The conflict between Man and Nature in Jaws

Peter Benchley’s novel Jaws focuses on the story of a killer shark that is disturbing the
peace of Amity Island. The shark is depicted as a self-preserver who survives by obeying its own
instincts. Chief Martin Brody, the protagonist in the novel, has a role in saving the Island from
the rogue shark. Brody feels that he is responsible for keeping the people on the Island safe.
They all face one major threat, the shark. The story focuses on the conflict between man and
nature as each tries to eliminate the other and prevail.
The conflict between man and nature is evident throughout the novel. Brody yearns for
social acceptance within his community. He has a fear of water, and this is a huge impediment to
performing his job. Brody is aware of his role and even asserts that he wants to ensure the safety
of the people on the Island. He says, “Well, then, unofficially I figure it’s my responsibility to
keep the people who live here as safe as I can, and at the moment, it’s my judgment that that
means closing the beaches for a couple of days” (Benchley 32). Brody wants people to stay away
from the water because it is dangerous. They could be killed y the shark. He, however, cannot
arrest anyone for swimming. A decision to close the beach from human access is not fruitful. It
cannot be closed for long as people want to enjoy the activities associated with the beach.

Surname 2
The conflict between man and nature prevails. As much as the shark makes the waters
dangerous for the people on the Island, the people insist on wanting to go to the beach. Brody
realizes that he can gain acceptance within society by doing one main thing that will make him
be acknowledged. He realizes that if he faces his biggest fear and kills the shark, then he will
make the waters safe for humans. These plans depict a power tussle between man and nature
(Robinson 66). The shark is demonstrated as a threat to human life. Humans, too, are a threat to
the shark. Each is seeking the other. It is like they are both baying for each other’s blood. While
the best solution is to have the beach closed down and preserve both human life and that of the
shark, Brody wants to resolve the conflict by killing the shark.

Surname 3

Works Cited

Benchley, Peter. Jaws. Fawcett, 1991.
Robinson, David. “Monster or great fish? Peter Benchley’s Jaws as ecocritical text.” Scrutiny2
21.3 (2016): 57-72.