F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Rise and Vulnerability

A Moveable Feast

This flow traces F. Scott Fitzgerald from a charming first encounter through alcohol-related crises and the weakening of his working life.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Dingo Introduction The Dingo Introduction from "A Moveable Feast". The Dingo Introduction A Young Celebrity F. Scott Fitzgerald enters the Dingo Bar and praises Ernest Hemingway’s writing.

The Dingo Introduction from "A Moveable Feast". The Dingo Introduction A Young Celebrity F. Scott Fitzgerald enters the Dingo Bar and praises Ernest Hemingway’s writing.

The Dingo Introduction A Young Celebrity F. Scott Fitzgerald enters the Dingo Bar and praises Ernest Hemingway’s writing. Hemingway watches his manner closely, more interested in the man than in the speech about his talent. A Strange Interruption During the encounter Fitzgerald’s face appears to drain of color, alarming Hemingway. The episode introduces a vulnerability that Fitzgerald later denies and Hemingway cannot easily explain.

The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby from "A Moveable Feast". The Great Gatsby A Book Offered F. Scott Fitzgerald tells Ernest Hemingway about his novel and eventually lends him a copy.

The Great Gatsby from "A Moveable Feast". The Great Gatsby A Book Offered F. Scott Fitzgerald tells Ernest Hemingway about his novel and eventually lends him a copy.

The Great Gatsby A Book Offered F. Scott Fitzgerald tells Ernest Hemingway about his novel and eventually lends him a copy. Hemingway initially knows little of the seriousness of Fitzgerald’s best work. Recognition Changes the Friendship Reading the novel convinces Hemingway that Fitzgerald has achieved something remarkable. Admiration replaces the dismissive assumptions he had brought to their earlier conversations.

The Lyon Journey The Lyon Journey from "A Moveable Feast". The Lyon Journey A Missed Train F. Scott Fitzgerald fails to meet Ernest Hemingway at the station, leaving Hemingway to travel alone to Lyon.

The Lyon Journey from "A Moveable Feast". The Lyon Journey A Missed Train F. Scott Fitzgerald fails to meet Ernest Hemingway at the station, leaving Hemingway to travel alone to Lyon.

The Lyon Journey A Missed Train F. Scott Fitzgerald fails to meet Ernest Hemingway at the station, leaving Hemingway to travel alone to Lyon. Their plan begins with confusion and unnecessary expense. A Difficult Road The pair drive north in rain with a damaged, topless Renault. Fitzgerald’s fears about illness and his changing response to alcohol turn a country trip into a strained test of patience.

The Roadside Illness The Roadside Illness from "A Moveable Feast". The Roadside Illness Fear of Pneumonia Fitzgerald becomes convinced that he is dying of congestion of the lungs despite having no fever.

The Roadside Illness from "A Moveable Feast". The Roadside Illness Fear of Pneumonia Fitzgerald becomes convinced that he is dying of congestion of the lungs despite having no fever.

The Roadside Illness Fear of Pneumonia Fitzgerald becomes convinced that he is dying of congestion of the lungs despite having no fever. Hemingway checks his pulse, tries to reassure him, and humorously manipulates a thermometer. Care and Exhaustion The comedy does not conceal Hemingway’s fatigue or concern. Fitzgerald’s fear and alcohol response reveal how vulnerable he has become to small physical and emotional shocks.

The Lost Working Rhythm The Lost Working Rhythm from "A Moveable Feast". The Lost Working Rhythm Repeated Interruption F. Scott Fitzgerald tries to work, but parties, quarrels, and drinking repeatedly break his concentration.

The Lost Working Rhythm from "A Moveable Feast". The Lost Working Rhythm Repeated Interruption F. Scott Fitzgerald tries to work, but parties, quarrels, and drinking repeatedly break his concentration.

The Lost Working Rhythm Repeated Interruption F. Scott Fitzgerald tries to work, but parties, quarrels, and drinking repeatedly break his concentration. Hemingway watches the pattern return whenever Fitzgerald begins to regain momentum. A Talent Under Pressure Fitzgerald still produces good work, including “The Rich Boy,” but his intervals of sustained effort grow scarce. Hemingway sees a gifted writer struggling to protect the conditions his work requires.

at Hemingway’s first meeting with Fitzgerald

after Hemingway and Fitzgerald meet again at the Closerie des Lilas

late spring during the journey to retrieve Fitzgerald’s car

during the overnight stop north of Lyon

after the Fitzgeralds settle into the Paris social season