It was not, Zelda wrote, prosperity or the softness of life, or any instability that marred the war generation; it was a great emotional disappointment resulting from the fact that life moved in poetic gestures when they were younger and had since settled back into buffoonery.
Zelda Fitzgerald expressed a poignant view regarding the war generation, emphasizing that their discontent stemmed not from material hardship or societal instability, but from a profound emotional letdown. In their youth, life felt significant and filled with poetic moments, which instilled a sense of hope and creativity. However, as they grew older, they perceived life devolving into triviality and silliness, stripping away the depth and meaning they once cherished.
This commentary reflects a broader theme of disillusionment that often accompanies the transition into adulthood. The stark contrast between their youthful ideals and the mundane reality they faced led to a sense of betrayal by life itself, highlighting the emotional struggles many faced in reconciling their dreams with the practicalities of existence.