Nature Vs. Nurture In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby

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The debate of nature vs. nurture still continues today in the world of psychology. The effects of an individual’s genetics and the effects of their environment on their personality and actions is an age old debate that is still inconclusive. However, it is evident that both sides of the argument carry some form of the truth. It can be contended that the major characteristics of an individual are formed by their environment, more specifically, their past experiences. An individual’s past moulds and shapes their identity, if they do not make an effort to move on from it. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald shows that clinging on to the past prevents individuals from fully experiencing the present, eventually leading to resentment, dissatisfaction, and misjudgements. Resentment is an emotion that carries the heavy weight of a past that cannot be recreated. It leads to anger, bitterness, and destruction of healthy relationships. Living in the past leads to resenting life and limits the current potential of an individual. Tom places immense value in his past
In The Great Gatsby, the negative repercussions of clinging onto the past are identified as resentment, dissatisfaction, and misjudgements. More often than not, unrealistic expectations for relationships, people, and the future will lead to expectations being let down thus, leading to unhappiness, loss of identity, and limitations of personal growth. In order for an individual to thrive, they must continue to rebuild themselves and let go of the past, however, that is simply unrealistic. The past can be binding, manifesting itself in every aspect of the present and the future. It can hold back happiness and growth. Thus, if the past can limit every aspect of individuality, what is the true meaning of freedom? Can anyone truly be free of any

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