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Essay / Morality and Ethics in The Great Gatsby
Table of ContentsThe Morals of The Great GatsbyImplications and Further ExplorationConclusionBibliographyWhen it comes to F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, the themes of morality and ethics play an important role in shaping history. and its characters. Set in the 1920s, during the Jazz Age, the novel explores the decadence and corruption of the American dream, ultimately questioning society's moral values. Through the actions of the characters and the consequences they face, Fitzgerald provides a critical commentary on the quest for wealth and the erosion of ethical principles. This essay will delve deeper into the moral and ethical aspects depicted in The Great Gatsby and analyze their implications in relation to the overall message of the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Morals of The Great Gatsby One of the main themes of The Great Gatsby is the moral decadence of the characters and the society in which they live. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald presents a world where materialism and self-indulgence have taken precedence over true human values. The characters, particularly Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and Tom Buchanan, are driven by their desire for wealth and social status, which leads them to make morally questionable choices. The moral of The Great Gatsby therefore lies in the consequences of these choices and the emptiness that accompanies the pursuit of material success. Jay Gatsby's character is a great example of the moral implications of wealth and materialism. Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, throws extravagant parties to try to win over Daisy, the woman he loves. However, his wealth is acquired through illegal means, as he is involved in organized crime. This immoral foundation of his wealth ultimately leads to his downfall, as his life is consumed by deception and corruption. Gatsby's pursuit of the American dream, motivated by his desire for Daisy and the social status she represents, highlights the moral void that can result from obsession with material success. Daisy Buchanan, on the other hand, represents upper-class moral decadence. . She is portrayed as a superficial and superficial character, driven by the search for pleasure and social status. Daisy's affair with Gatsby while she was still married to Tom Buchanan shows her lack of moral values and her willingness to manipulate others for her own benefit. Additionally, the fact that she chooses to stay with Tom, despite her feelings for Gatsby, highlights the importance of societal expectations and keeping up appearances on personal happiness. The character of Daisy is a telling example of the moral compromises and emptiness that can result from the pursuit of wealth and status. Tom Buchanan, Daisy's husband, embodies the moral corruption of the upper class. He is portrayed as arrogant, racist and unfaithful, using his wealth and social position to exert power over others. Tom's affair with Myrtle Wilson, a working-class woman, reveals his disregard for moral boundaries and further highlights the moral decadence of the novel's characters. Through Tom's actions, Fitzgerald critiques the corruption and hypocrisy prevalent in the upper class, highlighting the moral bankruptcy that can accompany the pursuit of material success. Ultimately, the moral of The Great Gatsby can be summarized as the moral emptiness and decadence that results from the pursuit of wealth and social status. The consequences faced by the characters, particularly Gatsby, Daisy and Tom, serve, 1925.