Topic > Dishonesty in The Great Gatsby

IndexNick's Perception of DishonestyThe Implications of DishonestyConclusionBibliographyThroughout F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, the theme of dishonesty is prevalent. The characters in the story, especially the rich and charming inhabitants of West Egg, are constantly engaged in deceptive behavior, presenting false personalities and hiding their true intentions. In this essay we will explore the various instances of dishonesty present in the novel and analyze their implications. Specifically, we will focus on Nick Carraway, the story's narrator and moral compass, and examine who he believes is dishonest. Through Nick's perspective, we will gain insight into the complex web of lies that permeates the world of The Great Gatsby. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay 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 outside perspective on the events that unfold. Nick, being an honest and forthright character, is naturally disgusted by dishonesty. He quickly recognizes the deceptive nature of those around him and is not afraid to call them out. Despite his flaws and moments of indecision, Nick maintains a strong sense of integrity throughout the novel. One character that Nick perceives as dishonest is Tom Buchanan. Tom is a rich and arrogant man married to Daisy, Nick's cousin. From the moment Nick meets Tom, he senses something strange 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 strengthened when he discovers that Tom has been hiding the truth about Jay Gatsby, Daisy's former lover. This revelation solidifies Nick's belief that Tom is a deceitful individual. Another character who Nick believes to be dishonest is Jordan Baker, a professional golfer and Nick's love interest. At first, Nick is attracted to Jordan's charming and carefree character. However, as their relationship develops, Nick begins to see past Jordan's facade. Note his habit of distorting the truth and manipulating situations to suit his own interests. An example of Jordan's dishonesty affecting Nick is his involvement in a car accident. Instead of taking responsibility for his actions, Jordan tries to shift the blame onto someone else. This act of deception 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 the 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 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 hollowness and futility of pursuing the American dream at any cost., 1925.