The Diamond as Big as the Ritz

The Diamond as Big as the Ritz is a novella by F. Scott Fitzgerald, first published in 1922 in the magazine Smart Set and later included in his collection Tales of the Jazz Age. Set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age, the story explores themes of wealth, power, and corruption through a blend of satire and fantasy.

The narrative follows John T. Unger, a young man from the small midwestern town of Hades, who is sent to the exclusive St. Midas School in Massachusetts. There, he befriends Percy Washington, a fellow student who boasts that his father is the richest man in the world. Intrigued by Percy's claims, John accepts an invitation to spend the summer at the Washington family's estate in the Montana Rockies.

Upon arriving, John discovers the Washingtons' incredible secret: they own a diamond as big as the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The family's wealth is derived from this massive diamond, which they keep hidden to avoid detection by the US government. The Washingtons maintain their opulent lifestyle through elaborate trickery and the exploitation of individuals who are unaware of the true nature of their captivity.

John falls in love with Kismine, Percy’s sixteen-year-old sister, and begins to uncover the family's dark practices. The story delves into the corrupting influence of wealth and the dangers of unchecked ambition, using vivid imagery and symbolic elements to highlight the themes of excess and the destructive nature of wealth.

The Diamond as Big as the Ritz remains one of Fitzgerald’s most celebrated works, offering a poignant commentary on the American Dream and the social and moral decay it can bring. The novella is a masterful blend of satire and fantasy, showcasing Fitzgerald’s ability to critique societal norms through imaginative storytelling.

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