Enlisting in the army in 1917, he was sent to Camp Sheridan in Montgomery, where he met the woman who became his wife

On the February 24, 2025, episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy category was “American Authors.” Contestants faced the clue:

“Enlisting in the army in 1917, he was sent to Camp Sheridan in Montgomery, where he met the woman who became his wife.”

Who is F. Scott Fitzgerald?

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, best known for his classic novel The Great Gatsby, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1917 during World War I. Though he never saw combat, his military service played a pivotal role in shaping his life and career. He was assigned to Camp Sheridan, located near Montgomery, Alabama, where he trained as a second lieutenant. The war ended before Fitzgerald was deployed overseas, but his time in the military significantly influenced his writing, particularly his early works.

His novel This Side of Paradise, published in 1920, features elements of his own military experience. While he may not have participated in battle, Fitzgerald’s time in the service exposed him to new social circles and experiences that would later inspire the themes of wealth, ambition, and disillusionment found throughout his work.

Meeting Zelda Sayre

While stationed at Camp Sheridan, Fitzgerald attended a country club dance in Montgomery, where he met Zelda Sayre, the 17-year-old daughter of an Alabama Supreme Court justice. She was known for her beauty, charm, and spirited personality, which captivated the aspiring writer. Despite an initial engagement, Zelda broke it off in 1919 due to concerns about Fitzgerald’s financial prospects. However, after the success of This Side of Paradise, Fitzgerald’s newfound literary fame and financial stability led Zelda to reconsider. The couple married in April 1920.

Their relationship became one of the most famous—and tumultuous—literary romances of the 20th century. As Fitzgerald’s literary career flourished, the couple became known for their extravagant lifestyle, living in New York, Paris, and the French Riviera. Zelda, who pursued her own creative endeavors as a writer and painter, struggled with mental health issues later in life, while Fitzgerald battled alcoholism.

Fitzgerald’s Influence on American Literature

Fitzgerald’s literary contributions extend far beyond his personal experiences. The Great Gatsby, published in 1925, is widely regarded as one of the greatest American novels, capturing the excesses and moral decay of the Jazz Age. His exploration of wealth, identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream continues to resonate with readers today.

Despite facing financial struggles and declining popularity in his later years, Fitzgerald’s work gained renewed recognition after his death in 1940. Today, his novels and short stories are studied extensively, and his influence is evident in countless works of literature, film, and popular culture. His relationship with Zelda also remains a subject of fascination, inspiring biographies, films, and novels exploring their complex dynamic.

The Significance of the Final Jeopardy Clue

The clue presented on Jeopardy! not only highlights a key moment in Fitzgerald’s personal history but also underscores how life experiences can shape a writer’s work. Meeting Zelda in Montgomery set the stage for a relationship that fueled both Fitzgerald’s artistic inspiration and personal struggles. His time in the army may have been brief, but it was a crucial turning point that led to the literary legacy he left behind.

Fitzgerald’s story serves as a reminder of how historical events and personal encounters can shape an artist’s trajectory. His works continue to be celebrated for their lyrical prose and deep exploration of the human condition, ensuring his place among America’s greatest authors.