The Vegetable; or From President to Postman

The plot revolves around the character of Joe Larrabee an average young man who unexpectedly finds himself in a high-stakes political situation. Larrabee's rise from an ordinary citizen to a position of great political influence—going from President to Postman—is both comedic and absurd highlighting the randomness of success in society. The play critiques the superficial nature of political power and fame using humor and farce to reflect on the American pursuit of status and success. The characters in the play often find themselves in exaggerated ridiculous situations reflecting Fitzgerald’s satirical take on the times. While The Vegetable was not successful and was generally poorly received when it premiered it is an interesting example of Fitzgerald’s exploration of different genres beyond his famed novels like The Great Gatsby. The play's failure can be attributed to its overly simplistic plot and lack of depth compared to Fitzgerald's more nuanced prose works. Nevertheless it reflects his sharp wit and commentary on the excesses and contradictions of American society in the Jazz Age. It remains a curiosity for fans of Fitzgerald’s career offering insight into his attempts at humor and social critique in a different medium.