Meaning: The quote "I'm a romantic; a sentimental person thinks things will last, a romantic person hopes against hope that they won't" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the renowned American novelist, encapsulates the essence of romanticism and its relation to the human experience. Fitzgerald, known for his poignant and evocative writing style, often delved into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, and this quote serves as a profound reflection of his perspective on the concept of romanticism.

To elucidate the quote, it is essential to discern the distinction between sentimentality and romanticism. A sentimental person, as implied in the quote, tends to hold onto the belief that things will endure, that they will last indefinitely. This outlook is rooted in a deep sense of attachment to the past, a yearning for permanence, and a reluctance to accept change or the passage of time. Sentimentality often connotes a certain nostalgia and a desire to preserve cherished moments and emotions.

On the other hand, a romantic person, as Fitzgerald describes, hopes against hope that things won't last. This perspective may seem contradictory at first glance, as one might associate romanticism with idealistic notions of eternal love and timeless beauty. However, Fitzgerald's portrayal of romanticism here delves deeper into the bittersweet awareness of transience and the inevitability of impermanence. A romantic person, in this context, embraces the fleeting nature of experiences and relationships, finding beauty in the ephemeral and the poignant.

The juxtaposition of sentimentality and romanticism in the quote illuminates the complexity of human emotions and the paradoxical nature of longing. It speaks to the dichotomy between holding onto the past and embracing the uncertainty of the future, between seeking permanence and finding solace in the transient. Fitzgerald's astute observation captures the nuanced interplay of hope and resignation, optimism and melancholy, which are intrinsic to the human condition.

In the context of Fitzgerald's own life and literary works, the quote resonates with themes prevalent in his writing. His novels, such as "The Great Gatsby," are imbued with a sense of romantic yearning and nostalgia, yet they also grapple with the disillusionment and impermanence that characterize human existence. The characters in Fitzgerald's works often exemplify the tension between sentimentality and romanticism, grappling with the conflicting desires for stability and the allure of the unattainable.

Furthermore, the quote's relevance extends beyond the realm of personal emotions and relationships to encompass broader philosophical and existential considerations. It prompts contemplation on the nature of desire, the passage of time, and the fragility of human aspirations. Fitzgerald's articulation of romanticism as a hopeful yet wistful outlook encapsulates the profound paradoxes that underpin the human experience.

In conclusion, Fitzgerald's quote encapsulates the essence of romanticism as a complex interplay of hope and resignation, longing and acceptance. It serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate tapestry of human emotions and the enduring relevance of Fitzgerald's insights into the human condition. Through his astute observation, Fitzgerald invites contemplation on the paradoxes of sentimentality and romanticism, challenging us to reconcile our yearning for permanence with an acceptance of life's impermanence.