"Heaven on Earth" is a novel written by American writer Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, and it is also his debut novel.
Its publication established Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald's status as the leader and poet laureate of the "Jazz Age". In "Heaven on Earth", Fitzgerald describes Amory's "fantasy-pursuit-disillusionment" process in detail, "illustrating the fanatical pursuit of the 'American Dream' by young people and their doomed disillusionment." This theme is vividly expressed."
Title of the work
Paradise on Earth
Foreign name
This Side of Paradise
Author
Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald
Literary genre
Novel
First publication date
1920
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Content introduction Work catalog Creation background Character introduction Work appreciation Work influence Work evaluation Author introduction TA said
Content introduction
Amory was born in an American aristocratic family , has a delicate appearance and a smart mind. Like the young author, he is sentimental and full of youthful fantasies, wanting to "climb to the top of society", become a "big shot" and marry "the most beautiful girl". Under the influence of his family, he looks at life with the arrogant eyes of the aristocratic class. He is dismissive of reality and is out of tune with society. While studying at Princeton University, the surrounding environment intensified his doubts and rebellion against middle-class values. But instead of bringing him happiness, this series of blind rebellious actions led to a series of unfortunate events. Failure in the exam made him lose his belief in pursuing knowledge, and his ups and downs of romantic love made him lose confidence in love. Just when he was confused all day long and on the verge of degradation, the First World War broke out. He left the campus and went to the military camp for training. During the war, his mother died and his classmates died tragically alone. After the war, he returned to New York to do business, but his investment failed and he eventually went bankrupt. At this time, the beloved girl Rosalin was married, and Father Darcy, the spiritual mentor whom he had revered for many years, also died of illness. After experiencing repeated blows, Amory's thoughts underwent profound changes, "developing from the pursuit of pleasure to nihilism and decadence." He was so disgusted with life that he drank all day long to drown his sorrows in order to find inner peace. At the end of the novel, Amory came to Princeton alone and stood at the gate of the school. Looking at the plants and trees here, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed and full of thoughts. At this time, he deeply felt that he had lost and lacked too many things. It's hard to make up for it. The only thing that can comfort him is that through all the twists and turns on the road of life, he has gained a little self-awareness about the value standards of life.
[1]
Table of Contents
Title of Volume
Title of Chapter
Chapter Name
Volume 1 Love The Utopian Arrogant
Chapter 1
Beatrice’s Son Amory
Chapter 2
Source Code Top Buildings and Monster Gargoyles
Chapter 3
The Arrogant Begins to Think
Expand All
Creative Background
The theme of "Heaven on Earth" is undoubtedly related to the "American Dream and its Disillusionment". As the American ideal, American myth and American spirit, the "American Dream" has a long history and rich connotation, accompanying the development of the entire American national literature. People began to pursue the "American Dream" as early as Columbus discovered the American continent. The early United States was full of romance and attracted thousands of Puritans and immigrants from Europe. It was a holy land that Europeans yearned for. For the ideal dream of freedom and the secular dream of prosperity, they traveled across the ocean and came to the desolate and inhabited American continent. Among these immigrants were British Puritans who were persecuted by the church at home. In order to escape the exploitation of the British church, they traveled thousands of miles to the American continent, looking for opportunities to survive, and dreaming of building a new Jerusalem on this barren wasteland. —God’s Kingdom on earth. For them, they can enjoy full personal freedom in this uncultivated land. “The Puritans, represented by Winthrop, considered themselves God’s ‘special people’ and felt they had an unshirkable responsibility and obligation to fight against all unholy things in the world.” Their dream is to build a "city on a hill", that is, a model nation, a nation that the world can admire and imitate. To this end, they work hard and exercise strict self-discipline. The Puritans were the first to incorporate the traditions of liberal democracy and individualism into the "American Dream", and to this day, this tradition is still respected by most Americans. At the same time, through their endless struggle generation after generation, they transformed the wilderness of America into the prosperous capital of the world, created the American myth, and effectively promoted the development of social material civilization. [3]
However, after entering the 1920s, the American economy was basically in a period of high development and prosperity, but great economic development did not mean that the people lived and worked in peace and contentment and the society developed stably. The huge changes in material life have brought about a series of spiritual confusions that are difficult to resolve. Economic power has not brought prosperity and prosperity to the people, but has destroyed the political, moral and value dams of society. The "American Dream" that once served as a sincere belief that inspired the American people to strive for life has suffered an unprecedented impact in the face of this social reality. Grand ideals such as "democracy, freedom, and equality" gradually lose their holy brilliance, and the entrepreneurial spirit of enterprising is slowly replaced by unscrupulous plunder. Americans' belief that everyone can get rich is beginning to collapse, and the "American Dream" is facing the crisis of complete disillusionment. [3]
The theme of disillusionment inevitably appears in literary works: Hemingway used his popular anti-war novels to fully express the pessimism and despair of American youth; Eliot used his famous The poem "The Waste Land" describes the post-war civilization that turned into a spiritual wasteland; Fitzgerald used his short life experience and careful observation of society to provide people with examples of the disillusionment of the "American Dream". Fitzgerald focuses on personal experience, which itself is a microcosm of the American national experience. In this sense, Fitzgerald's works, although clearly "autobiographical" in their overall framework, transcend the personal and become dramatic symbols of human and cultural reality. "Heaven on Earth" is one of the more typical examples. [3]
Character introduction
Emory Bryan
Emory Bryan is a person full of fantasy, eager to one day pass He rose to prominence through his own struggles. He was indecisive and sentimental. Almost all the characteristics of the young generation in postwar America were reflected in him.
