Distorted Perceptions in Fitzgeralds Tender is the Night Essay

belie Perceptions in F. Scott Fitzgeralds legal tender is the Night Any visitor to the French Riviera in the mid-1920s, the setting of F. Scott Fitzgeralds Tender is the Night, would describe Dr. Richard plunger as a charming, respected, civil physician. Dick is a noble man who has dedicated his life to the thoroughlyness and protection of his beloved wife without thought to himself. Furthermore, he gives wonderful parties and is a reliable source of help to any friend in posit. In fact, to be included in Dick Divers world for a small-arm was a remarkable experience (Fitzgerald, Tender, 27). Under this faade of composure, however, lies a anguished personality. The stresses in Dicks life ar numerous, as he deals with Nicoles breakdowns and other aspects of his public life and social relationships. He has no one to help him through these difficulties precisely he still manages to rescue his friends in countless instances. He does his scoop up to play his role as husband, f ather, friend, and physician, but he is clearly non comfortable with his responsibilities, and his confusion manifests itself through his obsession with youthfulness. Not only does Dr. Diver try to appear young and vital to the outside world, he as well as has an unhealthy obsession with much younger women in his life. This paternal billet toward females mingled with sensual desire is a sign of Dicks hidden inst qualification which tardily becomes more visible. Several events point to Dicks desire to appear younger and as his immature attitude about life. He has a strong need for social approval and tries to ensure his social standing by being a gracious and charming host to a myriad of friends and acquaintances. He is very concerned with each guests opinion of him, and i... ...cceeding experiences. A major theatrical role of the disintegration of Dick Diver, therefore, is his confusion and immaturity regarding relationships with younger women, as well as his own need to seem youthful. His reputation and well-liked persona are achieved despite his childlike attitudes, but as he slowly loses his ability to conceal his true personality, he is deserted by everyone. Just as the incestuous actions of Nicoles father led to her illness and his private torment, Dick Divers depraved perceptions of appropriate relationships lead to his own fall into obscurity. Works Cited Fitzgerald, F. Scott. Tender is the Night. parvenue York, NY. Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1982. Stanton, Robert. Daddys Girl Symbol and Theme in Tender is the Night. Critical Essays on Tender is the Night. Ed. Milton R. Stern. Boston, Ma. G.K. Hall & Co., 1986. 118-124.