The Lying Jay Gatsby of The Great Gatsby Essay Example

A person either lies to deceive or protect another. Whether they have a reason to or not, the art of lying simply destroys trust, meaning, and shades intentions. In the book The Great Gatsby written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a man named Gatsby draws the line between lying for cause and possession. The deception of omission and influence. Gatsby’s lying stems from the deeply rooted insecurity of his past. The lies told by Gatsby are used to draw the spotlight on himself, ultimately displaying that lies and deceptions ruin relationships. 

Gatsby creates a perception of himself to obtain the woman of his dreams. 5 years were spent creating an elaborate scheme. When Nick gets invited to one of Gatsby’s many parties he hears rumors circulating about Gatsby, being that "he killed a man once" and "was a German spy during the war"(44). Gatsby doesn’t seem to be interested in shutting down these accusations as he tells Nick that he doesn’t want him "to get the wrong idea of me from all these stories you hear"(49). While actively not confirming nor denying the rumors, Gatsby is creating a larger mystery surrounding himself. Furthermore, as Gatsby and Nick become greater acquainted with each other Gatsby alludes to tales from his past, such as him being "the son of some wealthy people in the midwest- all dead now" (64). The statement is a blatant lie. As the fabricated speech continues he tells Nick that he spent time in Europe "collecting Jules, chiefly rubies, hunting big game, painting a little"(64). Gatsby cares so greatly about his image to Nick yet none to the public. Making Nick curious as to why he approached him in the first place, the reason being his deep obsession with Nicks’s cousin Daisy. Also, in Gatsby’s continuous liest to Nick he leaves out the real way he obtained his fortune, bootlegging. Gatsby fabricates his past to appear perfect in the eyes of others, not wanting them to see that in reality he grew up poor and gained money illegally. He hides the truth to "prove" himself, mainly to Daisy, hoping she one day will look across the bay and see his mansion. 

Character deceptions display the effects of lying on relationships. For example, Tom and Daisy’s relationship is built on a foundation of lies. In an outing, Tom introduces his mistress to Nick saying "I want you to meet my girl" (24). He openly tells Nick of his affair, although doing these things he says "I always come back, and in my heart, I love her all the time" (131). Referring to Daisy and his relationship. Tom’s affair with Myrtle whilst saying he loves Daisy puts him in a situation where it becomes hard to trust him. He says he loves Daisy and will always return to her but yet continuous things with Murtle.  Furthermore, self-deception is just as destructive as lying to another. Nick claims at the beginning of the book that he is "one of the few honest people that I have ever met" (59). Nick sees himself as this judgment-free, honest person when in reality the book as an entirety is one big judgment. This plays a part in displaying the little amount of trust the reader should have in Nick. To add on, the relationship that Jordan and Nick form falls from dishonesty on Nick's behalf. After Gatsby passes away she relays, "I thought you were a good rather an honest, straightforward person" (120). A lie that Nick told to protect Daisy tore his relationship apart, illuminating that even if a lie seems to have a purpose, it will rip relationships apart. Deceptions and falsehoods may seem like they will do good on occasion but if the thing you are saving is less important than what you could lose, the lies aren't worth it. 

Scott Fitzgerald used this text as a tool to teach readers about dishonesty and the effects it can have on personal bonds. Although this book is set in a time from one hundred years ago the concepts can still be used and applied to today's lifestyles. People continue to mislead each other and themselves. Deceptions and lies can seem harmless at the moment when viewed as minute, but in the long run, the small lies can rip and tear at the integrity of a person. They have a high ability to ruin relationships and perspectives with ease. 

Works Cited 

Fitzgerald, F S. The Great Gatsby. New York: Scribner Paperback Fiction.