However, when his family's finances went bankrupt and all the "beautiful girls" around him parted ways with him, he became disappointed and developed strong resentment and hatred for the upper class and the current social system. He began to realize that in this world, "the richest people can marry the most beautiful girls if they wish, while artists with no income can only sell their talents to button-making merchants." This strong contrast and his radical ideology made him long for a social revolution so that he could rise to the top of society. Amory's pursuit of "heaven on earth" is dreamlike. After the dream is broken, what is left is only greater melancholy and sadness. In this sense, "Heaven on Earth" is a vivid record that reflects how the young generation overcomes illusions and gradually matures. [4]
Appreciation of works
Themes of works
"Heaven on Earth" consists of the first part "Romantic Egoist", "Interlude May 1917" -February 1919" and the second part "The Growth of an Important Figure". It faithfully depicts the social scene of economic prosperity in the United States after the end of the First World War and vividly records the life of young Emory Bryan. The process of growing up, falling in love, being disillusioned and understanding oneself profoundly reveals the bohemian life and restless mentality of the young American generation after World War I. This novel can be regarded as an autobiographical novel that records Fitzgerald's own life experience, and it can also be regarded as a novel that faithfully reflects the disillusionment of ideals and spiritual confusion of the American young generation after World War I. Social documentary. Amory's "growing up - falling in love - disillusionment" process is not a simple youth growth story, but also a social chronicle that provides insight into the fantasy and pursuit of life by American youth after World War I. The experience of growing up in Amory reflects the young generation’s wild and unremitting pursuit of the “American Dream”. This pursuit is embodied in the pursuit of self and the pursuit of love. [5]
“The romantic characters in Fitzgerald’s works have a distinctive feature, that is, they are diligent in self-reflection.” Amory in “Heaven on Earth” is an out-and-out Although he is a romantic, he was able to constantly reflect on himself while experiencing various setbacks, and finally got rid of the phantom of the aristocratic and romantic egotist step by step and came to know himself. [5]
Amory’s family background is explained at the beginning of the novel. Amory's mother, Beatrice, was the daughter of a wealthy American, while his father, Stephen Bryan, became rich by inheriting the legacy of his two older brothers who were successful brokers in Chicago. This newly formed family is a typical middle-class family, however, Beatrice still maintains the aristocratic style in this new home. When Emery set out for St. Regis High School, he was said to have been prepared with "six sets of summer underwear, six sets of winter underwear, a sweater or T-shirt, a sweatshirt, a coat, and a winter coat. etc". It was this kind of extravagance, coupled with poor investment and financial management, that later led to the sharp decline in their family's financial situation. [5]
Beatrice received an aristocratic elite education when she was young. Although this education was at the "end of the elite era", she still wanted to instill this education in her On his son Amory. Therefore, unlike other rich little boys, Amory received a very special education from his mother, such as having breakfast in bed, reading in the bathtub, etc., but his mother was complacent about his "squeamishness" . Under the influence of his mother, Amory became more and more like his mother by the age of 13. Carefully nurtured by his mother, he developed a sense of superiority over others. Although this sense of superiority took a heavy blow during his two years in Minneapolis, Amory developed his first philosophy, the rule by which he lived, an aristocratic egotism:[5]
"Amory calls himself a lucky young man who is extremely malleable and can change for both good and bad. He does not consider himself a "strong character" person, but he relies on It was his talent (quite quick at picking up on things) and his superior intelligence (well-read).
