Comparing the Perversion of Values in The Great Gatsby and Death of a Salesman

Title: Perversion of Values in The Great Gatsby and Death of a Salesman

Throughout history, there have been many examples of perversions, from sexual and social to the very morals themselves. One of the greatest examples is the continuous corruption of the American Dream. As the Dream evolves, it tends to conform to the illicit dealings of the time and immortals of society. No longer is an individual interested in working hard to achieve goals; they desire the quick fix. Society wants its wishes and wants them now. This social attitude is thoroughly explored in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. As instantaneous achievement becomes more valued, it gives rise to the lie, the thief, and the corrupted character.

Within the two novels, there are many examples of a lie, which is "a false statement deliberately presented as being true; a falsehood or something meant to deceive or give a wrong impression" (Webster). The lie in The Great Gatsby has significant meaning as it portrays Gatsby's quest for the American Dream and his dedication to achieving it. He will do anything, including lying about his past, to achieve his dream, which revolves around Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby loses himself and his interests in hopes of becoming something that Daisy desires, "I lived like a young rajah in all the capitals of Europe - Paris, Venice, Rome - collecting jewels, chiefly rubies, hunting big game, painting a little, things for myself only" (Fitzgerald 66). Gatsby exploits his lie in a grotesque manner, without any style, which betrays his humble origins. Gatsby's lie also shows his low self-confidence and inability to accept who he is as a person. The truth will always come out, and Gatsby's lie ultimately leads to his downfall.

Similarly, in Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman's lies and delusions lead to his downfall. Willy is a salesman who has been working for the same company for over thirty years. He has always believed that being well-liked is the key to success, and he has instilled this belief in his sons. However, Willy's life is falling apart, and he is unable to accept the reality of his situation. He lies to his family and himself about his success and his ability to provide for them. Willy's lies and delusions ultimately lead to his suicide.

In conclusion, both The Great Gatsby and Death of a Salesman explore the perversion of values and the corruption of the American Dream. The novels highlight the importance of keeping true values and morals within our lives. If there is a lesson to be learned in the books, it is that turning away from good moral principles will result in unhappiness and death. One must always do what is proper and right, honor is important above all things because even if one does not achieve one's dream, then it is known that you did the right thing.

Works Cited:

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1925.

Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman. New York: Penguin Books, 1976.

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