F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Roaring Twenties Novelist Through the Lens of Human Design

F. Scott Fitzgerald, born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota, remains an enduring figure in American literature. Renowned as a novelist, screenwriter, and short story writer, Fitzgerald captured the essence of the Roaring Twenties with his tales of wealth, decadence, and social intrigue. His legacy is not just about the stories he told but also about the life he lived—a life that mirrored the opulence and tumult of the era he chronicled. When examined through the lens of Human Design, a system that offers insights into personality and decision-making, Fitzgerald’s creative journey takes on new dimensions.

Human Design Type: Generator

As a Generator, Fitzgerald was characterized by a strong sacral energy that fueled his prolific writing output. Generators are known for their ability to build and create, a trait that was evident in Fitzgerald’s extensive body of work, which includes three novels, 160 short stories, a play, and numerous articles and films within just five years between 1919 and 1924. This tireless creative energy allowed him to write some of the most acclaimed literature of the 20th century, including “The Great Gatsby” and “Tender is the Night.”

Inner Authority: Sacral

Fitzgerald’s Sacral authority suggests that his best decisions came from his gut instincts. This intuitive response likely guided him in his writing process, enabling him to tap into the zeitgeist of his generation. Despite his tumultuous lifestyle, his sacral authority would have been his guiding light, helping him to achieve the high points of his career by listening to his inner voice and responding to the opportunities that resonated with him.

Strategy: To Respond

The strategy of a Generator, “to respond,” means that Fitzgerald’s path to success was paved by responding to life’s invitations and challenges. This aspect of his Human Design profile suggests that his most impactful works emerged when he responded to the opportunities and experiences around him, such as his relationships and the societal shifts of his time. His ability to capture the spirit of the Jazz Age was a direct result of his responsiveness to the cultural climate, crafting narratives that resonated deeply with his audience.

Profile: 5/1

Fitzgerald’s 5/1 profile combines the investigative nature of the 1 with the universalizing potential of the 5. This unique blend meant that Fitzgerald was both a seeker of knowledge and someone who could share his insights in a way that influenced and captivated others. His novels often reflected a deep understanding of human nature and societal dynamics, making them timeless pieces of literature. The 5/1 profile also highlights his role as a problem-solver, someone who sought to bring new perspectives to light through his writing.

Incarnation Cross: Left Angle Cross of Healing (46/25 | 52/58)

Fitzgerald’s Incarnation Cross, the Left Angle Cross of Healing, emphasizes themes of transformation and healing. In his works, he often explored the complexities of the human condition, shining a light on the struggles and desires of his characters. This healing aspect is evident in the way he dissected the illusions of wealth and status, offering readers a chance to reflect and heal from societal pressures. The themes of the Left Angle Cross of Healing resonate in his stories that delve into the emotional and spiritual journeys of his characters.

Early Life and Influences

Fitzgerald was born into a family that experienced financial fluctuations, which deeply influenced his views on wealth and status. His father, a salesman, and his mother, the daughter of an Irish immigrant, provided Fitzgerald with a middle-class upbringing that was disrupted by the economic depression of 1893. This instability fueled his lifelong preoccupation with financial success and social standing, themes that permeated his work.

While attending Princeton University, Fitzgerald began honing his craft, though he also began a lifelong struggle with alcoholism. His tenure at Princeton was cut short when he left to join the army in 1917, where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. It was during this time that he met Zelda Sayre, who would become his wife and muse.

The Jazz Age and Literary Success

Fitzgerald’s marriage to Zelda in 1920 marked the beginning of a decade characterized by excess and creative output. Known as the “darling couple of the flaming youth era,” they epitomized the Jazz Age with their extravagant parties and social exploits. Their lifestyle was both a source of inspiration and a financial burden, as Fitzgerald constantly strove to maintain their opulent existence.

The publication of “This Side of Paradise” in 1920 catapulted Fitzgerald to fame, establishing him as a leading voice for a generation. This success was a testament to his ability to respond to the desires and fascinations of the public, a reflection of his Generator strategy. Over the next few years, he continued to produce work that critiqued the American dream and the moral decay behind the façade of prosperity.

Challenges and Decline

Despite literary acclaim, Fitzgerald’s personal life was fraught with challenges. Zelda’s mental health deteriorated during the latter half of the 1920s, leading to her institutionalization on multiple occasions. This period of decline was mirrored in Fitzgerald’s financial struggles and bouts of despair, as he attempted to juggle the demands of his career, his marriage, and his personal demons.

In 1937, Fitzgerald moved to Hollywood to work as a screenwriter for MGM, an endeavor that was short-lived due to his difficult temperament and ongoing struggles with alcohol. It was during this time that he began an affair with British gossip columnist Sheilah Graham, which lasted until his death in 1940.

Legacy and Impact

Fitzgerald’s works continue to resonate with readers and scholars, offering insight into the complexities of the American dream and the human psyche. His ability to capture the spirit of an era while simultaneously critiquing its excesses is a testament to his genius. Through the lens of Human Design, we can appreciate how his Generator type and 5/1 profile contributed to his enduring influence in literature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Human Design type?

F. Scott Fitzgerald was a Generator, characterized by his ability to create and respond to life’s opportunities