Dishonesty in The Great Gatsby

Throughout F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, the theme of dishonesty is prevalent. The characters in the story, especially the wealthy and glamorous inhabitants of West Egg, are constantly engaged in deceitful behavior, presenting false personas and hiding their true intentions. In this essay, we will explore the various instances of dishonesty in the novel and analyze their implications. Specifically, we will focus on Nick Carraway, the narrator and moral compass of the story, and examine who he believes to be dishonest. Through Nick's perspective, we will gain insight into the complex web of lies that permeates the world of The Great Gatsby.

Nick's Perception of Dishonesty

In The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway serves as the voice of reason amidst the chaos and decadence of the 1920s. He is a reliable and objective narrator, providing an outsider's perspective on the events that unfold. Nick, being an honest and straightforward character, is naturally repelled by dishonesty. He is quick to recognize the deceitful nature of those around him and is not afraid to call them out on it. Despite his own flaws and moments of indecisiveness, Nick maintains a strong sense of integrity throughout the novel.

One character that Nick perceives to be dishonest is Tom Buchanan. Tom is a wealthy and arrogant man who is married to Daisy, Nick's cousin. From the moment Nick meets Tom, he senses something off about him. Tom's dishonesty is evident in his extramarital affair with Myrtle Wilson, a lower-class woman. Nick witnesses this deception firsthand and is appalled by Tom's disregard for his wife's feelings and his lack of remorse. Nick's belief in Tom's dishonesty is further reinforced when he discovers that Tom has been hiding the truth about Jay Gatsby, Daisy's former lover. This revelation solidifies Nick's conviction that Tom is a deceitful individual.

Another character who Nick believes to be dishonest is Jordan Baker, a professional golfer and love interest of Nick's. At first, Nick is attracted to Jordan's glamorous and carefree persona. However, as their relationship develops, Nick begins to see through Jordan's facade. He notices her habit of bending the truth and manipulating situations to suit her own interests. One instance of Jordan's dishonesty that stands out to Nick is her involvement in a car accident. Instead of taking responsibility for her actions, Jordan tries to shift the blame onto someone else. This act of deceit deeply disappoints Nick and leads him to question the authenticity of their relationship.

The Implications of Dishonesty

The prevalence of dishonesty in The Great Gatsby has far-reaching implications. It reflects the moral decay and corruption of the Jazz Age, a period known for its excesses and moral ambiguity. The characters in the novel are so consumed by their pursuit of wealth and social status that they are willing to sacrifice their integrity and honesty to achieve their goals. This obsession with appearances and material possessions ultimately leads to their downfall.

Furthermore, the theme of dishonesty highlights the disparity between the illusion of the American Dream and its harsh reality. Jay Gatsby, the epitome of the American Dream, is a man who has created an elaborate facade to hide his true identity. His parties and extravagant lifestyle are mere distractions from his humble origins. Gatsby's dishonesty serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the emptiness and futility of pursuing the American Dream at any cost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dishonesty is a prevailing theme in The Great Gatsby, and through Nick Carraway's perspective, we gain insight into the various instances of deceit in the novel. Characters like Tom Buchanan and Jordan Baker exemplify the moral corruption of the Jazz Age, while Jay Gatsby's dishonesty highlights the disillusionment of the American Dream. By exploring these characters and their actions, Fitzgerald exposes the consequences of dishonesty and emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty. The Great Gatsby serves as a stark reminder that in a world consumed by deceit, true happiness and fulfillment can only be found in authenticity and truth.

Bibliography

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.