A Social Psychological Approach To Dick's Deterioration In Tender Is The Night

The basic question this dissertation concerns is how Dick reaches his deterioration at last. Through a coherent study of the novel, the writer understands that the conflict of identities is the main cause of Dick's (the protagonist) tragedy, and thus the analysis is centered on Dick's identity problems. In the light of some concepts in identity theory, this thesis will first analyze Dick's identity standards to show how the internal criteria function in his behavioral performance, and then analyze the salience of his various identities when playing roles in different circumstances and the social impact on his commitment to these identities. After a thorough discussion about the internal process and external influence, the writer finds that the contradiction between these two factors results in the irreconcilable conflicts within Dick's identities. And owning to the inability in adjusting himself to the changing society after WW I and in coping with the conflict, Dick failed finally in matching the behavior with his identity standards and social expectation. As a result, distress and agony are aroused, misbehavior is performed, and consequently and undoubtedly Dick ends with deterioration. Since this novel is widely accepted as Fitzgerald's autobiography, the writer hopes that this paper can throw some light on the study of the author's mental perplexity during the days of Zelda's breakdowns.