Theme Of Dishonesty In The Great Gatsby

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Through The Eyes of Nick Carraway Personality is “the complex of characteristics that distinguish an individual, especially in relationships with others” (“Personality”). This is shown very clearly in The Great Gatsby through Nick Carraway. Through dishonesty, inconsistency, and self-absorption Fitzgerald shows that a single personality can dictate a story. When Nicks’ personality gets the best of his social life, He quickly finds himself in troublesome situations between friends and family. Nick lives half of his life lying to himself and others around him. “I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known” (Fitzgerald 59). He has the social mentality of a man who was born into money. The social mentality of those who are born into money involves many rude and dishonest statements. They say things that they don’t really mean. One such example is when Mrs. Sloane invites Gatsby to supper. “Well, you come,” she urged, concentrating on Gatsby. Mr. Sloane murmured something close to her ear. “We won’t be late if we start now,” she insisted aloud” (Fitzgerald 103). She truly has no intention of inviting Gatsby and this is apparent to everyone. “My God, I believe the man’s coming,” said Tom. “Doesn’t he know she doesn’t want him?”(Fitzgerald …show more content…
He rarely stands up for what he believes in. “Even those congenial to Carraway’s views speak of his ‘inhibitions and lack of boldness’…” (Cartwright) Even when he is absolutely correct, he would rather avoid any conflict weather out of affection or fear. “Can’t repeat the past?”- “Why of course you can” (Fitzgerald 110)! “For a moment a phrase tried to take shape in my mouth and my lips parted like a dumb man’s-but they made no sound…” (Fitzgerald 111). Nick, even knowing that Gatsby’s intentions could be detrimental, cannot find it in himself to speak up and persuade Gatsby to change his intentions. He finds himself too weak in his resolve to help

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