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  • Essay / Dishonesty in The Great Gatsby

    Table of ContentsNick'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 wealthy and glamorous residents of West Egg, constantly engage in deceptive behavior, presenting false personalities and hiding their true intentions. In this essay, we will explore the different instances of dishonesty in the novel and analyze their implications. Specifically, we'll focus on Nick Carraway, the narrator and moral compass of the story, and examine who he considers dishonest. Through Nick's perspective, we'll gain insight into the complex web of lies that permeate the world of The Great Gatsby. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Perception of Nick's Dishonesty In The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway is the voice of reason amid the chaos and decadence of the 1920s. He is a reliable and objective narrator, providing a point of outside view of the events taking place. Nick, being an honest and straightforward character, is naturally repelled by dishonesty. He quickly recognizes the deceitful nature of those around him and is not afraid to expose them. Despite his own 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 unusual about him. Tom's dishonesty is evident in his extramarital affair with Myrtle Wilson, a lower-class woman. Nick witnesses this deception 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 reinforces Nick's belief that Tom is a deceptive individual. Another character Nick believes to be dishonest is Jordan Baker, a professional golfer and Nick's love interest. At first, Nick is attracted to Jordan's glamorous and carefree character. However, as their relationship develops, Nick begins to see through Jordan's facade. He notices her habit of distorting the truth and manipulating situations to serve her own interests. An example of Jordan's dishonesty that strikes Nick is his involvement in a car accident. Instead of taking responsibility for his actions, Jordan tries to shift the blame to someone else. This act of deception deeply disappoints Nick and causes 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 decadence and corruption of the Jazz Age, a period known for its excesses and moral ambiguity. The characters in the novel are so consumed with their quest for 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 gap between the illusion of the American dream and its harsh reality. Jay Gatsby, the embodiment 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. There, 1925.