The Camel's Back and the term superman

From the first time I read The Camel's Back, there was a passage that has always stuck out and nagged at me.  Fitzgerald uses the term superman.  I was fairly certain he was not refering to the comic book hero that we all associate the term with today.  I was curious to know about the term as used in the short story which was published in 1920.

"The Medill girl would marry him and she wouldn't marry him.  She was having such a good time that she hated to take such a definite step.  Meanwhile, their secret engagement had got so long that it seemed as if any day it might break off of its own weight.  A little man named Warburton who knew it all, persuaded Perry to superman her, to get  marriage license and go up to the Medill house and tell her she'd have to marry him at once or call it off forever..."

From my brief internet search, I discovered Superman first appeared in 1932. (You can read more about Superman at Wikipedia.)  So I was able to rule out the Comic Superman reference, which I was pretty sure it was not.

source -wikipedia

I then was lead to the term Ubermensch coined by Nietzsche in 1883.  Ubermensch is sometimes translated as superman or over man, which seems to have a larger more philosophical meaning than how Fitzgerald used the term in the Camels Back ( Ubermensch -wiki)

 source- wikipedia

I was then lead to the George Bernard Shaw 1903 stage play- Man and Superman.  And from what I can tell this is the reference Fitzgerald was using, where one of Shaw's characters persistently tries to get another to marry them.

source- Amazon

I wish I could tell you I sat down and read Man and Superman, by Shaw.  Initially, that was my plan.  Instead I ended up at Cliff's notes reading the summary and even that caused me to wander.  I am blaming it on the weather being far to nice to think too deeply. 

Anyways, if anyone knows what Fitzgerald meant by "superman her", I would appreciate the insight.


 Read Man and Superman Online

The Great Gatsby - 1974 movie

I have been asked on numerous occasions my thoughts on the 1974 version of The Great Gatsby, I have put off this post long enough, I feel it is time to tackle this topic.

I just completed watching this movie for the 4th time.  The first time I watched the movie was back in High School after we completed the novel.  The impression I carried with me for years was positive. And up until a few years ago I would have recommended it.

Shortly after rediscovering Fitzgerald, I talked a few friends into reading the novel and then we would follow with a screening of the '74 movie. I even went out and purchased my own copy.  Lets just say I threw away my copy shortly after viewing.  I did not even donate the movie, I actually tossed it in the trash, that was how upset I was with the movie.  Mia Farrow was so horrible, that she actually ruined my subsequent reading of Gatsby.  I remember being distracted by the special effects of stars swirling in the eyes of Daisy and off the champagne glasses. 

So how did I even get a 3rd viewing?  What made me decide to re-watch The Great Gatsby?  Basically, it was all the talk of Baz Luhrman wanting to tackle Fitzgerald's great work.  I knew I needed to get a fresh viewing so I could be accurate in my spewing of hatred of the film. I was shocked to find I was able to look beyond Mia (who I still hate) and embrace the great male cast and drink in the gorgeous cinematography and set design.

So, why then a 4th viewing?  Simply because I did not get a post out after the 3rd.  I wanted to make sure my thoughts are clear.

I still hate Mia Farrow and I think she is all wrong for Daisy.  Her voice, which is suppose to be distinctive and alluring, is more frail old lady and whining, not at all appealing.

I still think the male casting is great and the scenery is beyond beautiful.  As for the females, except for Myrtle, I think they got it wrong.  Both Daisy and Jordan were miscast, in my opinion.

I am glad I took the opportunity to review the film, I think my second viewing was doomed to fail because I had such high expectations.  Now I can see it for what it is.  A decent adaptation of the novel.

Now if I could find a way to erase Mia....

Fitzgerald and Hemingway, this weekends book of choice

I mentioned earlier that I was trying to read too many books at one time.  So I finally decided to pick one and just go with it. I decided to focus on Bruccoli's Fitzgerald and Hemingway A Dangerous Friendship.  Mainly, because I know very little on their friendship.

From the book...

