Analysis of The Crack-Up (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

In The Crack - Up, F. Scott Fitzgerald gives insights on his personal journey through a mental crisis or “crack - up”. During his breakdown, Fitzgerald analyzes his mentality and character, and feels empty, regarding countless aspects of his life. This essay, written in 1936, also discusses society, and its influence, including during the great depression. To escape this dreary time, many found refuge in movies, drifting from novels. Fitzgerald’s earlier work, including his novels, This Side of Paradise and The Great Gatsby were left behind. During the essay, he gives details of his insanity, and informs those who may be subject to breakdowns of what may occur. By providing personal examples, he explains, to those close to him and to those who enjoy his work, his actions and what ensued during this troubled time. Fitzgerald’s use of analogy and dramatic undertones provide an accurate understanding of his emotions. He compares himself to a cracked plate, explaining, “...the cracked plate has to be retained in the pantry... It can never again be warmed on the stove nor shuffled with the other plates in the dishpan..” (144). In this example, he claims that the cracked plate has to be isolated, affecting its character. Similar to the plate, he also is damaged, changing his nature. This powerful analogy illustrates Fitzgerald’s newfound isolation, and how he is changed, like the plate. He also gives the piece a dramatic undertone. While asking advice from a doctor, he describes, “I might have asked some of it from her, neatly wrapped and ready for home cooking and digestion, but I could never have got it - not if I’d waited around for a thousand hours with the tin cup of self - pity” (143). In this example, he emphasizes his emotions and by using these strategies, achieved his purpose. After further researching Fitzgerald, I noticed how his feelings described in the essay were directly applicable to his actions and I felt sympathetic towards his struggle. In The Crack - Up, F. Scott Fitzgerald exposes his vulnerable and wavering character yet manages to find solace by pulling into himself and his writing.

Caution: Fragile! 
Fitzgerald compares his wavering mentality with a broken plate: delicate and weak. Source: Finedininglovers.com