Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise follows Amory Blaine's coming-of-age journey through prep school, Princeton, and early adulthood. He grapples with identity, love, and ambition, amidst the shifting social landscape of the Jazz Age. Amory experiences both romantic triumphs and heartbreaks, ultimately searching for meaning and purpose beyond superficial pursuits. The novel captures the restless energy and disillusionment of a generation, defining the spirit of the era.