How Does Fitzgerald Use Conflict In The Great Gatsby

624 Words3 Pages

Fitzgerald utilizes conflict in order to develop a tense atmosphere, which helps illustrate Nick’s uncomfortable feelings. Throughout Nick’s account of the night, conflict between Tom and Gatsby starts to brew. Nick recalls Gastby’s introduction of Daisy and Tom when Gastby says, “‘Mrs. Buchanan. and Mr. Buchanan ——’ After an instant’s hesitation he added: ‘the polo player.’ ‘Oh no,’ objected Tom quickly, ‘not me.’ But evidently the sound of it pleased Gatsby, for Tom remained ‘the polo player.’ for the rest of the evening” (Fitzgerald). The conflict in the quote can be seen through the faint quarrel between Gatsby and Tom. Gatsby introduces Tom and chooses to label him as the polo player. However, once Tom interjected and said he did not like to be called, Gastby was happy that the name stuck. …show more content…

Although not a very apparent disagreement, the conflict helps to contribute to the tense atmosphere of the party. When people are fighting, the people around them are unable to relax and instead they feel awkward. The party atmosphere becomes more rigid and serious, now that the party host and guest are having an altercation. Although not a very apparent disagreement, Nick’s observation helps to show not only that the atmosphere was tense, but also that the atmosphere he describes shows that he is feeling uncomfortable. He distinctly remembers this night of summer, and remembers this conversation. The conversation must have evoked a strong emotion that caused him to remember this part so clearly. The emotion can be classified as uncomfortable. He takes note of this relatively awkward and silent conflict between the two, causing him to feel awkward and