The Rich Boy by F. Scott Fitzgerald, first published in 1926 by E T Remotissima Prope, is a celebrated short story that explores the psychological and moral complexities of America’s upper class during the Roaring Twenties. The narrative centers on Anson Hunter, a wealthy young man whose life of privilege shapes his relationships, ambitions, and ultimately his sense of self. Through Anson’s journey, Fitzgerald offers a penetrating critique of wealth, class, and the elusive nature of happiness in an era marked by both prosperity and disillusionment.

The Rich Boy is considered one of Fitzgerald’s most important shorter works and a key text for understanding his views on wealth and class. Written after The Great Gatsby, it shares many thematic concerns with the novel, particularly the hollowness of the American aristocracy and the spiritual costs of privilege. The story is also notable for containing some of Fitzgerald’s most quoted lines, especially his nuanced observations about the very rich.

1. The Psychological Effects of WealthFitzgerald famously writes, “Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me.” The story explores how privilege breeds a sense of superiority and detachment, making authentic connections difficult.2. The Failure of LoveAnson’s inability to reciprocate Paula’s devotion and his emotional immaturity highlight the limitations of material success in matters of the heart. Love, Fitzgerald suggests, is one of the few things that cannot be bought or controlled by wealth.3. The Corruption of the American DreamThe narrative reflects the demise of the American Dream during the 1920s. While the era saw unprecedented economic growth, it also led to moral and cultural decline, with traditional values eroded by materialism and excess.4. Social Stratification and AlienationFitzgerald uses Anson’s story to critique the rigid social hierarchies of the time. The rich are depicted as fundamentally different—not just in circumstance, but in worldview and values—leading to a profound sense of isolation.

Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the upper class in The Rich Boy has had a lasting impact on American literature and culture. The story’s depiction of the Roaring Twenties—an era of both dazzling prosperity and deep moral ambiguity—captures the contradictions of the American experience during this period. Its influence extends beyond literature, shaping popular perceptions of wealth, class, and the elusive nature of happiness.The story’s critical reception has been significant, with scholars like Matthew J. Bruccoli hailing it as “Fitzgerald’s most important novelette” and a major document for understanding his attitudes toward the rich. The famous line about the rich being “different from you and me” has entered the cultural lexicon, often misquoted but widely recognized as a sharp commentary on social inequality.

Published at the height of the Roaring Twenties, The Rich Boy resonated with readers confronting the realities of a rapidly changing America. The story’s exploration of the moral and psychological costs of affluence mirrored the anxieties of a society grappling with the consequences of unchecked materialism and social stratification. Fitzgerald’s critique of the American Dream—showing how its promises could lead to isolation and despair rather than fulfillment—anticipated the disillusionment that would follow the stock market crash of 1929 and the onset of the Great Depression.The story also contributed to ongoing debates about class and privilege in America, challenging the notion that wealth equates to virtue or happiness. By exposing the vulnerabilities and failings of the elite, Fitzgerald encouraged readers to question the values underpinning American society.

The Rich Boy stands as a masterful exploration of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Through the character of Anson Hunter, Fitzgerald dissects the psychological and moral consequences of privilege, revealing how affluence can foster both superiority and profound loneliness. The story’s enduring relevance lies in its unflinching critique of social stratification and its prescient warning about the dangers of equating material success with personal fulfillment.Fitzgerald’s nuanced portrayal of the rich as “different” continues to shape cultural conversations about class and privilege. As both a literary achievement and a social critique, The Rich Boy remains an essential work for understanding the complexities of American identity in the twentieth century and beyond.