Gatsby Moral Corruption

Our world is constantly evolving. Society consists of values and morals that people follow and prosper beneath. In the 1920s, there was a breakthrough. American citizens adopted a new perspective on society and the American Dream rooted in materialism, consumerism and sensationalism. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald sheds light on this new America. Although in a drunken perspective- distorted reality being an overlying theme- his narrator Nick construes a clear depiction of America’s new system of values within two opposite party scenes. Jay Gatsby’s parties are almost ineffable. Flashy and extravagant, everyone who is anyone longs to be included in these highlighted affairs. On the other hand, Tom Buchanan’s gathering is more somber, consisting

of a smaller guest list, held in his apartment. Both parties start off in high spirits, yet end in disaster as havoc ensues, tears flooding the room. Helping themselves to alcohol at both events, guests are sustained by the generosity of their hosts. While both parties differ in size and guest list, they together reinforce Fitzgerald’s theme that the American Dream is a dream driven by moral corruption, the illusion of happiness, and materialism.
Gatsby and Tom’s parties both depict moral corruption (through the various actions of characters).

Embodied through this societal feature are unflattering aspects such as nihilism, infidelity, judgement, domestic abuse and even homicide. In The Great Gatsby, Tom is having a love affair with Myrtle, a woman of lower stratum. Although aware, his wife Daisy looks the other way as she is not decisive or self-sufficient. At Tom and Myrtle’s party, Catherine, a guest, was spreading gossip about their infidelity. “It’s really his wife keeping them apart. She’s a Catholic and they don’t believe in divorce” (Fitzgerald 35). Catherine heard this lie from Tom. Deceit among people was common and drama was prevalent. Tom had been lying to Daisy about cheating on her with Myrtle, conversely telling Myrtle his wife’s Catholicism prevented a mutual desire for divorce. Nevertheless, Tom’s bad morality due to its norm in society caused him to think nothing of the lie, as he was trying to court a woman. Repeatedly Myrtle mentioned Daisy’s name, disobeying Tom’s wishes. Tom’s truculent nature resulted in him lashing out, as he “...broke her nose with his open hand” (39). Blood splat everywhere. Nick witnessed the scenario unfold yet kept silent. This abusive nature demonstrates the deteriorating respect for women in a domestic environment, and lack of conduct as gentlemen. It also paints the sexist picture that women inflict pain verbally, and men physically. On the other hand, Gatsby’s party

involves guests in a state of delusion with altered and critical judgement. Women conversing at the party discuss their ominous host Gatsby, wondering what he does. “Somebody told me they thought he killed a man once” (46) is one woman’s scandalous theory; whereas another woman interrupts with the claim that he was a “German spy in the war…” (46), eluding authority. These theories encompasses the fact Gatsby is mysterious, with no one knowing his real profession. Therefore, the possibility of Gatsby achieving the American Dream through illegitimate wealth proves newfound moral corruption in society. Lastly, “I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known” (63) is Nick’s opinion on himself. Evidently, this addresses people’s inability to think straight due to what morality had come to be. He acts frivolous and self absorbed, corrupted by delusion. Fitzgerald’s recurring examples of moral corruption in both party scenes demonstrate its influence on society and incorporation into the American Dream during this tumultuous era.
Reality is not based on appearance, and appearance is not based in reality. The illusion of happiness presents itself in both party scenes through dialogue.This illusion surrounded the American Dream and society at the time. Happiness is envied, attempted to be obtained through the purchase of lavish goods or drinking alcohol incessantly. Superficiality is common among people, as self image is important in society. Gatsby impresses his guests with an intricate library lined with books that “...have pages and everything” (50). “What realism! Knew when to stop too- didn’t cut the pages…” (50), exclaimed his guest, addressing the fact all these books were unopened. Gatsby leads people to believe he is a well-read Oxford scholar, yet it is only a façade. He himself, is an unopened book. In reality, Gatsby is not, validating the idea of fraudulent self image prevalent in society.