IndexIntroductionJay Gatsby: A HypocriteDaisy Buchanan: A HypocriteTom Buchanan: The Epitome of HypocrisySymbolism and HypocrisyConclusionIntroductionIn the realm of literature, there are few works as captivating and enduring as F.'s masterpiece. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby. Set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, this novel explores the lives of the wealthy elite and the pursuit of the American dream. However, beneath the glittering facade of this era, lies a pervasive theme of hypocrisy that permeates the lives of the characters and their interactions. Through careful analysis of the text, it becomes apparent that the characters in The Great Gatsby are not what they seem and their actions are often at odds with their professed values. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Jay Gatsby: A Hypocrite One of the most prominent examples of hypocrisy in the novel is found in the character of Jay Gatsby himself. Gatsby presents himself as a rich and successful man, who throws extravagant parties and flaunts his opulence. However, it is later revealed that his wealth is based on illegal activities and that he invented his entire personality to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. This hypocrisy is further exemplified in Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy, as he professes his undying love for her while simultaneously engaging in a passionate affair with her cousin, Jordan Baker. Gatsby's actions reveal a stark contrast between his public image and his private life, highlighting the hypocrisy that underlies his character. Daisy Buchanan: A Hypocrite Similarly, Daisy Buchanan, the object of Gatsby's affection, is also shown to be a hypocrite. Throughout the novel, Daisy presents herself as a delicate and innocent flower, but her actions reveal a much darker side. Despite being married to Tom Buchanan, Daisy has a romantic relationship with Gatsby, showing complete disregard for the sanctity of marriage. Furthermore, faced with the consequences of her actions, Daisy chooses to retreat into her privileged bubble, allowing others to take the blame for her actions. This hypocrisy is further emphasized in Daisy's reaction to Gatsby's death, where she displays a callous disregard for his life and the impact of his actions. Through these examples, Fitzgerald explores the hypocrisy inherent in the lives of wealthy elites, demonstrating that their public image often masks a darker reality. Tom Buchanan: The Epitome of Hypocrisy Furthermore, the character of Tom Buchanan embodies hypocrisy in its most blatant form. Tom presents himself as a man of strong moral values, who constantly preaches the importance of family and tradition. However, his actions reveal a complete disregard for these values. Tom has extramarital affairs and shows a complete lack of respect for women, treating them as mere objects of his desire. Furthermore, Tom's racist and discriminatory views are evident in the way he treats people of color, especially his lover, Myrtle Wilson. Tom's hypocrisy is a stark reminder that the wealthy elite often use their power and privilege to justify their own immoral actions, while simultaneously imposing rigid moral standards on others. Symbolism and Hypocrisy In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses the theme of hypocrisy to shed light on the corruption and moral decay of the 1920s. Through the characters of Gatsby, Daisy and Tom, he exposes the stark contrast between public image and private reality, highlighting the hypocrisy that is at the heart of the American dream. By presenting these characters as flawed and morally ambiguous, Fitzgerald challenges the idea that wealth and.
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