Thomasina Unsworth – Fifty Questions
Character: Zelda Fitzgerald
Performance: Love First, Live Incidentally
In order to help me to understand my character better, I have decided to complete Thomasina Unsworth’s fifty questions exercise. Unsworth points out that the exercise can be used in the rehearsal process so that the actor can “remind [themselves] of what [their] character values, fears and reacts to in their life” (Unsworth, 2012, 104). I have completed this task as though Zelda was being interviewed about her life, and the answers reveal facts about Zelda in a way which I feel she would have answered them. The interview style has allowed me to answer the questions using appropriate word choices that I think Zelda would have used in the 1920s. Many of the question’s I have chosen to answer in detail are questions I feel that Zelda would have had passionate answers for, however, there are a couple of questions that I feel Zelda would have said little about, and these answers are just as important as the descriptive ones.
What is your full name?
Zelda. Zelda Fitzgerald. My mama named me after the character’s in some of her favourite books. You know, Jane Howard’s, Zelda: A Tale of the Massachusetts Colony and Robert Francillon’s Zelda’s Fortune. Maybe you ain’t ever heard of them, but my mama used to always tell me about the books she read.
How old are you?
I’m 25 years old.
Have you got brothers or sisters?
Yes. I’ve got an older brother, Anthony and then there’s my three older sisters Marjorie, Rosalind and Clothilde.
Where were you born?
I was born in Montgomery, Alabama.
Where did you grow up?
I lived with my Mama and Daddy and my older brother and sisters in our family home in Alabama.
Where do you live now?
In Paris. With Scott. They say Paris is the city of Love. I guess it’s where I fell in love anyways.
What was school like for you?
Oh gosh – I can remember Sidney Lanier High School. I started there when I was just fourteen years old. I didn’t really like school much. I mean I guess I’m bright, but that don’t mean I’d pay much attention in class. I just used to enjoy spending time with the boys – and my friends of course. I was popular in school – I guess not much has changed.
Who was your best friend at school?
Tallulah Bankhead. We had a swell time growing up. Everyone used to always gossip about us, and we’d find out things about ourselves that we had no idea about. It was all just baloney.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I’ve always enjoyed dancing. At parties I’m the first and last one on the dance floor. But a ballet dancer has always been a dream of mine.
What is your job now?
Well I’m a mama now. So I guess my jobs taking care of her. My daughter – her names Francis. We call her Scottie. She’s my beautiful little fool.
What is your dream job?
I wanted to be a ballet dancer -like I said. But I always liked writing short stories too. My grandfather used to be an editor for the Montgomery newspaper, so I guess writing runs in the family.
Are you gay or straight?
Oh I’m with Scott. I’m straight. I did have my doubts about him though. Him and that bogus, Ernest Hemingway. I once called Scott a “fairy”, he didn’t like that. He felt like he had something to prove, so went and slept with a prostitute. Sometimes, I question why I stayed with him. I do love him though. I just try to remind myself of when we first met – those days were perfect.
Are you in a relationship?
Yes, I’ve probably spent too much time talking about him already.
Are you happy in that relationship?
I guess so…most of the time.
What is the worst thing you have ever done?
Oh I’ve done a lot of bad things in life. Scott and I once got thrown out of the Biltmore Hotel for being so spifflicated. That was fun though. And then there was the time I jumped in the fountain at Union Square in New York. (laughs) But seriously… last year, I tried to take an overdose of sleeping pills. Didn’t work though did it? Scott and I never talk about it though. I shouldn’t have even mentioned it now.
What is the thing that you are proudest of?
My Francis…and my dancing, I’m going to make it someday on my own.
Who do you love the most in the world?
Francis and my family. And Scott I guess, but I suppose the people you love can also be those that treat you the worst right?
What is your greatest fear?
I used to be scared of failing. But I’m doing alright now, for the moment anyways.
What music do you listen to?
Jazz music’s my favourite. But I also like the song ‘The Man I Love’ by George and Ira Gershwin.
What is your favourite book?
I love to read. I actually like Jane Howard’s book, Zelda: A Tale of the Massachusetts Colony. It’s why I got my name – like I said. And of course I like Scott’s books. But I guess I’m just a little biased maybe.
What is your favourite film?
I love Alice in Wonderland. That’s my favourite.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
I like to swim down at the beach when the sun is shining in the day. Then in the evening, chat with friends over a drink. I like to drink, its makes me feel… well I guess it makes me feel like there’s still some fun left in me. I am not boring, that’s for sure.
Do you smoke?
Yes.
Do you take drugs?
No.
Do you drink alcohol?
Yes.
What is your favourite drink?
I like champagne. Or a mint julep is one of my favourites. It’s kind of sweet, or me and Scott sometimes drink a Gin Rickey, which is just gin, lime and soda.
What’s your favourite food?
I love pig sausages and mashed potato. But in summer I like to eat Caesar salads.
Who do you hate most in the world?
I don’t really hate anyone – but I don’t like Ernest Hemingway very much, he’s a bogus.
When or where were you happiest in your life?
When I’m dancing. I wish I was still as good as what I used to be at ballet.
What is your favourite item of clothing?
(Laughs) I love my one-piece swimsuit. I like to think I have a good figure.
Do you play any sports?
I like to swim.
Do you have any hobbies?
I like to socialise. And flirting fun too. I also like to paint. I’m good at that.
What makes you angry?
I don’t like it when Scott talks to other girls and when he ignores me.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I hate that I get so jealous. I guess I wish I didn’t care so much.
What secret about yourself would you least want anyone to know?
If I told you that, then someone would know. (Flirtatiously winks)
Have you ever thought about suicide?
Yes…No…Maybe.
Do you watch the news?
No.
Do you read any newspapers or magazines?
I read the vogue magazine. I have to keep up with the latest clothes, especially if me and Scott are hosting the parties.
What is the landscape you are most comfortable in?
When I can swim in the ocean at the beach. I feel so free.
What is your favourite animal?
I like dogs. I would love a Boston terrier.
Do you have any health problems?
Well Scott say’s I’m crazy all of the time. I guess he’s right. (Laughs)
Who is your hero?
My daughter.
Who or what was your first love?
Scott was my first.
If you were an animal what would you be?
Maybe a bird so I could fly away and see the world.
If you were an element, what would you be: earth, water, air or fire?
I would be air. At least then I’d be able to breath and be free.
What is your favourite present you’ve ever received?
My very first pair of ballet shoes. I still have them and like to look at them now from time to time.
What is your favourite possession?
I guess the ring Scott gave me when he asked me to marry him. It was his mothers. It reminds me of every memory me and Scott have had together. When I look at it…I sometimes want to throw it away and never see it again. But then other times…I look at it and it reminds me that I was once Scott’s opium, and I like that.
Your favourite childhood memory?
I enjoyed Ballet when I was younger and taking part in the shows. My dance teacher said I was the best in the class.
What would be your idea of a bad day?
Cleaning. I don’t like housekeeping, I find it so boring. I have a nurse that takes care of Francis, cleaners and a laundress.
If you could re-live any day what would it be?
Mine and Scott’s wedding day. We were both so happy then. We married on the 3rd of April in 1920 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. It was the most amazing day. I’ll never forget that.
Works cited
Unsworth, T. (2012) Becoming an Actor. London: Nick Hern.