What happens to Fitzgerald’s wife Zelda?

What Happens to Fitzgerald’s Wife Zelda?

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife, Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, was a central figure in his life and a significant influence on his work. Born on July 24, 1900, Zelda was a beautiful and intelligent woman who was known for her vivacious personality, her love of dance and music, and her writing talents. Unfortunately, her life was marked by tragedy, particularly in her later years.

Tragedy Strikes

In March 1948, Zelda was a patient at Highland Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, where she was being treated for her struggles with mental illness. On the evening of March 10, a fire broke out in the central building of the hospital, which was known as the "Central Building" or "The Castle." The fire spread quickly, fueled by the wooden interior of the building, and nine patients, including Zelda, lost their lives.

Identifying the Victims

Zelda’s body was identified by her dental records and a pair of slippers that she was wearing at the time of the fire. The other victims were also identified by their dental records, which made it possible to determine the identities of all nine patients who lost their lives.

The Cause of the Fire

An investigation into the cause of the fire revealed that it was likely caused by a combination of factors, including the hospital’s outdated electrical wiring and the use of candles in patient rooms. The hospital’s administrators were criticized for their lack of preparedness and response to the fire, which had disastrous consequences.

The Impact on F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald was devastated by the loss of his wife and his writing career was marked by a decline in productivity and quality. He had already been struggling with his own personal demons and the loss of Zelda was a crushing blow. He died in 1940 at the age of 44, and was buried alongside Zelda at Rockville, Maryland.

Early Life and Marriage

Zelda was born in Montgomery, Alabama, to a wealthy family. She met Scott Fitzgerald at a dance in 1918, and they began a tumultuous relationship that would last for the rest of their lives. They married in 1920 and had one daughter, Frances Scott Fitzgerald, who was born in 1921. Zelda was known for her beauty, her love of dance and music, and her writing talents, which included novels and short stories.

Writing Career

Zelda’s writing career was marked by struggle and criticism. Her novel, Save Me the Waltz, was published in 1932 and received mixed reviews. She was known for her experimental writing style, which included the use of stream-of-consciousness narration and unconventional narrative structures. Her writing was often compared to that of her husband, F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was a more established writer at the time.

Later Life and Mental Illness

After the publication of Save Me the Waltz, Zelda’s writing career began to decline, and she suffered from a series of mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and depression. She was hospitalized several times and underwent various forms of treatment, including electroconvulsive therapy. Her mental health issues became a major source of stress and worry for F. Scott Fitzgerald, who struggled to cope with her illness.

Legacy

Zelda’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. She was a talented writer who was ahead of her time, and her struggles with mental illness were a reflection of the societal attitudes towards mental health during her lifetime. Her marriage to F. Scott Fitzgerald was marked by drama and turmoil, and their relationship was a significant influence on his writing. Despite her tragic fate, Zelda remains an important figure in the literary world, and her life and work continue to fascinate and inspire readers today.

Timeline

• July 24, 1900: Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald is born in Montgomery, Alabama.
• 1918: Zelda meets F. Scott Fitzgerald at a dance.
• 1920: Zelda and Scott marry.
• 1921: Frances Scott Fitzgerald, their daughter, is born.
• 1922: Zelda’s first short story is published.
• 1932: Zelda’s novel, Save Me the Waltz, is published.
• 1940: F. Scott Fitzgerald dies.
• March 10, 1948: A fire breaks out at Highland Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, killing nine patients, including Zelda.

In Conclusion

Zelda’s tragic fate is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of mental health support. Her life and work continue to inspire and fascinate readers today, and her legacy is a testament to the power of writing to transcend time and mortality.