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  • Essay / Hypocrisy in the analysis of The Great Gatsby

    Table of contentsIntroductionJay Gatsby: a hypocriteDaisy Buchanan: a hypocriteTom Buchanan: the quintessence of hypocrisySymbolism and hypocrisyConclusionIntroductionIn the field of literature, there are few works as captivating and enduring as F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, 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 characters' lives and their interactions. Through close analysis of the text, it becomes apparent that the characters in The Great Gatsby are not who they appear to be and that their actions are often at odds with their stated values. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayJay Gatsby: A HypocriteOne of the novel's most prominent examples of hypocrisy is found in the character of Jay Gatsby himself. Gatsby presents himself as a rich and successful man, throwing extravagant parties and flaunting his opulence. However, it is later revealed that his wealth is based on illegal activities and that he fabricated his entire personality in order to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. This hypocrisy is further illustrated 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 underlying his character. Daisy Buchanan: A Hypocrite Similarly, Daisy Buchanan, the object of Gatsby's affection, is also revealed 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 becomes romantically involved with Gatsby, showing complete disregard for the sanctity of marriage. Additionally, faced with the consequences of her actions, Daisy chooses to retreat into her privileged bubble, allowing others to take responsibility for her actions. This hypocrisy is further highlighted in Daisy's reaction to Gatsby's death, where she shows complete disregard for his life and the impact of his actions. Through these examples, Fitzgerald explores the hypocrisy inherent in the lives of the wealthy elite, demonstrating that their public image often masks a darker reality. Tom Buchanan: The Epitome of Hypocrisy Additionally, the character of Tom Buchanan embodies hypocrisy in its most blatant form. Tom presents himself as a man of strong moral values, constantly preaching the importance of family and tradition. However, his actions reveal a complete disregard for these values. Tom engages in extramarital affairs and shows a complete lack of respect towards women, treating them as mere objects of his desire. Additionally, Tom's racist and discriminatory views are evident in his treatment of people of color, particularly his mistress, Myrtle Wilson. Tom's hypocrisy is a stark reminder that the wealthy elite often use their power and privilege to justify their immoral actions, while imposing rigid moral standards on others. Symbolism and Hypocrisy In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses the theme of hypocrisy to shed light on corruption. and the moral decadence 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.