Examples Of Deception Of Men In The Great Gatsby

The Deception of Men The way people interact with one another is driven by the perceptions they conjure. The images that are associated with people can be a determining factor in how they are treated in all aspects of life. For example, if one were to project an image of high prosperity and fortune, people would favour them due to their financial stability. Another example could involve an image of confidence and charisma, which would result in attracting others to one’s presence. In the novel The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gatsby, the protagonist, is drawn towards a woman whom he loves. Gatsby goes to great lengths to win her love as she is his dream. In the play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, Macbeth, the protagonist, is drawn

After Gatsby’s rise to fame and fortune, many of his peers are uncertain on Gatsby’s true past. While attending one of his extravagant parties, Nick learns of various rumors regarding his past: “‘Somebody told me they thought he killed a man once’ [...] ‘it’s more that he was a German spy during the war’“(Fitzgerald 42). The people at Gatsby’s parties know little of his origins, which causes many people to envision Gatsby’s journey to luxury in various ways. There are some people who believe that Gatsby murdered a man, whereas others think he was a German spy. The rumors regarding Gatsby spread rampantly as somebody told [them] they thought he killed a man once, and Gatsby was a German spy during the war. When people are curious about one’s past, people tend to conjure up theories they see fit. Gatsby does not share his upcoming with others, which leads to a reputation that proceeds Gatsby. This notion is expanded in Roger L. Pearson’s discussion of the relation between Gatsby’s past and the American Dream, where “Gatsby relates his ‘past,’ Nick wonders if ‘there wasn’t something a little sinister about him, after all’ (65)” (Pearson 640). Even the people closest to Gatsby do not fully know of his past. Although Gatsby is aware of the rumors that are spread about him, he only shares his true past with Nick. He leaves his rise to New Money a mystery for everyone else. It is evident that he

Furthermore, in Macbeth, Macbeth becomes the king of Scotland, gains strength through false hope, and creates an image that is not his own, which is all done through deception and in hopes of overpowering his enemies. Thus, Gatsby uses deception and lies to win the approval of his associates, whereas Macbeth uses deception and lies to become a more powerful and dominant king. Gatsby’s entire rise to luxury is based off a false persona. He also does not share his true background with others. Without lies and deception, Macbeth would not have been able to capture the crown. The way Gatsby began to feel optimistic regarding his relationship with Daisy was brought on by false hope. Then, Macbeth foolishly falls for the apparition's deception as he goes into more conflict fearless from danger. Gatsby wants to portray a sophisticated image, whereas macbeth wants to show a savage image. In the end, it is notable to observe the amount of work these characters apply into their schemes. They cherish the way others perceive them. But it is evident that the pursuit of perfection breaks people down to no