The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a classic American novel that explores themes of wealth, love, and the pursuit of the American dream. Set in the Roaring Twenties, the story follows Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who throws lavish parties in hopes of winning back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. Although Gatsby is portrayed as a charming and enigmatic character, he is not without his faults. This essay will examine several examples of vices displayed by Jay Gatsby throughout the novel, shedding light on the darker aspects of his character and their implications on the story as a whole. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay One of Gatsby's most significant vices is his obsession with wealth and material possessions. From the moment he lays eyes on Daisy, his only motivation is to acquire enough wealth to impress her. This is evident in the extravagant parties he throws at his mansion, where wealth and opulence are on full display. For Gatsby, material possessions are not just a means to an end; they are an end in themselves. This obsession with wealth makes him blind to the realities of life and prevents him from achieving true happiness. Supporting evidence in the text: “His house had never seemed so enormous to me as that night when we were looking for cigarettes in the large rooms. We parted curtains that looked like pavilions and felt countless feet of dark wall for electrical switches - once I fell with a sort of splash onto the keys of a ghostly piano. There was an inexplicable amount of dust everywhere and in the rooms. were moldy, as if they had not been broadcast for several days. (Fitzgerald 42) Analysis: This passage illustrates the excessive nature of Gatsby's wealth. Her house is described as huge, with extravagant curtains and countless rooms. However, the dust and mustiness allude to the emptiness and lack of fulfillment that comes with materialism. Gatsby's obsession with wealth blinds him to the true value of life, which leads to his ultimate downfall. In his pursuit of Daisy, Gatsby resorts to manipulation and deception, revealing another vice of his character. He fabricates an elaborate story and reinvents himself as an autodidact to impress Daisy and win her affection. This manipulation not only reveals Gatsby's desperate desire for acceptance, but also highlights his willingness to compromise his integrity to achieve his goals. Evidence supporting the text: “I suppose he already had this name ready for a long time. His parents were helpless, unsuccessful farmers – his imagination had never really accepted them as his parents. The truth was that Jay Gatsby of West Egg, Long Island, was born of his Platonic conception of himself. (Fitzgerald 98)Analysis:This passage highlights Gatsby's desire to distance himself from his humble origins and create a new identity. By inventing a more impressive story, Gatsby manipulates others' perceptions of him, further emphasizing his vice of deception. This manipulation ultimately proves to be his downfall, as it prevents him from making real connections and leads to the revelation of his true identity. Another vice displayed by Gatsby is his unhealthy obsession with the past. He becomes obsessed with rekindling his relationship with Daisy, despite the fact that she has moved on and married another man. Gatsby's inability to let go of the past and accept the reality of the present highlights his reluctance to, 1925.