Effects Of Hiding In The Great Gatsby

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Hiding is a part of daily life. Everybody has something to hide, especially in The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald provides an array of characters who are constantly keeping secrets from each other about their lives. They are always hiding something or lying about a small detail that hides their true identity in order to fit in with the society they live in. The characters of the story constantly deceive each other in ways that can have detrimental effects on others, even if they get away with keeping their secret hidden.
Right from the start, it is clear that Gatsby has something to hide. Elaborate parties are thrown, and nobody knows who the host is, as Nick finds out on page 5, “Or rather, as I didn’t know Mr. Gatsby, it was a mansion, inhabited by a gentleman of that name.” It is unclear who Gatsby is from the beginning, which is strange …show more content…
By hiding in his mansion, Gatsby is protecting his identity. Although it is unclear at this point, Gatsby is hiding a major part of his life. Keeping his identity a secret helps Gatsby fit in with the luxurious society he belongs to, due to the fact that he can host his parties and keep everyone happy, without them knowing who he is, so they can’t judge him. The Identity he is trying to hide becomes apparent on page 98, stating that “James Gatz- that was really, or at least legally, his name….His parents were shiftless and unsuccessful farm people.” Gatsby always wanted more in his life. He didn’t want to be like his parents. By assuming the identity of a rich socialite, Gatsby could solve all his problems. However, taking on this new identity of Jay Gatsby would be hiding who he really was. This would later affect characters such as Daisy.
Affairs are hidden within the story, starting with Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson. Tom is somewhat discreet about his affair, but later makes it clear his wife
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