Examples Of Deception In The Great Gatsby

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Deception can be defined in multiple different ways. Some individuals see deception as keeping a secret, others believe small secrets don’t hurt anyone; however, regardless of anyone's definition of deception, both F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby and Shakespeare’s play Hamlet have excellent examples. The characters, Hamlet and Tom, show that dishonesty and deceit from their loved ones lead to unfortunate fates. The deception and dishonesty that the characters in each of the novels demonstrate ultimately lead to their relationships becoming damaged and resulting in the demise of other characters. Unfortunate outcomes caused by deception and dishonesty are continuously displayed through Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby’s main …show more content…

These characteristics of Hamlet’s can be shown through him expressing, “you should not have believed me: for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it: I loved you not.” (3.1.117-119). Hamlet explains this to his love interest Ophelia, whose relationship with Hamlet is quick to begin and end. Hamlet’s mass deception throughout the play of “pretending to be mad” hurts many relationships. Through this quote, Hamlet tells Ophelia that he never loved her, however through prior quotes, this is hard to believe. Hamlet’s mass deception of madness has now caused his relationship to end and, as a result, Ophelia becomes enraged and, because of Hamlet, takes her own life believing she can no longer trust. From Hamlet's quote, it is clear his dishonesty about his madness and lack of affection towards Ophelia has resulted in the destruction of his relationship as well as the demise of Ophelia. Later in the play, Hamlet again displays his deceitfulness by stating, “He should those bearers put to sudden death, Not shriving time allowed” (5.2. 50-51). Hamlet has stated this after finding out his uncle Claudius has ordered two of his friends to kill him in England. Through this discovery, Hamlet decides instead of confronting Claudius and being honest to follow suit and also be deceptive, ordering his friends' deaths, and then going back home to follow

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