Design In Plaster by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Author: Francis Scott Fitzgerald 

Published: Esquire (November 1939)

Genre: Short Story

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“Design In Plaster” is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald published in Esquire in November 1939. 

1. Design In Plaster Synopsis

In “Design In Plaster,” a man named Martin is recovering from a serious injury, confined to a plaster cast. His wife, Mary, takes care of him, but their relationship becomes strained due to their separation during his recovery. Martin senses Mary’s growing distance and her interactions with a Frenchman named Joris. He becomes increasingly jealous and worried about their relationship. The story explores themes of jealousy, trust, and the challenges of a strained relationship during a difficult time.

2. Design In Plaster Summary

Martin, injured and confined to a plaster cast, observes his wife, Mary, and her interactions while he recovers. Martin, an engineer, had a fall, but his medical bills are covered. He senses a growing distance between Mary and him due to their separation during his recovery. Mary’s frequent outings with a Frenchman named Joris unsettle Martin.

One night, when he tries to reach Mary, he discovers her phone line busy, then out of order. He eventually finds her line busy again. Concerned, he leaves his room and tries to reach her. However, he falls and cuts his head, forcing him to visit Mary’s apartment in person. There, he collapses from his injuries. Mary tends to him, but he later overhears her conversation with Joris and believes she’s becoming distant. In his loneliness and pain, he yearns for Mary’s companionship.

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