The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a classic American novel that explores the themes of wealth, love, and the pursuit of the American dream. Set during the Roaring Twenties, the story follows Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who throws lavish parties in hopes of winning back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. Although Gatsby is portrayed as a charming and enigmatic character, he is not without his flaws. This essay will examine several examples of vices displayed by Jay Gatsby throughout the novel, shedding light on the darker aspects of his character and their implications on the story as a whole. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One of Gatsby's most notable vices is his obsession with wealth and material possessions. From the moment he sets eyes on Daisy, his sole motivation becomes acquiring enough wealth to impress her. This is evident in the extravagant parties he throws at his mansion, where wealth and opulence are on full display. For Gatsby, material goods are not just a means to an end; they are an end in themselves. This obsession with wealth blinds him to the realities of life and prevents him from achieving true happiness. Evidence to support the text: "His house had never seemed so enormous to me as it did that night when we searched the great rooms for cigarettes. We pulled aside the curtains that were like pavilions and felt along countless feet of dark wall looking for light switches electric - I once fell with a kind of thud on the keys of a ghostly piano. There was an inexplicable amount of dust everywhere, and the rooms were moldy, as if they had not been aired for many days." (Fitzgerald 42) Analysis: This passage illustrates the excessive nature of Gatsby's wealth. His house is described as enormous, with extravagant curtains and countless rooms. However, dust and mold suggest the emptiness and lack of fulfillment that comes from materialism. Gatsby's obsession with wealth blinds him to the true value of life, leading to his ultimate downfall. In his pursuit of Daisy, Gatsby resorts to manipulation and deception, revealing another flaw in his character. He invents an elaborate backstory and reinvents himself as a self-made man to impress Daisy and win her affection. This manipulation not only reveals Gatsby's desperate desire for acceptance, but also highlights his willingness to compromise his integrity to achieve his goals. Evidence to support the text: "I suppose he had the name ready for a long time, even then. His parents were inept and unsuccessful farmers: his imagination had never really accepted them as his parents. The truth was that Jay Gatsby of West Egg, Long Island, came from his Platonic conception of himself (Fitzgerald 98)Analysis:This passage sheds light on Gatsby's desire to distance himself from his humble origins and create a new identity for himself by inventing a more backstory impressively, Gatsby manipulates others' perceptions of him, further emphasizing his vice of deception. This manipulation ultimately proves to be his undoing, as it prevents him from forming authentic connections and leads to the unmasking of his true identity vice shown by Gatsby is his unhealthy obsession with the past He fixates on rekindling his relationship with Daisy, despite the fact that she has moved on and married another man. Gatsby's inability to let go of the past and accept the reality of the present showcases his reluctance to confront the truth and his constant desire, 1925.