F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “Tender Is the Night” chronicles the lives of a married couple, Dick and Nicole Diver, and the ultimate tragedy that befalls them. Through the course of the novel, the complex backgrounds and personalities of the Divers are revealed as they interact with their friends in the luxurious country of Europe. The structure of the book is essential to its impact, and Fitzgerald masterfully introduces the scene in the first part of the novel. Through this design, he emphasizes the inevitable disintegration of youth and beauty, yet the prevailing hope of surpassing its effects.
To begin with, Fitzgerald’s development of Dick and Nicole’s characters is a major factor that supports the theme. Dick is introduced as a charismatic,
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The book is begun through the eyes of a young girl called Rosemary, who, upon meeting the Divers, is utterly enchanted by them; she expresses, “the Divers represented externally the exact furthermost evolution of a class” (pg 32). They seem to be wealthy, stable, loving people, and she (in addition to the audience) places them on a pedestal of unfailing ability. This illusion of their ideal world, however, is unveiled once Rosemary discovers the presence of Nicole’s mental illness. In fact, the Divers are plagued by the disease, financial struggles, and crushed dreams; it is soon revealed that Dick had originally wanted to be the best psychologist in the world, but he abandoned his goal and succumbed to alcoholism. Nicole, moreover, is at first illustrated as a calm and stable woman, yet in actuality is extremely vulnerable and insecure. Fitzgerald appropriately changes the second half of the book from Rosemary’s POV to Dick’s POV, providing insight to the troubles of the Divers’ lives after Rosemary’s illusions have been pierced. This contrast, similar to the disparities of Fitzgerald’s characterization, further draws focus to the tragedy of losing one’s former innocence and