The Vegetable; Or, From President to Postman is F. Scott Fitzgerald's only play. The 1923 comedy is a political satire in which the ironic stage directions excel.
Jerry Frost has always aspired to become a postman. He feels trapped in his marriage and blames his overly-critical wife, Charlotte, for never having achieved his dreams. Charlotte claims that if Jerry had any real drive, he would pursue the presidency. Following an evening of very heavy drinking, Jerry dreams that he is the President, and begins to question what he truly wants in life.
"Any man who doesn't want to get on in the world, to make a million dollars, and maybe even park his toothbrush in the White House, hasn't got as much to him as a good dog has—he's nothing more or less than a vegetable."
The Vegetable explores the idea of the everyman becoming President. Fitzgerald addresses themes of aspiration and life's meaning, presenting the argument that so long as you are following your dreams, you are doing enough. The political satire reads better than it translates to the stage due to Fitzgerald's humorous stage directions. Best known for his novels and short stories that encapsulate the Jazz Age, Fitzgerald displays a new side to his writing, with his sharp wit being highlighted in this 1923 play.
