The Jelly-Bean

Set in the American South, The Jelly-Bean follows Jim Powell, a drifting gambler who doesn’t quite fit into the refined world of Southern high society. Jim, a self-proclaimed “jelly-bean” (a term for a lazy, aimless young man), has no ambition beyond cards and casual pleasures—until he meets the spirited Nancy Lamar at a local dance.

Nancy, a reckless and flirtatious debutante, is drawn to Jim’s rough charm, yet she belongs to a world of privilege and expectations. As they navigate the thrill of a chance encounter, Jim is confronted with his own desires and the painful reality of class divisions.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, first published in 1920, captures the Jazz Age’s blend of romance, illusion, and disillusionment. With sharp dialogue and vivid Southern charm, The Jelly-Bean explores the fleeting nature of love and the gap between social classes in a changing America.

A poignant and bittersweet tale, this classic is a must-listen for fans of Fitzgerald’s signature style and themes of lost dreams and unattainable love.