He prided himself on being able to climb all the heights except becoming a technical or scientific genius. "[5]
However, after entering St. Regis Middle School, although Amory regarded himself as a person with talent and excellent intelligence, people around him thought he was arrogant and generally disliked him. . It wasn’t until he caught the limelight in the football game of the second grade and fully enjoyed his brave and tenacious heroism that Amory regained his previous complacency, had his first reflection, and began to wisely impose on his mother. The influence is hidden. Amory seems to be a different person from his original self, but his essence has not changed [5]
Amory believes that although the students at Princeton University are lazy, they are not. He was handsome and aristocratic, so he always felt attached to Princeton University. After entering Princeton University, Amory secretly determined to make a difference. After some hard work, he joined the editorial board of "The Princetonian". He participated in the Triangle Club's musical tour, joined the "Country House" club, and was also elected to the organizing committee of the sophomore prom. At this time, he not only made a lot of outstanding new friends, but also met Isa. Bella fell in love. However, the lazy nature of aristocratic egoism caused him to encounter a series of setbacks with Isa after reaching the height of vanity and the pinnacle of youthful egotism. To him, Bella's love failure was just the end of a romance at the right time. He was forced to leave the editorial board of The Princetonian because he failed the make-up exam, and lost the opportunity to join the leadership team of the senior student union, which was a blow to Amory. More deadly. Amory fell into depression for a time until the devil's "pale and twisted face with some heavy evil" woke Amory up in his last two years of college. He also felt his own growth and maturity from his classmate and friend Burne Holliday. "He became more cynical, sarcastic about everything that crossed his path, and believed that people cannot be perfect." This second reflection. , in fact, it was also a question of the previous aristocratic egotism. Then the continuation of the war made the beautiful boy Amory finally come out of his phantom, leave the campus and go to an overseas training camp [5]
In the second. In the novel, Amory experienced the collapse of his love with Rosalind, the experiment of regaining his strength, self-mockery and proud sacrifice, and finally a new self was born from Father Darcy's funeral: "He found his present and past. and what he will always want in the future - not to get the appreciation he was originally afraid of getting, not to get the love he once led himself to believe he had, but to become someone who is needed and indispensable to people." This chapter After three reflections, Amory felt a strong desire to give people a sense of security, so he turned to socialist faith. Just like the pilgrim in the fable, Amory was in a state of intertwined emotions of disillusionment and rebirth. Set off for Princeton University. The towers, spiers and bells of Princeton University made him realize like a new life that "the spirit of the past is incubating a new generation, elite youth from a chaotic and unpurified world." They still draw romantically from the mistakes and half-forgotten dreams of dead statesmen and poets. Here is a new generation, chanting old slogans, learning old creeds, and indulging in long, day-and-night dreams. In the end, he must come out and walk into that dirty, gray whirlpool to pursue love and pride. At this point, Amory has experienced the fourth and most important reflection, and finally walked out of the "romantic egotist" "The phantom opened its arms towards the crystal clear and radiant sky, shouting out the Socratic wisdom of "I know myself". [5]
Therefore, it can be said that "The Human World" "Paradise" is a masterpiece recognized by the world and a true portrayal of the "Lost Generation". In the novel, Fitzgerald vividly shows readers the serious moral confusion and serious moral confusion in the early stages of the formation of the "Lost Generation" in the United States. Spiritual crisis.
Fitzgerald is very good at using contrast to highlight characters. There are two main aspects of Fitzgerald's contrast. One is the contrast between different characters. Fitzgerald often makes a head-on comparison between two characters with completely different personalities to highlight the central idea expressed. As described in the "Heaven on Earth" excerpt: "For many years, he has been wandering behind the scenes of his family's life, purely as a person who lacks self-confidence. But Beatrice Bryan is different! She is a "Amazing woman!" These two characters form a sharp contrast, one is cowardly and the other is brave. Cowardice is used to contrast and highlight Beatrice Bryan's brave character. This contrasting technique is used many times in the novel "Paradise on Earth", which makes the readers' thinking clear and easy to understand the characteristics of the characters, and the characters are vivid and lifelike. [6]
The second is the comparison of the characters’ own personalities, experiences, emotions, etc. Fitzgerald used contrast skillfully and skillfully, both horizontally and vertically. In "Heaven on Earth", horizontal and vertical contrasts are used alternately. Not only that, Fitzgerald divided contrast into bright contrast and dark contrast. Among them, the dark contrast method can best highlight the characters and vividly depict the characters and details. As described in "Paradise on Earth", "Beatrice received an education that will never be possible again in the future." This comparison between Beatrice's present and future not only emphasizes the importance of Beatrice's current educational opportunities, but also shows that Fitzgerald's choice of words is exquisite and accurate.
