Question

In literature, many characters struggle. A common theme is man vs. himself. Choose a character from a book or short story you have read and explain his or her internal struggle. To earn credit for this forum, state the name of the character, the title of the work, and the author.

Your response should be 3-5 sentences long and show that you’ve thought about the topic/question at hand. Please be aware we are looking for YOUR PERSONAL OPINION and there is not a single “correct answer.”

Answer 1

One character that embodies the theme of man vs. himself is Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby." Throughout the story, Gatsby grapples with his past and his relentless pursuit of the American Dream.

Despite his extravagant wealth and lavish parties, he is haunted by his humble origins and the desire to win back the love of Daisy Buchanan. His internal struggle is evident in his attempts to reinvent himself and create a new identity. Gatsby's inner conflict ultimately leads to his downfall, as he becomes consumed by his own illusions and the impossibility of recreating the past. His character serves as a poignant reflection on the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of unattainable dreams.