Hidden Truth In The Great Gatsby

Another time when eyes unmask a hidden truth is when Tom intercepts flirtation between Gatsby and Daisy. Tom hears Daisy say Gatsby looks cool, and immediately, he recognizes the affair. "His eyes still flashing between Gatsby and his wife" is the symbol that he has recognized their affair, and he also recognized the affair, partially, by just looking at them (Fitzgerald 119). So, in this instance, his eyes are what help him pervade their connection and show the reader he recognizes the affair. And during this awkward affair, Tom looks around, and he realizes as well that Gatsby and Daisy have a past and it shows in him furiously flashing his eyes around the room. “Tom Buchanan saw. He was astounded. His mouth opened a little, and he looked at Gatsby, and then back at Daisy as if he had just recognized…” (Fitzgerald 119). Tom’s observation shows by looking around, he is able to pick up Gatsby and Daisy’s secrets as if they laid it down in front of him like evidence. We know Tom finds out here because he obviously had no knowledge before, and his reaction causes the couple to spill the rest. “‘Going on for five years -- and you didn't know.’ Tom turned to Daisy sharply. ‘You've been seeing this fellow for five years?’” (Fitzgerald 131). The discovery of Gatsby and Daisy’s affair happens so suddenly, in the blink of an eye almost. It is apparent that Tom is infuriated when Fitzgerald describes his turns as sharp, and as his

Scott Fitzgerald expertly imbeds the idea of sight, by use of eyes, into the book The Great Gatsby to show that no secrets can stay hidden, and is evident in cases like Nick finding out the truth about Gatsby, Tom finding out the truth about Daisy and Gatsby, and Wilson finding out the truth about Myrtle and her murderer. The idea of eyes perceiving all secrets is present in this novel and around the world. In The Great Gatsby, All characters were “under Doctor Eckleburg's persistent stare,” and all truths were surfaced (Fitzgerald