Hypocrisy in The Great Gatsby Analysis

Introduction

In the realm of literature, there are few works as captivating and enduring as F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, The Great Gatsby. Set against the backdrop of the roaring twenties, this novel explores the lives of the wealthy elite and the pursuit of the American Dream. However, beneath the glittering façade of this era, lies a pervasive theme of hypocrisy that permeates the lives of the characters and their interactions. Through a close analysis of the text, it becomes evident that the characters in The Great Gatsby are not who they appear to be, and their actions are often at odds with their professed values.

Jay Gatsby: A Hypocrite

One of the most prominent examples of hypocrisy in the novel is found in the character of Jay Gatsby himself. Gatsby presents himself as a wealthy and successful man, hosting extravagant parties and flaunting his opulence. However, it is later revealed that his wealth is built upon illegal activities and that he has fabricated his entire persona in order to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. This hypocrisy is further exemplified in Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy, as he professes his undying love for her while simultaneously engaging in a passionate affair with her cousin, Jordan Baker. Gatsby's actions reveal a stark contrast between his public image and his private life, highlighting the hypocrisy that underlies his character.

Daisy Buchanan: A Hypocrite

Similarly, Daisy Buchanan, the object of Gatsby's affection, is also shown to be a hypocrite. Throughout the novel, Daisy presents herself as a delicate and innocent flower, yet her actions reveal a much darker side. Despite being married to Tom Buchanan, Daisy engages in a romantic relationship with Gatsby, showing a complete disregard for the sanctity of marriage. Additionally, when faced with the consequences of her actions, Daisy chooses to retreat into her privileged bubble, allowing others to take the blame for her actions. This hypocrisy is further emphasized in Daisy's reaction to Gatsby's death, where she shows a callous disregard for his life and the impact of her actions. Through these examples, Fitzgerald explores the hypocrisy inherent in the lives of the wealthy elite, demonstrating that their public image often masks a darker reality.

Tom Buchanan: The Epitome of Hypocrisy

Furthermore, the character of Tom Buchanan embodies hypocrisy in its most blatant form. Tom presents himself as a man of strong moral values, constantly preaching about the importance of family and tradition. However, his actions reveal a complete disregard for these values. Tom engages in extramarital affairs and shows a complete lack of respect for women, treating them as mere objects of his desire. Additionally, Tom's racist and discriminatory views are evident in his treatment of people of color, particularly his mistress, Myrtle Wilson. Tom's hypocrisy is a stark reminder that the wealthy elite often use their power and privilege to justify their immoral actions, while simultaneously imposing rigid moral standards on others.

Symbolism and Hypocrisy

In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses the theme of hypocrisy to shed light on the corruption and moral decay of the 1920s. Through the characters of Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom, he exposes the stark contrast between public image and private reality, highlighting the hypocrisy that lies at the heart of the American Dream. By presenting these characters as flawed and morally ambiguous, Fitzgerald challenges the notion that wealth and success equate to moral virtue. Instead, he suggests that the pursuit of material wealth often leads to the erosion of one's moral compass, resulting in a society rife with hypocrisy.

Fitzgerald's use of symbolism further enhances the exploration of hypocrisy in the novel. The green light at the end of Daisy's dock serves as a constant reminder of Gatsby's pursuit of the unattainable, representing both his longing for wealth and his desire for Daisy. However, this symbol also highlights the inherent hypocrisy in Gatsby's pursuit, as he is ultimately chasing an idealized version of Daisy that does not exist. Similarly, the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, looming over the Valley of Ashes, serve as a symbol of moral decay and the loss of spiritual values. This symbol reinforces the theme of hypocrisy, suggesting that the characters in the novel have lost sight of their own moral compasses in their pursuit of material wealth and social status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Great Gatsby is a powerful exploration of the theme of hypocrisy in the context of the American Dream. Through the characters of Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom, Fitzgerald exposes the stark contrast between public image and private reality, revealing the inherent hypocrisy that permeates the lives of the wealthy elite. By presenting these characters as flawed and morally ambiguous, he challenges the notion that wealth and success equate to moral virtue. Through his use of symbolism and lyrical language, Fitzgerald creates a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking, inviting readers to reflect on the hypocrisy that exists within society.