Jemina, the Mountain Girl

Jemina, The Mountain Girl is a satirical short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, included in his collection Tales of the Jazz Age (1922). Set in the rugged Appalachian Mountains, the narrative follows Jemina Tantrum, a pragmatic teenage girl caught in a family feud with the Doldrums clan. When a stranger arrives seeking to buy their land (gold has been discovered), tensions rise, and the feud escalates. Themes include ignorance, tradition, and familial loyalty. Fitzgerald’s humor and keen social critique shine through as Jemina navigates the clash between her family’s stubborn pride and the allure of progress. The story offers a witty exploration of human nature and societal norms, with Jemina embodying resilience and practicality in a world of stubborn tradition.