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Examples Of Conformity In The Great Gatsby

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Midterm Essay According to protagonist Edna Pontellier in Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, “outward existence which conforms, the inward life which questions.” In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nick Carraway demonstrates a character who conforms outwardly while questioning inwardly. The tension created by Carraway’s outward conformity and inward questioning supports the idea “corruption comes when wealth is valued over relationships” is revealed. Carraway has many incidents of passivity in The Great Gatsby. A prime example of tension from Carraway’s outward conformity and inward questioning comes when he meets up with Tom Buchanan after the death of Gatsby. He knows what truly caused Myrtle Wilson’s death but refuses to tell Buchanan, and then shakes his hand. This action is an inexcusable sign of conformity. Nick refuses to take a stand for Gatsby. The idea “corruption comes when wealth is valued over relationships” is visibly present in this instance. Nick Carraway decided to not tell Buchanan the truth, which shows corruption. …show more content…

In chapter 2, Tom Buchanan punches Myrtle Wilson in the face, leaving her nose broken. Nick Carraway is completely shocked and leaves the party shortly after. Carraway’s outward conformity and inward questioning contrast. The tension between his thoughts and actions in chapter 2 exhibits the idea “corruption comes when wealth is valued over relationships.” Nick Carraway knows and thinks that Buchanan’s actions were very wrong, but he decided to do nothing about it. The people at the party weren’t truly friends as they only accompanied each other because of their status and

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