Examples Of Moral Decay In The Great Gatsby

In the novel, The Great Gatsby, moral decay is shown through various actions of the characters. Nick Carraway, the narrator, witnesses these sinful actions of the other characters but does not do anything to stop it. Lying, cheating, illegal activity, and multiple affairs take place throughout the story. Not only are the characters aware of their sins but do not make an effort to stop them. The summer of 1922 is filled with so much moral decay in which God is a witness to. The first incidence of moral decay in the novel is shown through the multiple affairs of the characters. Tom is married to Daisy but still has a mistress named Myrtle. Myrtle is married to a lower class man who she believed to be a gentleman. Through these multiple affairs, the characters do not show any regrets and lack morality. Tom is also an abusive man not only to Daisy but to Myrtle as well, “Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her [Myrtle] nose with his open hand,” (Fitzgerald 37). Tom and Myrtle are prime examples of moral decay in this novel.

Gatsby shows moral decay through his illegal activities that he is involved in with Wolfsheim. Gatsby’s less than moral activities become clear to Nick when Wolfsheim says, “I understand you’re looking for a business gonnegtion. The juxtaposition of these two remarks was starling. Gatsby answered for me: “Oh no,” he exclaimed, “this isn’t the man,” (Fitzgerald 70-71). Understanding that Gatsby is involved with illegal affairs, Nick realizes where all his money came from. The way in which Gatsby acquires his wealth is another example of moral