Magnetism by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The novel explores the lives of a group of wealthy Americans living on the East Coast during the Jazz Age. It delves into themes of class, identity, and the corrupting influence of wealth. The story revolves around the complex relationships between characters, including those with romantic interests, friendships, and rivalries. The narrative is characterized by its use of symbolism, particularly in relation to magnetism, which serves as a metaphor for the powerful forces that shape human behavior. Through the characters' experiences, the novel critiques the excesses and superficiality of the wealthy elite, while also exploring the tensions between old money and new wealth.
By F. Scott Fitzgerald · First published 1925 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance · 4 chapters · 10,210 words
First lines
The pleasant, ostentatious boulevard was lined at prosperous intervals with New England Colonial houses -- without ship models in the hall. When the inhabitants moved out here the ship models had at last been given to the children. The next street was a complete exhibit of the Spanish-bungalow phase of West Coast architecture; while two streets over, the cylindrical windows and round towers of 1897 -- melancholy antiques which sheltered swamis, yogis, fortune tellers, dressmakers, dancing teachers, art academies and chiropractors -- looked down now upon brisk buses and trolley cars. A little walk around the block could, if you were feeling old that day, be a discouraging affair.
What this Textopian page supports
Magnetism is listed on Textopian as a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, dated 1925 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Date: 1925 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 10,210 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 295 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Magnetism 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 Magnetism?
- How does this novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex characters and themes, focusing on personal relationships, emotional struggles, and societal expectations.
- Drama — The narrative is rich in conflict and emotional tension, depicting interpersonal relationships and moral dilemmas.
- Romance — Romantic entanglements and emotional connections between characters are central to the plot.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and the entertainment industry, reflecting on fame, ambition, and personal identity.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · American Literature · 20th Century · Classic · Romance · Tragedy · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Love Story · Marriage · Infidelity