American Flapper Analysis

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Introduction
Zelda (Sayre) Fitzgerald began life as a wild child, who looked forward to adventure and excitement. She was aptly named the first American Flapper by her husband F. Scott Fitzgerald. Zelda was a multitalented individual who enjoyed writing, art and ballet dancing. Later in life, she realized the way the world can break you down both physically and mentally. Though many things have been blamed as the cause of her mental breakdown, there was no specific root to her problem. Quite possibly wrong fully diagnosed as schizophrenic in 1930, Zelda would spend the rest of her life in and out of mental health facilities. My aim is to take an in-depth look at her life, art inspiration, and the lifestyle of the “Flapper” in the 1920’s.
The …show more content…

Let’s only think of today, and not worry about tomorrow.” (Milford, 2011, p. 42) This quote is one of many reasons why she was thought of as a free spirit. Zelda lived in the present and only worried about consequences as they presented themselves. In addition, she was popular in Montgomery social circles, having starred in ballet recitals and dancing in much more elite country club dances than was thought to be proper for a young lady. She eventually met her future husband Scott Fitzgerald at a Montgomery Country Club Dance in …show more content…

Fitzgerald was gaining notoriety. It was said to be a representation of the free lifestyle and relaxed morals of what became known as the "Lost Generation.” This couple “personified the immense lure of the East, of young fame, of dissolution and early death.” (Milford, 2011, p. 6) She was said to be his muse, but there was also talk that he plagiarized much of his writing from her journals. In addition, to inspiring his major heroines, she supplied him with many other memorable lines. “Much has been written on Zelda Fitzgerald as F. Scott Fitzgerald's muse and as a victim of mental illness.” (Grogan, 2015, p.110) Zelda was considered an embodiment of the Jazz Age (1920-1929), and had a very tumultuous, substance abuse filled life with Mr.

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