Introduction
Francis Scott Fitzgerald, notably referred to as F. Scott Fitzgerald, was an outstanding American writer acclaimed for his portrayal of the Jazz Age and his impressive storytelling. His marriage to Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald occurred on both a deep emotional and psychological level. Zelda was not only his wife but his muse and greatest critic. Their tumultuous relationship, colored by passion, creativity, infidelity, and mental health struggles, influenced many of Fitzgerald’s novels.
Description of Gender Expectations and their Impact on Men’s Mental Health
Fitzgerald’s era was dominated by strict gender roles. Men were expected to fulfill the role of a breadwinner, stoic, and emotionally restrained status. This consistent societal pressure often affected their mental health.
The Fitzgerald Dilemma
Fitzgerald himself was caught between his artistic inclinations and the demand of being a reliable provider for his family. Despite his success as a writer, he suffered from alcoholism and depression, often scrutinizing himself harshly for being unable to consistently provide due to fluctuations in his writing career. His struggles with society’s expectations combined with Zelda’s mental health problems, exacerbated the volatility of their relationship.
Zelda’s Struggles
Meanwhile, Zelda, often viewed as Fitzgerald’s muse, also suffered under the weight of gender expectations. She was both celebrated and criticized for her unconventionality. Her attempts to forge her own identity by investing in her painting and writing were often overshadowed by her husband’s works, mounting the pressure on the couple.
Examples of how Gender Roles Can Affect Men’s Lives
In “The Great Gatsby,” Fitzgerald mirrors the societal pressures he faced in his life through his character Jay Gatsby. Despite Gatsby’s immense wealth, it is his inability to break away from the past and fulfill an idealized image of success, dictated by societal expectations, that ultimately leads to his downfall. Gatsby remains disillusioned and unhappy, a scenario that Fitzgerald himself understood all too well.
Gender Roles in “Tender Is the Night”
In “Tender is the Night”, the protagonist, Dick Diver, mirrors Fitzgerald’s struggles as a man both in relationship dynamics and career-wise. His wife Nicole’s inherited wealth and mental illness parallel Zelda’s role in Fitzgerald’s life. Diver’s descent into alcoholism and his unfulfilled career reflect Fitzgerald’s own experiences.
Advice on Improving Mental Health Considering Gender Roles
Fitzgerald’s life and works serve as a poignant reminder that the societal pressure to conform to gender roles can tremendously strain mental health. It is fundamental to allow space for individual choices, passions, and vulnerabilities for preserving mental health. Seeking professional help, engaging in open conversations about emotional hardships, and challenging traditional gender roles can significantly alleviate the pressures associated with these stereotypes.
Conclusion
F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda’s tumultuous relationship was, without doubt, a driving force in Fitzgerald’s novels. These works can promote a deeper understanding of the complexities of mental health and its connections with stringent societal norms and expectations of gender roles. Their lives remain a stark example of the continually relevant conversation about the need for societal shift toward understanding and addressing the impact of traditional gender roles on mental health.
