Examples Of Moral Decay In The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a book about a young man named Jay Gatsby chasing his dream of getting the “perfect” girl. Daisy however, loved Gatsby although she was married to Tom. Daisy was not the only one with a secret, Tom was involved with Myrtle, George Wilson’s wife. While Nick, the narrator, and Jordan Baker, Daisy’s best friend, are in a way, together. In the Great Gatsby, the theme of moral decay in this society is reflected in each of the three principals, lying, affairs, and illegal activities. The first principal of moral decay is, lying, which is something almost all of the characters are sadly involved in. In the beginning of the book it is revealed that Tom and Myrtle cannot stand the people they are married to.

It all started when, “Gatsby went to Daisy’s house with other officers from Camp Taylor, then alone”(Fitzgerald 148), “He found her excitingly desirable”(Fitzgerald 148). He let Daisy think that they were in the same social class and was able to take care of her. Not to mention Gatsby was so in love with her and also felt married to her, although he could not believe it, but he had to leave for war and while he was gone she found Tom. Daisy was of course, flattered by his wholesome bulkiness about his person and his position” and that is the only time she loved Tom, when they first fell in love. Nevertheless, Gatsby never gave up on Daisy when he got back from the war. He bought a house that was right across from hers so she is able to gaze at her from a distance until they meet again. The first time they really meet is at Nicks house, even though Daisy was married to Tom, she was falling in love with Gatsby again. After they spend more time together, “He wanted nothing the less of Daisy than that she should go to Tom and say: “I never loved you.” After she had obliterated four years with that sentence they could decide upon the more practical measures to be taken”(Fitzgerald 109). Gatsby wanted to forget the past and run off with her to Louisville, just as if it were five years ago. Gatsby and Daisy’s affair is