The entire novel is framed by Nick, and his characterizations of Gatsby are all done in flashback. So, it's hard to differentiate between truth and fiction, between honesty and dishonesty, between realism and romance. All the lines are blurred by Nick, about himself and especially Gatsby.
Nick says, "Everyone suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known." (39)
Nick says he dislikes dishonest people, but he is attracted to them throughout the book. Jordan is a cheater at golf. Daisy admits she's a hopeless little food. Gatsby is a fraud and criminal. Doesn't this mean that Nick is dishonest too?
Jordan says, "I hate careless people. That's why I like you." Jordan says she hates careless people ,and yet she's attracted to Nick. Doesn't this mean that Nick is careless too?
Gatsby's desires are at least focued. Nick's are not. Gatsby wants Daisy. He wants her to admit to her husband that she loves him. He believes in Daisy, the green light, the American Dream. He will do whatever it takes to get them: the ends justifies the means.
Nick doesn't know what he wants. Does he want to live in the East or Midwest? Does he love Jordan or not? Does he want to be a broker or not?
I don't think any of them are honest people. They're all careless. Careless with cars, with women, with money, with alcohol. At least Gatsby is honest enough to know what he wants. At least he's in touch with his id.
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