Lies have deadly effects on both the individual who lies and those around them. This concept is demonstrated in The Great Gatsby. Although Gatsby, Tom, and Myrtle have different motivations for being deceitful, they all lie to satisfy their personal wants and needs. Myrtle's desire to be rich is illustrated when she first meets Tom, dressed in his expensive clothes, as her attitude changes when she puts on the luxurious dress and when she encourages Tom to buy her a dog. Tom's deception is clear when he hides his affair with Myrtle by putting Myrtle on a different train, hiding the truth from Mr. Wilson about the affair, and convincing Myrtle and Catherine that he will one day marry Myrtle. Gatsby tries to convince himself and others that he is the son of wealthy people, creates the appearance of being an educated and successful man through the books in his library, and makes sure that Daisy loves him. Tom's dishonesty reveals that he is selfish, while Gatsby's distortions expose his insecurities, and Myrtle's misrepresentations show that his only goal in life is to achieve materialistic success. Gatsby and Myrtle both lie to achieve the “American Dream.” However, Tom, who seems to have already achieved the "American dream", deceives others out of boredom and because he takes his wealthy lifestyle for granted. F. Scott Fitzgerald demonstrates the human flaw of dishonesty for personal gain and how lies inevitably have tragic consequences in his characterization of Gatsby, Myrtle, and Tom. Jay Gatsby is dishonest with himself and those around him, which ultimately leads to his failure. He lies about his past, his family, and his successes to achieve his version of the American dream, which... middle of paper... is even more despicable. They have the sole purpose of maintaining his image and masking his selfishness. Gatsby, Myrtle, and Tom lie to themselves and others through their words and actions. Gatsby and Myrtle attempt to become social climbers; Gatsby loves the idea of ​​Daisy and Myrtle loves the idea of ​​Tom and what he can provide her. They both try to appear like someone they are not: Gatsby tries to appear like a successful man who comes from a wealthy family while Myrtle wishes to appear like an upper class woman. Their lies have tragic results as Myrtle, Gatsby, and Mr. Wilson all die needlessly. However, Tom, who appears to be successful, lies because he is selfish and only thinks about satisfying his personal needs. Clearly, The Great Gatsby demonstrates that deceiving others, for whatever reason, inevitably leads to tragedy for the individual and others who touch their lives..