James Thurber illustrated the central conflict Man vs Society in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Throughout the story, Mitty seems to have a struggle with adapting to the the social norms and gender roles he is meant to play. First, he feels society was meant to mock him. Secondly, his feelings for his marriage are indifferent, and the gender roles appear opposite. Lastly, even his daydreams seem to have a tug of war with society. Walter Mitty feels as if society is pit against him. Throughout the story, people poke fun at Mitty. Unable to take his chains off himself, Mitty’s wife forces him to go to a garage. “A man had had to come out in a wrecking car and unwind them, a young, grinning garageman” (Thurber 3).
