The Theme of Appearance and Reality in the Novel The Great Gatsby
Explore the theme of Appearance VS Reality in the novel “The Great Gatsby”
Throughout the novel of The Great Gatsby topics of appearance VS reality is often depicted by Fitzgerald, the use of appearance in the novel of The Great Gatsby is used effectively to portray the nature of people in the 1920’s.
In the novel “The Great Gatsby”, Gatsby is presented as a well-educated Oxford man, however as we advance into the book Gatsby starts to reveal his real identity and personality, we find out that Gatsby’s “Oxford man” personality is just a façade and is false. The man in Gatsby’s library quotes that “I thought they’d be a nice durable cardboard. Matter of fact, they’re absolutely real.” The word cardboard is often associated with vulnerability and easy wear. This can offer the interpretation that Gatsby’s persona is fragile and weak. However, Fitzgerald uses the word “real” in the same quote; this challenges the vulnerability of Gatsby’s made up persona because it can suggest that Gatsby’s personality is sincere and genuine. On the theme of appearance of reality Gatsby is also used again,
Nick Caraway also plays a role in the appearance VS reality theme of the novel “The Great Gatsby” by being the narrator, as a narrator Nick is only allowed by Fitzgerald to see things from his perspective and view; in a way it forms dramatic irony because the reader knows more than Nick; so Nick looks at things the way the appear but not how they are in reality. Another interesting feature Fitzgerald includes to express the theme of appearance VS reality is Myrtle Wilson and how she changes completely when with Tom Buchannan; she immediately changes personality and becomes another persona, “throwing a regal homecoming glance around the neighbourhood, Mrs Wilson gathered up her dog and her other purchases and went hauntingly in”. Her personality changes instantly and now she is known as Myrtle Wilson with many purchases, the word “homecoming” supports that she thinks that this is
Throughout the novel of The Great Gatsby topics of appearance VS reality is often depicted by Fitzgerald, the use of appearance in the novel of The Great Gatsby is used effectively to portray the nature of people in the 1920’s.
In the novel “The Great Gatsby”, Gatsby is presented as a well-educated Oxford man, however as we advance into the book Gatsby starts to reveal his real identity and personality, we find out that Gatsby’s “Oxford man” personality is just a façade and is false. The man in Gatsby’s library quotes that “I thought they’d be a nice durable cardboard. Matter of fact, they’re absolutely real.” The word cardboard is often associated with vulnerability and easy wear. This can offer the interpretation that Gatsby’s persona is fragile and weak. However, Fitzgerald uses the word “real” in the same quote; this challenges the vulnerability of Gatsby’s made up persona because it can suggest that Gatsby’s personality is sincere and genuine. On the theme of appearance of reality Gatsby is also used again,
Nick Caraway also plays a role in the appearance VS reality theme of the novel “The Great Gatsby” by being the narrator, as a narrator Nick is only allowed by Fitzgerald to see things from his perspective and view; in a way it forms dramatic irony because the reader knows more than Nick; so Nick looks at things the way the appear but not how they are in reality. Another interesting feature Fitzgerald includes to express the theme of appearance VS reality is Myrtle Wilson and how she changes completely when with Tom Buchannan; she immediately changes personality and becomes another persona, “throwing a regal homecoming glance around the neighbourhood, Mrs Wilson gathered up her dog and her other purchases and went hauntingly in”. Her personality changes instantly and now she is known as Myrtle Wilson with many purchases, the word “homecoming” supports that she thinks that this is