The Great Gatsby Conflict Analysis

In chapter 6 of The Great Gatsby, conflict between Tom and Gatsby rises. The main source of their conflict is how Gatsby has “new money” and Tom has “old money,” and Gatsby is in love with Tom’s wife, Daisy. According to Tom who lives in East Egg, he pictures himself above Gatsby for having to work for his money. Considering himself above Gatsby in social ranking, Tom states, at Gatsby’s party, “‘I didn’t hear it. I imagined it. A lot of these newly rich people are just big bootleggers, you know’” (Fitzgerald 107). Tom deals with the conflict of the people of West Egg having “new money” by accusing Gatsby of illegally making and distributing of alcohol. Although Tom may care about Gatsby having “new money,” Gatsby does not see this difference in social
and Mrs. Sloane unaware that they would decline his invitation due to how he came across his fortune. Another big conflict is Gatsby’s undying love for Tom’s wife Daisy. Gatsby deals with this conflict not seriously, this is shown when Nick observes, “Then they sauntered over to my house and sat on the steps for half an hour, while at her request I remained watchfully in the garden” (Fitzgerald 105). Even though Tom is at the party, Gatsby talks with Daisy alone and still pursues after her. Suspicious and mistrustful, Tom is not fond of the idea that Gatsby knows his wife and has been alone with her. These feelings of suspicion and mistrust are conveyed when Nick notices, “Tom was evidently perturbed at Daisy’s running around alone, for on the following Saturday night he came with her to Gatsby’s party” (Fitzgerald 104). With growing suspicion, Tom deals with this conflict by going to Gatsby’s party with Daisy, in order to keep a close eye on her. As conflicts grow, Gatsby still pursues after Daisy and Tom keeps suspicions about Gatsby. Depending on how they deal with the rising conflicts will determine what will happen between Gatsby and Tom in the