The Crack-Up

"The Crack-Up," by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a collection of essays reflecting on personal and societal decline during the 1930s. It explores themes of disillusionment, loss of confidence, and emotional breakdown, partly caused by Fitzgerald's own struggles and the broader disillusionment following World War I and the Great Depression. The work captures a sense of introspective unraveling—how individuals and cultures can fracture under pressure—highlighting vulnerabilities even amid success. It’s a candid look at mental and emotional deterioration, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and understanding in confronting personal and societal crises.