Emotional Bankruptcy by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Author: Francis Scott Fitzgerald
Published: The Saturday Evening Post (August 15, 1931)
Genre: Short Story
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“Emotional Bankruptcy” is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald published in The Saturday Evening Post on August 15, 1931. “Emotional Bankruptcy” is part of the Josephine Perry stories.
1. Emotional Bankruptcy Synopsis
The story follows Josephine, a young woman, as she navigates social events, romantic encounters, and her own emotional struggles. Josephine’s experiences with various men, her desire for a captivating love, and her eventual meeting with Captain Dicer highlight her inner conflict between yearning for passion and feeling emotionally detached. Josephine’s interactions with different suitors and her changing perspectives on love reveal the challenges of reconciling fantasy with reality. The story ultimately delves into the complexity of human emotions, the unpredictability of romantic connections, and the poignant exploration of emptiness and missed opportunities.
2. Emotional Bankruptcy Summary
Chapter 1
Two girls, Josephine and Lillian, observe a man using a spyglass from across the street. They notice him watching a room above. Unbeknownst to him, they’ve identified him as a harmless neighbor. Josephine plans to go to Princeton for a dance with her boyfriend, Paul, and invites Lillian along. On the train, they discuss boys and their romantic prospects. Josephine has invited Louie Randall from New Haven to be her date.
The prom nears, and they arrive in Princeton. Paul is excited to see Josephine, unaware of Louie. The group socializes at the club, and Louie connects with Josephine’s friend Lillian. Josephine and Martin explore the club’s rooms, and she’s surprised to find she doesn’t enjoy kissing him. During the prom, Josephine feels detached and bored, even though she’s surrounded by interested suitors. She parts ways with Paul and heads back to school with Lillian. They plan to meet friends for the Follies at the Ritz.
Chapter 2
Josephine and Lillian discuss their feelings of ennui and nostalgia for the excitement of meeting new men. Josephine expresses her desire for a unique and captivating man. Later, at a friend’s house, they meet Captain Dicer, an officer in the French aviation, recently returned from war. Josephine is struck by his appearance and feels a strong connection. Despite the lively company, Josephine is captivated by Captain Dicer’s presence. They exchange smiles and brief conversations. Josephine learns more about him, including his heroic actions in the war.
During dinner, they sit together and share a conversation that leaves Josephine in a trance. She eagerly anticipates the next time she will see him. They eventually arrange to meet at a tea-dance place. However, Josephine’s mother insists she spends Christmas vacation at home in Chicago. Captain Dicer sends her flowers and notes, and she looks forward to their meeting. However, a rumor in Town Tattle hints at his marital choice and makes Josephine doubtful. When she departs for vacation, Captain Dicer doesn’t come to see her off, leaving her conflicted and Lillian in tears.
Chapter 3
Josephine contemplates the multitude of social invitations she has received for the vacation. She recalls the common phrases about turning eighteen and how it changes perspectives. She struggles with a feeling of emptiness and disillusionment, longing for a love that seems to be missing from her life. As her vacation progresses, she participates in various social events but finds them unfulfilling.
A chance meeting with Captain Edward Dicer rekindles her excitement, and they arrange to meet. However, she receives a rumor in a tabloid about his previous marital choices, causing her to doubt. When Captain Dicer visits her, they are interrupted by a group of people, preventing them from having a private conversation. Later, they manage to have a moment alone, and Captain Dicer expresses his feelings for her. Josephine, overwhelmed, struggles with her emotions and admits that she doesn’t feel anything despite his thrilling presence. He leaves, and Josephine grapples with her own emptiness and regrets.
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