The tension between Jordan Baker and Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby stems from their differing moral compasses and personal values. Jordan is portrayed as a self-centered and morally ambiguous character, while Nick embodies a more traditional sense of integrity and honesty.
Jordan Baker, a professional golfer, is characterized by her careless demeanor and lack of genuine concern for others. She is often associated with the theme of deception and superficiality that permeates the world of the novel. Her actions, such as cheating in golf and her involvement in shady business dealings, reflect a disregard for ethical principles. Jordan's dishonesty and self-centeredness are evident in her relationship with Nick as well. She manipulates him and is evasive about her own life, causing Nick to question her sincerity and integrity.
Nick Carraway, the novel's narrator, is introduced as a more reserved and observant character. He represents the traditional American values of honesty, hard work, and morality. Nick's moral outlook becomes a point of conflict with Jordan's behavior. As he becomes more aware of her manipulations and lies, his disillusionment grows. His inclination to see the best in people clashes with his growing realization of Jordan's lack of genuine character, causing tension between them.
Their relationship becomes strained as Nick grapples with his evolving perception of Jordan. His inner conflict is particularly evident during Tom Buchanan's confrontations with Myrtle Wilson and George Wilson. Jordan's lack of empathy and her dismissive attitude toward these tragic events further push Nick away. Additionally, Jordan's connection to the lavish and extravagant parties hosted by Jay Gatsby, where superficiality and excess reign, contrasts starkly with Nick's desire for authenticity and meaningful relationships.
The turning point in their relationship occurs during Tom and Daisy Buchanan's confrontation with Gatsby and Myrtle's deaths. Nick's revulsion at the Buchanan's callousness and Jordan's lack of emotional response deepens his disillusionment. Jordan's lack of accountability for her actions and her inability to recognize the gravity of the situation further cement Nick's decision to distance himself from her.
In the end, Nick's decision to cut ties with Jordan is a result of their fundamental differences in values and moral outlooks. His realization that she represents the shallow and dishonest aspects of the society depicted in the novel leads him to reject her. Nick's role as a moral compass in the story contrasts with Jordan's lack of ethical grounding, and this contrast ultimately causes their relationship to deteriorate.