F. Scott Fitzgerald's early experiences significantly influenced his literary themes, particularly his exploration of the American Dream. Growing up in a family of varying social statuses, Fitzgerald grappled with concepts of wealth and ambition, which prominently feature in his novels. His time at Princeton University exposed him to the affluent lifestyle and societal expectations that would later shape characters like Jay Gatsby. The disillusionment he faced following World War I also added depth to his themes of lost dreams and the quest for identity, solidifying his works as critical reflections on American society.