"An examination of all the evidence in the Fitzgerald/Hemingway case is requires because the anecdotes about these two great writers have become commonplaces of literary history or literary gossip."

Looks like there is much to unravel regarding their friendship. Not only is there friendship interesting on the basis of it being between two literary greats, but it is interesting because it is between two people who view the world through different lens.

I am hoping that since it is the long Memorial Day weekend, I am able to get a good chunk of this book read.

Happy Birthday to me

Yes, I have a birthday coming up.  I am not big on celebrating my birthday.  It has nothing to do with getting older or having to reveal my age, I am comfortable with where I am in life.  I don't expect gifts or lavish parties, a simple dinner is plenty.  But I will admit to being very happy to find this little number hanging out in my mailbox yesterday.

Yay!  Happy Birthday to me!

Thanks Mom.


If you are unfamiliar with Out of Print Clothing, stop over to their site and check them out.

Fear Factor

My postings have been a tad sporadic.  A side effect of schedule changes, planning a extended summer vacation and trying to read too many books.  Currently I am trying to read, Some Sort of Epic Grandeur, Fool For Love,  The St. Paul Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald, and  Fitzgerald and Hemingway A Dangerous Friendship. I am not great at reading multiple books, even if they are all related.


I have been discussing, with various friends, the ease with which I can talk about thoughts and feelings.  Trust me when I tell you, I have no problem in the talking department, but I struggle with actually putting them in writing.   After they are put in ink, or in this case- type, it seem so permanent, so set in stone and unalterable.  I have always allowed my thoughts to flow and be free, be what they are at the time; good or bad, right or wrong.  They are always honest at the time, but I leave room for new information.  There is always more information to be gathered, and the new information may alter my previous opinions. 

So basically, there is a fear factor holding me back.  I am trying to push through that fear and go ahead with my vision for my humble blog.  And that is to record my thoughts and feelings while reading Fitzgerald, with no grand illusions on being an expert or knowing it all.  I started this project by stating,  I am just a girl who likes the writing of F. Scott Fitzgerald, and feel I can learn about life and maybe a bit about myself while reading his works and about his life.  And I hope to be a bit more honest and soul searching in my pursuit.

Good or bad, right or wrong, my thoughts are just what they are...my thoughts, open for discussion and alterations as new I learn new information.

Unrecapturable Emotions

In reading Some Sort of Epic Grandeur,  I came across this observation made by Bruccoli regarding Fitzgerald: "The evocation of unrecapturable emotions - one of the defining qualities of Fitzgerald's best work..."

source

I love that. "The evocation of unrecapturable emotions".

It is just that quality that draws me to Fitzgerald's writing.  His ability to so accurately capture those quiet private moments, it keeps me coming back again and again.

My summer reading list-so far

I have been busy collecting some books to read over the summer.  This is what I have so far.

 

Fool For Love: F. Scott Fitzgerald by Scott Donaldson- A Fitzgerald biography, not by Bruccoli.

Fitzgerald and Hemingway: A Dangerous Friendship by Matthew J Bruccoli- A much needed read about Fitz and Hemingway.  I am ashamed to say I am woefully deficient in my knowledge of their relationship.  I need to fix that.

The St. Paul Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald by Dave Page and Patricia Hampl-A Collection of Fitzgerald short stories set in St. Paul or highlighting his home town.  Since I am heading back to Minnesota for the summer I thought this collection was appropriate.


And

A guide to F. Scott Fitzgerald's St. Paul by John Koblas-A book showing the houses and neighborhoods Fitzgerald grew up in.  A must have for my Fitzgerald tour I will be undertaking this summer.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Graphic Novel

Not long ago I talked about my daughter's recent obsession with Benjamin Button, so I was excited when I came across this…

Yep, that is a graphic novel of the Curious Case of Benjamin Button in hard cover.

I decided to go ahead and pick up a copy for her birthday.  I figured she would either like looking at the pictures or not look at it at all. If the later was the case, I would just get a new addition to my Fitzgerald collection, and for $10 dollars I couldn’t loose.

