Object Discourse: Fitzgerald’s Neurotic Rich Boy

ABSTRACT This article provides a new reading of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Rich Boy” (1926) through an analysis of objects in the story. Starting with letters and portraits, it shows the failure of communication and representation through objects, and hence, apparently, the failure of titular hero Anson Hunter’s love stories with Paula Legendre and Dolly Karger. The analysis then turns to sexual objects, like keys and especially Anson’s collections of wedding keepsakes stored under lock and key in his room. This collection provides an explanation for Anson’s failed relations, and the rich boy turns out to be neurotic and narcissistic as well.