Early challenges in F. Scott Fitzgerald's life greatly influenced his works, particularly themes of wealth and disillusionment. Growing up in a middle-class family, Fitzgerald was exposed to both privilege and struggle. His time at Princeton introduced him to the elite lifestyle he later critiqued in novels such as "The Great Gatsby." Experiencing personal failures, including financial troubles and a tumultuous marriage, shaped his perception of the American Dream. Fitzgerald’s exploration of themes like identity and the moral decay of society was a reflection of his own experiences, making his stories resonate with the complexities of his era.