49 pages • 1-hour read
F. Scott FitzgeraldA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
58
Novella • Fiction
•
Fantasy•
Classic FictionMontana • 1920s
•
Social Class•
Economics1922
Adult
14+ years
"The Diamond as Big as the Ritz" by F. Scott Fitzgerald follows John T. Unger, a teenager from Mississippi, who befriends the wealthy and secretive Percy Washington at a private school. Percy invites John to his opulent family estate in the Montana Rockies, boasting of a diamond larger than the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Once there, John uncovers the family’s dark secrets, including extreme measures to protect their treasure, and faces moral dilemmas amidst opulence and romance.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Suspenseful
Dark
Bittersweet
4,021 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Diamond as Big as the Ritz captivates with its imaginative prose and critique of wealth and opulence, drawing praise for its originality and wit. However, some find its characters underdeveloped and the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's a compelling read for fans of Fitzgerald's commentary on the American Dream.
A reader who enjoys The Diamond as Big as the Ritz by F. Scott Fitzgerald likely appreciates intricate satire and explorations of wealth and moral ambiguity. Fans of The Great Gatsby and Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited may find this novella compelling due to its critique of high society and ostentatious lifestyles.
4,021 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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The authoritative patriarch of the Washington family, who maintains control over the luxurious and mysterious estate. His commanding presence and strict rule shape the family's interactions with the outside world.
Braddock Washington's son, who becomes John's initial guide into his family's extravagant lifestyle. Percy's acceptance of his family's ways contrasts sharply with John's reactions.
Percy's sister and John's love interest, whose charm masks a complex upbringing within the isolated estate. Her interactions with John introduce elements of romance and tension to the story.
Another sister of Percy and Kismine, who displays emotional detachment and a strong focus on status and social traditions. Her character further explores the family's detachment from real-world concerns.
The reserved and distant mother of the Washington children, who largely focuses on her son Percy's well-being. Her aloof demeanor reflects the family's disconnect and emotional insulation.
John's parents, who live with provincial aspirations and firmly believe in the importance of wealth and status. Their influence is evident in John's initial outlook on life.
They serve the Washington family under strict control and are symbolically representative of dehumanization within the estate. Their presence is marked by silence and servitude.
These characters help catalyze events that challenge the secrecy of the Washington estate. They represent external forces that threaten the family's hidden world.
58
Novella • Fiction
•
Fantasy•
Classic FictionMontana • 1920s
•
Social Class•
Economics1922
Adult
14+ years
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