bri_rap 's review for:

Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

4.0

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The ending felt pretty sad, in a way. All that perceived greatness, gone to waste (in Dick). His chief purpose of self became Nicole so early in his life and career, overshadowing and sidelining his psychological pursuits. Yes, he did willingly agree to help her, but there was obligation there too. She so severely and wholly became his focus of attention and energy, it was very unhealthy. And when, finally, the "case was closed," along with the love held, Dick had nothing of his own self on which to stand. He was lost and could not hold himself up.

At the same time, though, Nicole changed so drastically herself, but for the better. She found the strength of self she needed to face life as an individual. Dick's decline came in such sharp contrast to Nicole's ascent. This is seen, too, in Rosemary. She starts off needing Dick too, but she strongly stands on her own two feet as time presses on. It seems at first that the women need Dick, but by the end, it's clear that Dick needs to be needed to have any purpose. So in a way, the ending is incomplete for Dick, but that's the point. Overall, it came together nicely.