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In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald explores the theme of perception, he does this in the way
that it shapes reality as well as influences relationships. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald
illustrates the difference between how people view themselves and just how they're seen by
others, ultimately hinting that these varying perceptions are able to result in disillusionment and
manipulation.
One of the more eminent illustrations of this theme is discovered in the character of Jay
Gatsby himself. Gatsby is a “self made” man that constructs a lavish persona to conceal the
humble origins of his unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan. Fitzgerald uses Gatsby's lavish
parties as a metaphor for his constructed identity. The opulence of Gatsby's home and attractive
atmosphere he creates serve to draw in a diverse crowd, some of whom don't truly care about
him but are attracted to the impression of wealth and status. As Nick Carraway observes, "People
disappeared, reappeared, made plans going somewhere, after which sacrificed one another on the
way" (Fitzgerald 41). This highlights the shallow nature of the interpersonal interactions inside
Gatsby's world, underscoring precisely how perceptions could be insubstantial and fleeting.
Additionally, Fitzgerald develops the design of perception with the contrasting
viewpoints of different characters, especially Nick and Daisy. Nick gives a fairly disillusioned
perspective on Gatsby, knowing the gap between the man’s grand dreams as well as the harsh
realities of his life. He notes, "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by
year recedes before us" (Fitzgerald 180). Here, the green light symbolizes Gatsby's potential and
also the unattainable dream of rekindling his romance with Daisy. To Gatsby, the light represents
possibility; however, to Nick, it contrasts a sad illusion. This particular distinction in perception
focuses on the fragility of dreams and also exactly how they could be distorted by societal
expectations and personal desires.
Daisy Buchanan herself is yet another crucial figure in the exploration of perception.
Gatsby's idealization of Daisy shows how perceptions may be warped by infatuation. He views
her not as she is but as the embodiment of his dreams and desires. When Daisy finally reunites
with Gatsby, her original charm quickly dissipates, revealing a flawed and complex character.
Fitzgerald writes, ““Her voice is full of money,” he said suddenly. That was it. I'd never
understood before. It was full of money—that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it,
the jingle of it, the cymbals' song of it.”(Fitzgerald 128) This particular statement underscores
the tension between Gatsby's romanticized view of Daisy and also the simple fact of her
character|, further illustrating exactly how perception is able to shape and eventually distort one
's comprehension of others.
Fitzgerald additionally critiques the wider interpersonal environment of the 1920s,
emphasizing the way the era's materialism influences individual perceptions. The characters are
usually preoccupied with appearances and status, resulting in a shallow understanding of each
other. For example, Tom Buchanan represents the existing cash elite, who see themselves as
inherently better than those like Gatsby, who they consider as a simple upstart. Tom's
condescending attitude reveals the hypocrisy within his worldview Fitzgerald writes, "I’d like to
know who he is and what he does, and I think I’ll make a point of finding out" (Fitzgerald 116).
His need to investigate Gatsby reflects a need to keep social control and hierarchy, even further
complicating the characters' interactions and perceptions.

To conclude, Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby masterfully delves into the theme of
perception, illustrating the way it shapes identities and relationships within a materialistic
society. Through the characters of Gatsby, Daisy, and Nick, in addition to the societal context of
the 1920s, Fitzgerald reveals the usually tragic effects of misguided perceptions. Ultimately, the
novel can serve as an insightful commentary on the illusions of the American Dream as well as
the inherent complexities of human interactions.

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In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald explores the theme of perception, he does this in the way

Additionally, Fitzgerald develops the design of perception with the contrasting

expectations and personal desires.

's comprehension of others.

Fitzgerald additionally critiques the wider interpersonal environment of the 1920s,

complicating the characters' interactions and perceptions.

the inherent complexities of human interactions.

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