Writer’s name:F. Scott Fitzgerald

About the writer:

was an American fiction writer, whose works illustrate the Jazz Age. While he achieved popular success, fame, and fortune in his lifetime, he didn’t receive much critical acclaim until after his death. Fitzgerald is now widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century.

Main characters:

1. John T. Unger

2. Braddock Tarleton Washington

3. Kismine Washington

4. Percy Washington

sittings:

Most of “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” takes place on the five-square-mile land of the Washington estate, somewhere in the middle of Montana. By all accounts, the Washington chateau appears to be a paradise. Fitzgerald’s lavish descriptions characterize the excess and opulence of the flawless chateau and its surroundings. It’s hard to read into the estate a reference to the Biblical Garden of Eden – especially in contrast with Hades, or Hell, from where John hails. We talk about this fully in our discussion of religious allegory in “Symbols, Imagery, Allegory,” so be sure to check that out.

Plot

Initial Situation

John is off to prep school.

This stage is comprised of the background info on John, his family, and the town of Hades, as well as the time John spends at St. Midas’ school. You’ve also got the anticipatory train ride to consider in this stage.

Conflict

Percy’s father has a diamond as big as the Ritz, and the diamond must be hidden – at all costs.

The diamond itself isn’t a conflict, but there is a seriously conflict-ridden aspect to all this wealth and extravagance. This conflict is evident in every element of the estate and the story of its history, from the slaves who are kept there by deception and exploitation, to the prisoners in the ground, to the fact that old Fitz-Norman murdered his brother to keep his secret safe.

Complication

Oh right – John is one of those people.

John doesn’t really get the fact that this conflict applies directly to his own life – not until Kismine as much as spells it out for him. But the reader should have an inclination of this complication much earlier in the text – at least by the time we see the prisoners in the ground.

Climax

An air strike, escape under cover of night, an attempt to bribe God, and a giant explosion

When an enormous bomb goes off, whether in the realm of English class or action movies, you’re probably looking at a climax. In this case, Fitzgerald doesn’t hold back. This climax has all the fire power of any good Bruce Willis flick. We can start to see what Times critic Donald Adams meant when he wrote that Fitzgerald “out-Hollywoods Hollywood” in this story.

Suspense

Kismine reveals the jewels she stole…

We should have a feeling that something is bound to go wrong here, mostly because Kismine has so far proven herself to be not the smartest person in the world. So we don’t rest easy until she pulls the jewels out of the pocket, at which point out suspicions are confirmed. They’re rhinestones instead of real jewels.

Denouement

The three survivors make plans to live and work in Hades.

Now that the excitement is over, John, Kismine, and Jasmine look forward to what appears to be a rather bleak future. There is no real “explanation” or “revelation” part to this denouement.

Conclusion

Was it just a dream?

You’ve got us here – the ending to “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” is just plain strange. From religious allegory to literary allusions, any number of things could be going on here. See “What’s Up with the Ending?” for a full discussion, but don’t expect a definitive answer.

My Opinion:

1. I recommend to read this story because I found it really exiting one

2. And it was one of the best sories I have ever read.

3. It’s not a long story in the other hand when you read it you don’t fell boring and this agood thing in this story.

I hope you will like it.

Chunks from story:

1. goverment department: الاداره الحكومية

2. american civil war: الحرب الاهليه الامريكيه

3. annoyance: الانزعاج

4. reassuring invitation: دعوه مطمئنه

5. watchfulness: الترقب

6. downstairs: الطابق السفلي

7. approach: النهج