Decaying Morals in The Great Gatsby

Throughout F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, the theme of moral decay looms large. The characters in the novel are caught in a world of materialism, greed, and superficiality, which ultimately leads to the deterioration of their morals. This essay will explore the various instances of moral decay in the novel and analyze their implications on the characters and society as a whole.

One of the most prominent examples of moral decay in The Great Gatsby is seen through the character of Tom Buchanan. Tom is portrayed as a wealthy and powerful man who uses his status to manipulate and dominate others. He engages in extramarital affairs without any remorse, treating his wife, Daisy, with contempt. This moral decay is evident in a dialogue between Tom and Daisy, where he casually dismisses her concerns about his infidelity, stating, "I've got a nice place here and I intend to keep it." (Fitzgerald, 15) Tom's lack of moral values and disregard for the feelings of others highlights the decadence of the upper class society in which he thrives.

Another instance of moral decay can be seen through the character of Jay Gatsby. Gatsby, though initially portrayed as an enigmatic and mysterious figure, is eventually revealed to be a man driven by his obsession with wealth and status. He throws lavish parties in an attempt to win back the love of Daisy, who represents the epitome of wealth and social status for him. Gatsby's pursuit of material success ultimately leads to his downfall, as he becomes entangled in a web of lies and deceit. This moral decay is evident in Gatsby's willingness to engage in illegal activities and associate with shady characters in order to achieve his goals.

The moral decay in The Great Gatsby extends beyond individual characters and permeates the entire society depicted in the novel. The 1920s, also known as the Roaring Twenties, was a time of great social and economic change in America. The post-World War I era brought about a sense of disillusionment and a desire for instant gratification. This is reflected in the characters' obsession with wealth, parties, and material possessions. The pursuit of the American Dream, which promises success and happiness to those who work hard, becomes distorted and corrupted in the world of the novel. The moral decay of the society is best exemplified in the extravagant parties hosted by Gatsby, where the guests indulge in excessive drinking, promiscuity, and superficial conversations.

The implications of this moral decay are far-reaching. Fitzgerald uses the characters in The Great Gatsby to critique the emptiness and shallowness of the American Dream. The pursuit of material success and social status comes at the expense of genuine human connections and moral values. The characters in the novel are trapped in a cycle of hedonism and self-indulgence, which ultimately leads to their downfall. This critique of the American Dream and the moral decay of society serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of excess and superficiality.

In conclusion, The Great Gatsby portrays a world of decaying morals, where characters are consumed by their pursuit of wealth, status, and instant gratification. Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby, as well as the society in which they exist, exemplify this moral decay. The novel serves as a critique of the emptiness and shallowness of the American Dream, highlighting the negative consequences of materialism and superficiality. By exploring the theme of moral decay, Fitzgerald prompts readers to reflect on their own values and the implications of an unchecked pursuit of wealth and social status.

Bibliography:

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