The Freshest Boy by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald | Published: July 28, 1928

The Freshest Boy Synopsis

"The Freshest Boy" is a short story by Francis Scott Fitzgerald. It was first published in The Saturday Evening Post on July 28, 1928, and was re-published in Taps at Reveille collection in 1935.

Basil Duke Lee is an innocent and idealistic Midwestern boy. He is admitted to an elite preparatory school in the east. At Basil's school, there is an upperclassman named Lewis Crum. Unlike Basil, Lewis is wise. Basil's family is modest in contrast to Lewis, who comes from an affluent family, which allows him to have a definite advantage in school. While Basil has adapted to his surroundings, he is distant and unsatisfied on the outside. Lewis doesn't like Basil, and the two youngsters develop a rivalry.

Excerpt from The Freshest Boy Online Book

It was a hidden Broadway restaurant in the dead of the night, and a brilliant and mysterious group of society people, diplomats, and members of the underworld were there. A few minutes ago, the sparkling wine had been flowing, and a girl had been dancing gaily upon a table, but now the whole crowd were hushed and breathless. All eyes were fixed upon the masked but well-groomed man in the dress suit and opera hat who stood nonchalantly in the door.

About F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald was born in 1896. He was an American author and one of the most celebrated writers in history. Fitzgerald wrote some of the most iconic pieces of literature from the 1920s, This Side of Paradise and The Great Gatsby. He is remembered for his vivid descriptions, intense characterization, and powerful symbolism that has continued to capture readers for decades. Throughout his career, Fitzgerald experienced both great triumph and great tragedy. While he was a renowned writer during his lifetime, he also struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulties later on in life. Find out more about F. Scott Fitzgerald at sevenov.com.