A theme that can be drawn out of The Diamond as Big as the Ritz is how materialism causes corruption, and this will ultimately lead to the death of society. This story demonstrates all the characteristics of a fairy tale gone wrong. It entails the whole "once upon a time" scenario; indulging in the magic palace and the land that is physically separated from our world. However, behind this story that is impossible in reality, there is no sense of security that this fairy tale is a one in a lifetime thing. There are many things that make up a fairy tale: the idea that it can't be replicated, the wonder, and the unrealistic ending. Fitzgerald's story has the wonder and the magic that everyone is attracted to; it may not be as obvious as pink elephants but Kismine's physical perfection is just as improbable. This is not a story of the past; it is the realization that corruption is a problem today and it will be a dilemma tomorrow. Fitzgerald's use of rhetoric greatly displays the inescapable outcome of the Washington's greed. The author's inclusion of colors in his style of writing also serves to emphasis how addicting materialism can be to people like John. Fitzgerald is serving as the Moses for future generation in predicting the fates of the corrupted. Leaping from fantasy to reality, bad people don't actually get punished for their deeds; instead society as a whole gets penalized.
Resources:
The Diamond as Big as the Ritz by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Hey Anna! I really like what you said about corruption being relevant today and tomorrow and how society as a whole gets punished. It's really too bad, since there are some innocent people who have to suffer the consequences as well. Good job in incorporating the word list!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I liked how you were able to convey the theme while still using the puzzle pieces. PS: Idk if i've said this already but I REALLY like the color scheme you have on your blog!
ReplyDelete