Description
“The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” is a novella written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, first published in 1922. The story is set in the fictional town of Hades, located in the western United States. It follows the protagonist, John T. Unger, who attends St. Midas’s, a prestigious prep school in the East. During the summer, he visits the home of his classmate, Percy Washington, whose family’s immense wealth is derived from a massive diamond mine hidden in the Rocky Mountains.
As John spends time with the Washingtons, he becomes increasingly aware of their bizarre lifestyle and the secret of their wealth. The Washington family has constructed a luxurious mansion concealed from the outside world by a force field. They maintain their opulent lifestyle by using the diamond mine’s riches and keeping their existence hidden from society.
However, John soon discovers that the Washingtons’ extreme wealth has led them to adopt morally questionable practices, including murder to protect their secret. He finds himself entangled in their dangerous world, especially when he falls in love with Kismine, Percy’s beautiful sister.
The novella explores themes of wealth, power, morality, and the corrupting influence of materialism. It satirizes the excesses of the Jazz Age and the American Dream while also presenting a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked ambition and greed.
“The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” remains a notable work in Fitzgerald’s oeuvre, showcasing his skillful prose and his ability to critique the societal values of his time.
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