Eric Nakamoto

English 11
Ms. Davis
2016 April 30
The Great Gatsby
The novel, The Great Gatsby written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, showcases many
themes such as hypocrisy, money, and dishonesty. Each theme relates to different
characters and their flaws in morality and fortune. Fitzgerald, in many ways, emphasizes
these themes by making all the characters rich. Because the setting is based in the
Roaring 20s, there are many cultural and societal issues within the novel. The Great
Gatsby gives an in depth look of the culture of the early 20th century.

The story introduces Tom Buchanan, an angry, racist, self-centered, tough man.
He is married to Daisy who is having a secret love affair with Jay Gatsby. Throughout the
novel, Tom ignores Daisy and has a poor attitude toward their marriage. Near the end of
the story, Tom realizes of this affair and immediately starts caring about their marriage.
"Nowadays people begin by sneering at family life and family
institutions and next they'll throw everything overboard and have
intermarriage between black and white." (pg. 107) Not only is Tom mad
at Daisy for having an affair, he himself is having one with Myrtle.
Fitzgerald uses hypocrisy is the book to foreshadow many of the
characters outcomes.

Money and wealth is crucial part of The Great Gatsby

because it shows the culture and obscurity money has on people.
Fitzgerald uses this theme to show that money cant buy everything. A
prime example of this is when Gatsby is trying to win Daisy over. He
impresses her with expensive clothes and jewelry, but in the end, he
still cant win her love. Daisy says, "They're such beautiful shirts," she
sobbed, her voice muffled in the think folds. "It makes me sad because
I've never seen such such beautiful shirts before." (pg. 97) Gatsby
uses his money to impress Daisy. The theme of wealth is also
presented by the amount of parties Gatsby throws. He does this just so
he can see Daisy. But still, money cant buy everything.

Almost all of the characters are hiding a secret from one another.
Daisy cheating on Tom, Gatsbys secret connections with the mafia,
and Toms affair with Myrtle. Fitzgerald intended the theme of
dishonesty to be very blunt and straightforward in the novel. "Oh, I've
been in several things," he corrected himself. "I was in the drug
business and then I was in the oil business. But I'm not in either one
now." (pg. 103) Gatsby lies about his wealth and fortune.

Each of the themes in the novel always came back around to

punish each of the characters. Gatsby, having the worst of them all,
death. He lies to everyone and he forces Daisy into an affair.

Fitzgeralds views of these themes are very distasteful and clearly

shows that one should live a moral life. Hypocrisy, money, and
dishonesty will always come back around to punish those who do
wrong.