Distorted Perceptions in Fitzgeralds Tender is the Night Essay

Distorted Perceptions in F. Scott Fitzgeralds 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 Diver as a charming, respected, intimately-mannered physician. Dick is a noble man who has dedicated his life to the health and protection of his beloved wife without thought to himself. Furthermore, he gives extraordinary parties and is a reliable source of help to any friend in need. In fact, to be included in Dick Divers world for a magic spell was a remarkable experience (Fitzgerald, Tender, 27). Under this faade of composure, however, lies a tormented personality. The stresses in Dicks life are numerous, as he deals with Nicoles breakdowns and other aspects of his career and brotherly relationships. He has no one to help him through these difficulties but he still manages to rescue his friends in countless instances. He does his best to play his procedure as husband, father , friend, and physician, but he is clearly not comfortable with his responsibilities, and his confusion manifests itself through his obsession with youthfulness. Not only does Dr. Diver try to appear boyish and vital to the outside world, he also has an unhealthy obsession with much younger women in his life. This paternal attitude toward females mingled with sensual desire is a gull of Dicks hidden instability which slowly 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 innumerous of friends and acquaintances. He is very concerned with each guests opinion of him, and i... ...cceeding experiences. A major component 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 reputa tion and well-liked persona are achieved despite his childlike attitudes, but as he slowly loses his ability to check 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 distorted perceptions of appropriate relationships widen to his own fall into obscurity. Works Cited Fitzgerald, F. Scott. Tender is the Night. New 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.