“All things truly wicked start from an innocence.” Ernest Hemingway. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s epic novel, The Great Gatsby, nothing could be truer. In this book there are many themes explored, but the most prevalent is loss of innocence. Nearly every character comes to realize something at some time in the novel, therefore this theme can be found throughout the book. Three examples of this are Tom’s loss of Daisy, Myrtle leaving George, and Daisy’s partial love of Gatsby.

                    The first time loss of innocence is explored is when Tom realizes Daisy is distancing herself from him. Tom is completely oblivious to Daisy and Gatsby’s past. Before Daisy even knew Tom existed, she and Gatsby were deep in love. It’s not surprising how fast Daisy left Tom, seeing the way she was treated. Tom held a big double standard when it came to affairs; the way he sees it, it’s ok for him to cheat on daisy, but it’s not right for Daisy to leave him. “The idea is if we don’t look out the white race will be — will be utterly submerged. It’s all scientific stuff; it’s been proved.” — Tom (18). This shows how ignorant Tom really was. Tom’s loss of innocence was when he finally realized Daisy wanted to leave.

                   The second time loss of innocence is apparent, is when George Wilson sees Myrtle wanting to leave him. Wilson is unaware that his wife has been cheating on him, prompting Tom to remark, “He’s so dumb he doesn’t know he’s alive” (30). The life that Myrtle wanted was not the life she got. She wanted riches and the ability to live the lavish lifestyle. George’s job prevents this from happening, so she looks to Tom. Tom is very wealthy and can give her anything her heart desires. Sadly, George still loves Myrtle very much. After he comes to realize that Myrtle does not want to be with him anymore, he breaks down. He does not know that Tom is the one Myrtle has fallen for. When he finds out, he is not happy.  

                    The third and final time loss of innocence is presented in the Great Gatsby, is when Jay Gatsby realizes that Daisy is not 100% in love with only him. When Daisy said, “I love you too,” Gatsby was hurt deeply. “There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams — no through her own fault but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion. It had gone beyond her, beyond everything. He had thrown himself into it with a creative passion…” (100-101) He wanted Daisy’s full and unobstructed attention, like the way it was before Tom came into the picture. All he wanted is for it to be just Daisy and him. But that could never happen.

          Even something as innocent as true love can become distorted given the right circumstances. And in the book the Great Gatsby just that happens. Over time things change, nothing stays the same forever. Tom’s loss of Daisy, Myrtle moving on and Gatsby not having Daisy’s full love, all played a part in proving this.