The verdict is that my FSF collection will not be adopting the graphic novel anytime soon.  She loves it.

In general I believe Fitzgerald’s work is too advanced for a 7 year old, but as a  mother I feel it is my responsibility to nurture an interest (even if she only has that interest because of me).  I've asked her if she understands all of the words and she says no, but she skips them and keeps reading.  I have also played the Librivox version while she reads along.  So far so good.

If you haven’t seen this book, it is worth picking up.  I mean this is how Benjamin should look

not the Brad pitt version

 source

 Don’t you think?

 

Bruccoli, my guide to Fitzgerald

I admit my knowledge of Fitzgerald is limited.  I started my blog because I discovered a connection to and through his writing, and thought this would be a good way for me to keep track of my thoughts and see what I discover.  I have not written much on how personally his life and writing has effected me.  Mostly, this is due to my inability to clearly get it out in any sort of coherent manner.  Which may be why I admire Fitzgerald so much.  

I, as all Americans, read The Great Gatsby in High School.  I also read Gatsby in 1999, soon after my marriage.  I  was taken by the story and the author both times, but failed to get much further with his works.  That was until in the spring of 2008 I came in contact with a collection of Fitzgerald's short stories.  This time I was hooked.  

The book was edited by Matthew J.  Bruccoli, and his words and descriptions of Fitzgerald's short stories got me started on my journey.

Soon I found myself itching to read a full biography on Fitzgerald, and after doing a bit of research I settled on Some Sort of Epic Grandeur, also by Bruccoli

It had great ratings on Amazon and I was already familiar with his name, so I went ahead.  I have no regrets.  It is a great biography and I am currently rereading it. I may be relying to heavily on one persons view.

I just realized I have picked up a 3^rd book by Bruccoli on the life of Fitzgerald.  This time on the relationship between Fitzgerald and Hemingway, I am a bit hesitant on this last acquisition.

In general, I instinctively trust Bruccoli’s work and integrity.  There is no question, Bruccoli has devoted much to the life of F Scott Fitzgerald.  However, my analytical side is screaming to get more points of view.  I guess I am wondering how objective Bruccoli can be.  I feel he wants to believe the best of Fitzgerald, to smooth over the ugly, especially, when it comes to Fitzgerald and Hemingway’s relationship.  (Remember I haven't actually read the book yet.)

It is safe to say, my guide to the life of F Scott Fitzgerald has been at the hand of Matthew J. Bruccoli, for better or for worse.

I bring this up for 2 reasons.  

1-After thinking of my own objectivity, I wonder how objective Bruccoli is.  Is he able to see Scott as a flawed genius and willing to put the warts on display? Or is he someone who wants to but Fitzgerald in the best light and sweeps aside the negative? 

And 2- Where can I go to get a balance point of view on the life of Fitzgerald.  Help me make my reading list. What are your favorite Biographies on Fitzgerald?  

I could really use your help.

Objectivity

How objective can anyone who devotes a large portion of time and energy on a specific topic truly be?

Kind of like falling in love. Of course you realize the object of your affection is not perfect, but you are willing to smooth out the less ideal parts and highlight the great.  Objectivity of your love just flies out the window. It just happens.

I ask this, as I have obviously fallen in love with F. Scott Fitzgerald. 

I did not set out to fall in love with him and his writing, it just happened.  And now that I am in falling in love I want to know as much about the man as possible.  I want to understand what drove him and made him the individual that he was.

I am early in my love for Scott, and I have much to discover.  But I wounder if I am ever able to truly see the real Scott Fitzgerald, or will I always see the version I want to see? 

I consider myself empathetic.  I pride myself in the ability to see both sides to most arguments and easily understand why people act the way they do.  I may not agree with what they do, or the choices they make, but I understand why they made their choices.  And yet, I am sure I have some huge blind spots when it comes to the people I love, as I believe everyone does.

My sister likes to tease me. She likes to call Fitzgerald a douche bag.  Now to some extent I am sure he was, but I like to believe people are more than their greatest weakness.  But I wonder if I am able to ever get a true picture of who Fitzgerald really was?  Or am I doomed to see the man only through my admiration?

