The Great Gatsby

In literature, as in life, outward appearances can be deceptive. People may present an outward image that is misleading in order to cover up some inner truths that they are afraid to reveal to both themselves and others.

One example from the book would be the character Daisy. At first glance the reader may be lured into thinking that she lives a happy life, married to a handsome man and surrounded by luxury. But the truth is that she is very unhappy with the way she lived. Although she thought that she loved Tom when they first got married but she never really loved him and now that Tom is cheating she dislike him even more. Persuaded by Gatsby, Daisy is in a great turmoil and distress unlike what others might think.

Another example of do not judge the book by its cover is Gatsby. Gatsby faces a problem similar to that of Daisy's. He's seen as a popular man who throws big parties almost everyday, knows celebrities, and seems to have an inexhaustible supply of cash. Gatsby's one weakness which would eventually lead him to his doom is his love for Daisy. Gatsby who seems to know everybody hardly knows more than half the people that comes to his parties. At his funeral not even one friend showed up. He seems popular but does not have any true friends. When everybody envied the life he lived, he himself is unhappy and feels lonely. Gatsby may be a millionaire and everyone thinks he's happy, but he lacks emotional support from friends and family.

A final example would be Tom Buchannan. Tom is seem as perfect by everyone, he's rich, handsome, athletic, and marries the girl that dozens of other men couldn't get. Tom lives a perfect life, or so it seems. Tom's unhappy with his wife so he goes out and gets a mistress. He's short tempered and violent, he beats his mistress if she didn't obey. Tom doesn't have much friends and the ones that he does have despises him for cheating. Tom is not nearly as perfect as everyone thinks.

In conclusion, the author is trying to teach the reader a very important lesson in life. Appearances can be deceiving, do not judge a person by their looks, it's what's inside that matters.