The most distinctive writing calligraphy of "Heaven on Earth" is the addition of character monologues. When depicting characters in "Heaven on Earth", the characters' monologues are often quoted as the finishing touch to highlight the characters' characteristics, further upgrade the characters' images, and give the characters themselves a living soul and thoughts. In monologues, the character's habitual thinking is usually described as a breakthrough point. This monologue is the symbol of the character. Such as the excerpt from "Heaven on Earth": "For many years, he has been wandering behind the scenes of his family's life. He is simply the image of a person who lacks self-confidence. His stiff and thin hair covers half of his face, and he always thinks about it. He wants to 'take good care of' his wife, but he is always troubled by the fact that he does not understand and cannot understand his wife. "The monologue words "take good care of" and "do not understand" in the article have become the labels of this character, not only. This character is positioned and given specific thoughts and ways of thinking, making the character vivid and thought-provoking. [6]
Influence of the work
"Heaven on Earth" is Fitzgerald's first novel. The novel is an autobiographical novel that records Fitzgerald's own life experience. The plot of the novel is very simple, but the ideological content is quite profound and the structure is very rigorous. It was first published in 1920 and was immediately praised by readers and critics. It received unanimous praise and eventually became an epoch-making work. [4]
In his preface to "The Selected Works of Fitzgerald", American writer John O'Hara recalled with emotion the impact "Heaven on Earth" had among readers. Sensational effect, "Twenty-five years ago, many young people read "Heaven on Earth" as an admission guide to college. Among male and female readers aged 25 to 30, about 500,000 people couldn't put it down." [4]
Evaluation of the work
American literary critic H.L. Mencken wrote an article and commented: ""Heaven on Earth" is indeed an amazing and groundbreaking work. The novel is quite original in its structural processing, extremely exquisite in artistic expression, and often full of brilliant touches. This is rare in American literature, just as honesty is rarely seen among those who manage national affairs in the United States. ...This is the best American novel I have read recently."[4]
Literary critic Burton Rascu once wrote in the "Chicago Forum": "I I believe that "Heaven on Earth" is enough to make him occupy a place among the few American novelists who are still engaged in literary creation. In my opinion, this novel is a work of genius and is the best novel ever written. The only work that has made an in-depth study of the young generation in the United States.
"[4]
British writer Thomas Hardy: "Heaven on Earth" is a very impressive novel. [4]
American writer and literary critic Malcolm Cowley: "The novel "Heaven on Earth" is enough to prove that Fitzgerald has begun to emerge and develop his literary talent. The main characteristics of this work are: clear and fluent narrative style, vivid and vivid characters, a strong sense of comedy, and natural and lifelike dialogues between the characters. The most striking feature of this novel is that it solemnly declares to the world that the standards for measuring everything have changed dramatically... Fitzgerald spoke out to his contemporaries with full passion, sincerity and frankness. The common voices of their hearts aroused a strong roar among them, while his seniors were listening to his voice. "[4]
American literary critic Edmund Wilson once commented on "Heaven on Earth" in a review: ""Heaven on Earth" looks like an illusion, without any dominant idea to give it coherence and strength. "[4]
About the author
Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald was an American novelist in the 20th century. Born in Minnesota on September 24, 1896 St. Paul. His father was a furniture dealer. When he was young, he tried to write plays. After finishing high school, he formed his own theater group and wrote for the school's literary magazine. He dropped out of school due to poor health. He joined the army in 1917 and was busy with military training. He never went abroad to fight. In 1920, he published the novel "Paradise on Earth" and became famous. After the novel was published, he married and lived with his wife. In Paris, he met many American writers such as Anderson and Hemingway. The publication of "The Great Gatsby" in 1925 established his position in the history of modern American literature and became the spokesperson and "Jazz Age" of the 1920s. One of the representative writers of "The Lost Generation".[7]