Examples Of Deception In The Great Gatsby

Lying is a part of human nature. This is so true that as children, we have to be told not to lie as we are inclined to do so. We condition ourselves not to lie and scold children for doing so. As a part of the human condition, authors explore deception in great detail through books and plays. In the Great Gatsby, Gatsby deceives those around him in order to build his social status and achieve his ultimate goal: Daisy. This failed deception points to the main ideas in the novel.

Gatsby is shrouded in mystery through the extent of the novel. The narrator, Nick, questions notes how no one at his parties seems to know him and reflects on the rumors such as "I heard he killed a man." Unlike many in this upper class society, Gatsby appeared out of no where. When Gatsby finally explains his past, it is not true. He claims to be an "Oxford man" but is really a poor boy from the mid-west. The reason for his deception …show more content…
She cannot marry a poor Gatsby. This idea that fuels Gatsby's deception points directly to another main idea of the book: the shallowness of the upper class. Gatsby's lies were put into existence by it. His mind sees the situation as: no status, no Daisy. The only way to reach Daisy is through the status and rich family history that he simply does not posses. One man cannot create generations of wealth and nobility. Therefore, Gatsby turns to the mob and deception. He is now an "appropriate" suitor for Daisy, but only when viewed behind the lenses of his lies. The idea of marrying for class, status, and money fuel the worlds history. It is shallow and harsh. It still exists today, though people try to hide it. The fact that Gatsby had to done a lie for love simply highlights the issue.

Lies are part of every aspect of the novel, the Great Gatsby. Gatsby, especially, falls prey to the lies. Without his lies, he could not even try to reach his goal. They were something he needed, however, they ultimately killed

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