Dalyrimple Goes Wrong
The story revolves around Dalyrimple, a charming and ambitious young man who becomes disillusioned with his mundane life. He decides to fake his own death, assuming a new identity to escape the monotony and seek excitement. However, his plan backfires as he struggles to adapt to his new persona, leading to a downward spiral of deceit, moral decay, and ultimately, tragedy.
By F. Scott Fitzgerald · First published 1922 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Coming-of-Age · 8 chapters · 7,180 words
First lines
In the millennium an educational genius will write a book to be given to every young man on the date of his disillusion. This work will have the flavor of Montaigne's essays and Samuel Butler's note-books -- and a little of Tolstoi and Marcus Aurelius. It will be neither cheerful nor pleasant but will contain numerous passages of striking humor. Since first-class minds never believe anything very strongly until they've experienced it, its value will be purely relative. all people over thirty will refer to it as "depressing."
This prelude belongs to the story of a young man who lived, as you and I do, before the book.
What this Textopian page supports
Dalyrimple Goes Wrong is listed on Textopian as a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, dated 1922 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Coming-of-Age, Satire, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 7,180 words
- Structure: 8 chapters, 189 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dalyrimple Goes Wrong by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Dalyrimple Goes Wrong?
- How does this short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Camels Back by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- The Vegetable by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Polzunkov A Story by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- Characters The Misplaced Attachment Of Mr John Dounce by Charles Dickens
- For The Duration Of The War by Saki
- The Peace Offering by Saki
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of disillusionment, societal expectations, and personal identity, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Social Commentary — It critiques social structures and the challenges faced by individuals in a capitalist society, reflecting on class and opportunity.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist's journey from youth to adulthood and his struggles with responsibility and self-discovery align with coming-of-age narratives.
- Satire — The humorous yet critical portrayal of societal norms and expectations serves as a satire of early 20th-century American life.
Tags
comedy · tragedy · satire · drama · American literature · 20th century · social commentary · character study · absurdity · miscommunication · relationships · class struggle