Just kidding.
"The Diamond as Big as the Ritz" while written decades ago, still provides insight into the literature and lifestyle of today.
Although the premise of the story seems pretty implausible- a man finds a diamond mountain and through deception and crime he is able to keep his family the richest in the world- Fitzgerald manages to create verisimilitude within it. Many of the characters motives, attitudes, and reactions are realistic. John is awed at the extravagance of the "floating fairyland" that is Washington's palace, horrified when he discovers what they do to their guests, and does everything possible for his own self-preservation. The Washingtons are corrupted by their vast wealth, and as a result do anything in their power, no matter how criminal or inhumane, to keep it. Percy even seems like the cold, emotional unattached child that the son of an extremely wealthy criminal would be.
However, the book manages to appear extremely realistic, but misrepresent reality at the same time. The only thing we know about the characters is how much is told to us. All we know of Braddock is that he is a cold man with "intelligent eyes." Nothing of his character, or internal struggle was revealed. All we know is that he was and liked being rich. Perhaps once upon a time he was a master orator, an expert on rhetoric; instead of asking "yes or no" to his following, he inquired: "Did Moses not part water with the cane? Did Noah not build an ark when God made it rain?" Instead of addressing his audience, he inspired. Percy is described as a "quiet, handsome boy," and nothing more. We have no idea how much a toll being the only son in a family that cares about nothing except diamonds is.
A pink elephant might seem like a real elephant. It might be in the shape and size of an elephant, but the difference in color is a glaring difference. And who knows what a pink elephant might be hiding on the inside.
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