Scott Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night is a novel that explores the effects of wealth and fame on a young couple, Dick Diver and Nicole. It follows the couple's journey as they both attempt to reconcile their pasts and find happiness in the present.
The novel is set on the French Riviera in the 1920s. It begins with the Diver family's move from the United States to France, where they aim to start a new life. Here, the Divers find a wealthy and fashionable clientele who patronize the numerous resorts and activities to be found in the area. Dick Swan Diver, an intern psychiatrist, as well as his wife Nicole quickly become popular for their grace and beauty.
The couple celebrates their newfound fame by throwing lavish parties and throwing themselves into the social life on the Riviera. Unbeknownst to them, however, their newfound status brings with it a whole host of problems, particularly the duality between their former and present lives. As Dick becomes increasingly wealthy, his hold on the reality of the past loosens. Nicole is likewise caught between her past of devastation, and a newfound life of excess and luxury.
In addition to their inability to reconcile the two sides of their lives, the Divers face further tribulations in the form of jealousy and infidelity. Dick soon falls for an eighteen year old society girl, Rosemary, who harbors a deep sense of insecurity and an overarching need for love. Nicole's own ex-lover, a former patient of hers, also attempts to rekindle the relationship they once shared.
The novel is not only a story of two people struggling to come to terms with their pasts and the powers of money, but also a commentary on the decadent lifestyle of the rich and famous in the 1920s. It explores ideas of power, status, and the effects of materialism on those who seek it. Through the use of complex characters and intricate plot twists, Fitzgerald effectively paints a vivid picture of what it means to be caught up in the vices of society---while also demonstrating the limitations of human endeavor.
Tender is the Night is an important addition to Fitzgerald's body of work, as it provides a unique glimpse into the world of the rich and privileged. The novel is an insightful look at the power of money, and the personal conflict that comes when luxury and consumption can no longer fill the void left by a lack of purpose and direction. While the story is ultimately a tragedy, it is exceedingly powerful and unforgettable. Through its characters and intricate plot, Fitzgerald offers a cautionary tale about the danger of succumbing to the temptations of wealth and living a life of excess.
