Examples of Internal Conflict in The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a classic novel that explores the decadence and disillusionment of the Roaring Twenties. Set in the prosperous Long Island of 1922, the story follows the mysterious and enigmatic Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of the elusive American Dream. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald skillfully portrays the internal conflicts that plague the characters, revealing the tensions between their desires and the realities of their lives. This essay will examine some of the key conflicts that arise within the characters of The Great Gatsby, highlighting the themes of love, social class, and identity.

Love and Desire

One of the central conflicts in The Great Gatsby revolves around the idea of love and desire. Jay Gatsby, the protagonist, is driven by his love for Daisy Buchanan, a married woman he met before the war. Gatsby's desire to be reunited with Daisy fuels his relentless pursuit of wealth and success, as he believes that these material possessions will ultimately win her back.

However, Gatsby's internal conflict arises from the tension between his idealized version of Daisy and the reality of who she is. He romanticizes Daisy, seeing her as the embodiment of perfection, but fails to recognize her flaws and the complexities of their relationship. This conflict is evident in a key scene where Gatsby shows Daisy his extravagant collection of shirts, hoping to impress her with his wealth. Yet, despite his grand gestures, Gatsby fails to truly understand Daisy's needs and desires.

Furthermore, Daisy herself experiences an internal conflict. On one hand, she is drawn to Gatsby's romanticized vision of their past and the excitement he brings into her life. On the other hand, she is torn between her love for Gatsby and her commitment to her husband, Tom Buchanan. Daisy's internal struggle highlights the conflict between the pursuit of personal happiness and the societal expectations and responsibilities that constrain her.

Social Class and Identity

The Great Gatsby also delves into the internal conflicts that arise from social class and the quest for identity. Gatsby, born into a lower-class family, reinvents himself as a wealthy and sophisticated individual in order to fit into the upper echelons of society. His internal conflict stems from the tension between his true self, James Gatz, and his fabricated persona, Jay Gatsby.

This conflict is exemplified in a scene where Gatsby reveals his true identity to Daisy, explaining his humble background. However, Gatsby's attempt to bridge the gap between their social classes ultimately fails, as he is unable to escape the judgment and prejudices of the wealthy elite. The conflict between Gatsby's desire for social acceptance and his inability to fully integrate into this world highlights the illusory nature of the American Dream.

Similarly, Tom Buchanan, a wealthy and privileged individual, experiences an internal conflict related to his social status. Despite his outward success, Tom feels a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. This conflict arises from the realization that material wealth and social standing do not guarantee happiness or fulfillment. Tom's internal struggle reflects the hollowness of the Jazz Age and the disillusionment that accompanies the pursuit of wealth and status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Great Gatsby is a novel that skillfully portrays the internal conflicts faced by its characters. Through the themes of love, social class, and identity, F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the tensions between desires and realities, highlighting the disillusionment and emptiness that often accompany the pursuit of the American Dream. The characters in The Great Gatsby grapple with their internal conflicts, revealing the complexities of human nature and the fragility of the human spirit.

This novel serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of pursuing material wealth and societal acceptance at the expense of true happiness and self-fulfillment. The conflicts within the characters of The Great Gatsby serve as a reflection of the conflicts within ourselves, urging us to examine our own desires and motivations. As we navigate our own lives and aspirations, we must strive to find a balance between our dreams and the realities of our world.

Bibliography:

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.