Can I ever be truly objective?

A Love Note

I opened up my book today, and this is what I found.

A secret love note, from my little girl.

Tales of the Jazz Age- Final Review

Tale of the Jazz Age was Fitzgerald's second collection of short stories published in 1922 after the success of the Beautiful and Damned.

Not all of the stories in this collection are home runs, but there are many that are must reads, like May Day, The Diamond as Big as the Ritz and the Curious Case of Benjamin Button.  If for no other reason those 3 stories are worth the price of the book. 

I also enjoyed The Jelly Bean, Porcelain and Pink, "O Russet Witch!", The Lees of Happiness, Mr. Icky and Jemina, The Mountain Girl and even The Camel's Back. No, they are not masterpieces, but definitely worth a read.  Really, the only one I really disliked was The Tarquin of Cheapside.

I was thinking the collection of stories was uneven, or somehow odd, but I am starting to think it was less to do with the stories and more to do with the length of time I took between each one. 

Tale of the Jazz Age is available on Amazon

May Day, Tales of the Jazz Age- repost

In honor of May Day, I am revisiting my post on May Day, from Tales of the Jazz Age.

There had been a war fought and won and the great city of the conquering people was crossed with triumphal arches and vivid with thrown flowers of white, red and rose.

Delmonico's in New York -library of congress prints

May Day a quick summary by me-
May Day is a dark novella from Fitzgerald, where he follows 3 groups of characters and how they spend an evening on May 1, 1919 in New York City.*

There is Gordon Sterret, down on his luck, hitting up his friends and trying to just get himself out of a situation.  He runs into an old flame, Edith Bradin, who discovers she still has feelings for her one time lover Gordon, but soon is repulsed by his down and out attitude.  Edith goes to visit her brother who, writes for a socialist paper and is rushed by a mob.  The third leg of the triangle is Carrol Key and Gus Rose, who are returning soldiers and members of this mob.

Much more happens, but I am going to let you read it for yourself. I will not be divulging the ending of this one.


My Thoughts on May Day-
Although Fitzgerald was noted saying he wasn't completely happy with the outcome of the story, and felt he was unsuccessful in tying the 3 groups together, it is a well written short story and one of his best (in my humble opinion), a must read for any one interested in F Scott Fitzgerald.

The passages of the down on his luck Gordon meeting and begging money from a successful former class mate are classic Fitzgerald.

Gordon rose and picking up one of the shirts, gave it a minute examination. It was of very heavy silk, yellow with a pale blue stripe-- and there were nearly a dozen of them.  He stared involuntarily at his own shirt cuff--they were ragged and linty at the edges and soiled to a faint gray.  Dropping the silk shirt, he held his coat-sleeves down and worked the frayed shirt-cuffs up until they were out of sight. 

However, it is the passages when Edith goes from love to repulsion of Gordon Sterret that are at the heart of my love of Fitzgerald.

...her face touched the black cloth of his dinner coat. She loved him--she knew she loved him--then for a minute there was silence while a strange feeling of uneasiness crept over her.  Something was wrong.

Of a sudden her heart wrenched, and turned over as she realized what it was.  He was pitiful and wretched, a little drunk, and miserably tired.

 "Oh----" she cried involuntarily.

In the end May Day is a tragedy, on all levels.

 Read May Day online

















* On May 1, 1919, the left mounted especially large demonstrations, and violence greeted the normally peaceful parades in Boston, New York, and Cleveland. In Boston, police tried to stop a march that lacked a permit. In the ensuing melee both sides fought for possession of the Socialists' red flags. One policeman was stabbed and died. Later a mob attacked the Socialist headquarters. Police arrested 114, all from the Socialist side. Each side's newspapers provided uncritical support to their own the next day.^[37] In New York, soldiers in uniform burned printed materials at the Russian People's House and forced immigrants to sing the Star-Spangled Banner.^{[38]
From Wikipedia}