Theme: Perception versus Reality

Understanding the Theme

One of the primary themes encapsulated in The Great Gatsby is that of Perception versus Reality. This theme is a reflection of the characters’ struggles to discern truth amid the illusions they create or find themselves entrapped in.

Exemplification in Characters

Jay Gatsby presents a fabricated persona, showcasing himself as a figure of established wealth and social standing, while obscuring his lowly origin and the murky ways he has amassed his wealth. His life is a constructed illusion, a stark contrast to his realities.
Daisy Buchanan is perceived as an epitome of charm and purity, an object of Gatsby’s unrequited love. However, her actual character reveals a selfish and manipulative nature, marking the distortion between perceived innocence and actuality.
Nick Carraway, the narrator, initially perceives Gatsby with scepticism and curiosity, but as the plot unfolds, his understanding of Gatsby’s complex character deepens. Through Nick, Fitzgerald explores the disparity between first impressions and deeper understanding.

Manifestation in Society

The Roaring Twenties era’s opulence, encapsulated in East and West Egg societies, portrays a facade of extravagance and prosperity. However, underneath this glittering surface lie corruption, moral decay and a deep sense of dissatisfaction, providing a stark contrast between appearances and hidden realities.
Gatsby’s lavish parties, displaying seeming joviality and exuberance, mask the loneliness and the sense of isolation which he experiences, exhibiting the irony between superficial happiness and underlying sadness.

Significance and Impact

Perception versus Reality unravels the hollowness of the American Dream. What appears to be an ideal world of wealth and happiness conceals a bitter truth of dissatisfaction and moral bankruptcy.
The theme aligns with Fitzgerald’s critique of wealth, status, and their pursuit, shedding light on the inherent deceptiveness of surface appearances.

Summary

Perception versus Reality is a prevailing theme in The Great Gatsby, underlining the characters’ illusions and the disparity between what seems and what is. The theme is integral to understanding Fitzgerald’s commentary on the American Dream and the societal values of his time.