F. Scott Fitzgerald, although angry, still attends carefully to his daughter. Scott's letter focuses on the fact that Scottie has been under-performing and receiving less than illustrious marks in high school. Scott is obviously upset and disappointed with her and is concerned that she might not be accepted by the college they had chosen.
Although Scott is disappointed, he does not let his anger get the better of him. He speaks of when he was young and how an adolescent can stray from their parent's directions. He gives her examples of her mother and the mistakes she made. "She realized too late that work was dignity", "She didn't have the strength for the big stage." He would like Scottie to change her ways but still loves her if she stays this course.
The tone throughout the letter stays a serious one, which tends to give advice. He tells her he is not going to reform her anymore but let her make her own decisions.
English: Black-and-white photographic portrait of ...
English: Black-and-white photographic portrait of ...
Cover of the first volume in the series"My reforming days are over." Basically, a pep talk is given to strengthen her and straighten her out, for he does not want to waste his resources on dead weight. "I want my energies and my earnings for people who talk my language." "There is not enough energy, or call it money, to carry anyone who is dead weight."
This letter is appropriate for the occasion and his use of speech and language show, that Scott is a witty individual. He understands that an all out assault on his daughter will do more harm than good. Therefore, he writes a serious "get to the point" letter, outlining her strengths and weaknesses. Thus, this letter can be used as a motivation and a critique more than an insult which should be able to drive the point...