Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Tender Is the Night, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Excess, Destruction, and the Failed American Dream
Gender, Mental Illness, and Psychiatry
The Pursuit of Youth and Innocence
Racism and Otherness
Summary
Analysis
Rosemary does not like the company she finds herself in and is uncomfortable with their jokes. She would rather be with the man in the jockey cap and his party, and longs for her mother—who has a “social gift”—that would help her get out of the situation. Rosemary has been a movie star and celebrity for only six months and is not yet confident with her social capabilities.
Rosemary is drawn to the man in the jockey cap partly because of his confidence and charisma. These are qualities that young Rosemary is still developing herself, having spent most of her life relying on her mother for guidance and support in this area.
Themes
Mr. McKisco, “a scrawny, freckle-and-red man,” attempts to make conversation with Rosemary, but when his wife, Violet, cracks a joke he doesn’t like, Mr. McKisco snaps at her furiously before heading for the water. Rosemary seizes her opportunity to escape the loathsome group and follows him and Violet to the shallows. They swim towards the raft, where they meet Abe North briefly, before he dives into the water. Mr. and Mrs. McKisco resent Abe and agree, “he’s a rotten musician.”
Fitzgerald presents the group negatively—they are unscrupulous social climbers and gossips. Mr. McKisco has a short temper and exercises cruel authority over his wife, but Rosemary doesn’t seem to feel very sorry for her—she feels superior to the whole crowd and longs to be among more elegant types.
Themes
Noticing the woman with the pearls once more, Rosemary asks after her. Violet explains that she’s called Mrs. Diver, but her and her family aren’t staying at the hotel. Leaving Violet and Mr. McKisco in another argument, Rosemary swims back to the beach, where she lies in the sun and watches the man with the jockey cap enjoying himself. She is sure that he is responsible for the lively excitement radiating from their group.
Rosemary is drawn toward Dick once more. This time, she notices his wife, Nicole, as well. Nicole is wearing pearls on the beach, which indicates that she is wealthy and elegant. Like Rosemary, the couple exudes a wonderful energy that draws others towards them. It seems that Rosemary is destined to be friends with the Divers.
Themes
Waking up, Rosemary finds herself drenched in sweat and almost alone on the beach. The man in the jockey cap is gathering up the last of his items, and they share a brief exchange about avoiding sunburn. Dick Diver looks at her for a moment as he collects his beach umbrella, and she feels profoundly moved while gazing back into “the bright blue worlds of his eyes, eagerly and confidently.”
Fitzgerald foreshadows a potential romance between Dick and Rosemary when she looks into his deep, blue eyes. Just one glance from Dick is enough to leave Rosemary feeling alive and invigorated—he wields a charming power to make those around him feel special and seen.
Themes
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