Unfulfilled Potential
- Fitzgerald's perceived failure stems from his unfulfilled potential, not lack of achievement.
- Despite being a great novelist, his early death and limited recognition left a sense of what could have been.
Gatsby's Impact
- Fitzgerald's reliance on two novels for his reputation highlights his unrealized potential.
- The comparative failure of Gatsby, his deliberate attempt at a masterpiece, devastated him and fueled his decline.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Exploring Disillusionment in The Great Gatsby and Personal Literary Journeys
02:07 • 2min
Exploring Fitzgerald and the American Dream through Literature
04:18 • 3min
The Duality of Fitzgerald: Genius and Shortcomings
07:07 • 22min
The Dark Side of Ambition and Individual Power in Fitzgerald's Works
29:01 • 6min
Ambition and Morality in Fitzgerald
34:50 • 19min
The Duality of F. Scott Fitzgerald: Awareness, Ambition, and Addiction
53:50 • 6min
Discipline in Fitzgerald's Craft
59:49 • 15min
Exploring the Depths of American Literature
01:14:57 • 2min
Behold America
Sarah Churchill
Head and Shoulders
F. Scott Fitzgerald
In 'Head and Shoulders', F. Scott Fitzgerald tells the story of Horace Tarbox, a brilliant but socially awkward young scholar, and Marcia Meadow, a lively vaudeville performer. Their unexpected marriage leads to a surprising shift in their careers, as Horace becomes a performer and Marcia an acclaimed author. The story explores themes of love, identity, and the unpredictability of life.
Six of One
F. Scott Fitzgerald
In 'Six of One', Barnes observes a group of young men in the 1920s who embody success and glamour. He decides to support six boys from a small town in Ohio, providing them with education and opportunities. Over the years, he watches their lives unfold, seeing both success and failure. The story highlights the contrast between youthful promise and life's unpredictability, reflecting on the challenges of guiding young lives.
THE DIAMOND AS BIG AS THE RITZ
F Scott Fitzgerald
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.
More Than Just a House
F. Scott Fitzgerald
This title does not appear to be associated with F. Scott Fitzgerald's known works.
The Swimmers
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Swimmers is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, first published in the Saturday Evening Post on October 19, 1929. It tells the story of an American banker living in France with his family, who, after an initial reluctance, learns to swim and experiences a sense of liberation. The story explores themes of personal growth and transformation.
The Adjuster
F Scott Fitzgerald
The Adjuster is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in his collection 'All the Sad Young Men' in 1926. It explores themes of dissatisfaction, disillusionment, and the complexities of marriage through the characters of Luella and Charles Hemple. The story reflects Fitzgerald's own experiences with disillusionment and financial struggles during the time of its writing.
The Many Lives of Marilyn Monroe
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Sarah Churchwell
The Disenchanted
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Budd Schulberg
Bud Schulberg's *The Disenchanted* is a fictionalized biography of F. Scott Fitzgerald. It delves into Fitzgerald's struggles with alcoholism, his tumultuous relationship with his wife Zelda, and his creative process. The novel offers a nuanced portrayal of a brilliant but flawed artist grappling with fame, fortune, and the complexities of human nature. It explores themes of disillusionment, self-destruction, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. The novel provides a glimpse into the personal and professional challenges faced by a literary icon.
The Four Fists
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F. Scott Fitzgerald
While not as famous as his novels, F. Scott Fitzgerald's short stories offer a glimpse into his mastery of character development and evocative prose. 'The Four Fists' likely explores themes of love, disillusionment, and the consequences of impulsive actions, reflecting Fitzgerald's signature style. The story probably delves into the complexities of human relationships and the often-unseen realities beneath the surface of social interactions. It likely showcases Fitzgerald's keen observation of human nature and his ability to capture the nuances of emotion and motivation. The narrative probably uses vivid imagery and insightful characterization to create a memorable and thought-provoking reading experience.
The Wrath to Come: Gone with the Wind and the Lies America Tells
Sarah Churchwell
In this book, Sarah Churchwell examines the creation and legacy of 'Gone with the Wind,' both the novel by Margaret Mitchell and the 1939 film adaptation. Churchwell delves into how the book and film reflect and shape American myths about the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the 'Lost Cause' narrative. She argues that these works have contributed to the perpetuation of white nationalism, racism, and denialism in American society. The book also explores the historical context of Mitchell's life, the influence of her nostalgia for the 'good old days' of slavery, and how these elements shaped the racial politics of 'Gone with the Wind.' Churchwell connects these historical themes to contemporary issues, including the rise of Trumpism, the Black Lives Matter movement, and ongoing political violence in the United States[1][3][5].
The War of Art
Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Steven Pressfield
In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.
The Crack-Up
F Scott Fitzgerald
The Crack-Up is a posthumous collection of essays by F. Scott Fitzgerald, compiled and edited by Edmund Wilson. It includes three essays originally published in Esquire magazine in 1936, along with letters and notes. The book provides a candid look at Fitzgerald's life, exploring themes of personal struggle, fame, and the disillusionment of the Jazz Age.
Careless People
Murder, Mayhem, and the Invention of the Great Gatsby
Sarah Churchwell
Sarah Churchwell's "Careless People" delves into the creation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, "The Great Gatsby." The book explores the historical context surrounding the novel's writing, examining the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped its themes and characters. Churchwell sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the Jazz Age and the novel itself, challenging conventional interpretations. She reveals the intricate details of Fitzgerald's creative process and the evolution of his ideas. The book offers a fresh perspective on "The Great Gatsby," enriching our understanding of its enduring relevance.
The great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.
Ryan speaks with Sarah Churchwell about her book Careless People: Murder, Mayhem, and the Invention of The Great Gatsby, the complicated figure of F. Scott Fitzgerald, how The Great Gatsby’s celebration of mad dreamers who chase the American Dream informs our pursuit of the same ideal today, and more.
Sarah Churchwell is professor of American Literature and Public Understanding of the Humanities at the School of Advanced Study, University of London. Her work focuses on 20th- and 21st-century American literature and cultural history, especially the 1920s and 1930s, including four books: The Many Lives of Marilyn Monroe, Behold America: A History of America First and the American Dream, The Wrath to Come: Gone with the Wind and the Lies America Tells, and the aforementioned Careless People. She has written for numerous publications, including The New York Review of Books, The New York Times Book Review, The Times Literary Supplement, The Spectator, the New Statesman, The Guardian and The Observer. Saraha was also a judge for the 2014 Man Booker Prize, the 2017 Baillie Gifford Prize, and the 2019 Sunday Times Short Story Prize. In April 2021, she was long listed for the Orwell Prize for Journalism.
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