Moral Decay In The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald

Prominently known pastor Charles R. Swindoll once said, “We cannot change our past. We can not change the fact that people act in a certain way. We can not change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.” Similarly, the story of Jay Gatsby illustrates the tragic consequences of trying to recapture the past and overcome societal expectations. The Great Gatsby follows the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy young man who throws extravagant parties in hopes of winning back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. Set in the roaring 1920s, the novel portrays the exotic and luxurious of the era, as well as the moral decay that came with it. As the book slowly reveals Gatsby's past and his relationship

Gatsby asks Nick to invite Daisy to his house for tea, hoping to rekindle their relationship in a more private setting. Gatsby’s desire to recreate the past consumes him, exemplified by his strong desire to meet Daisy. His fixation on Daisy shows his longing to return to a time when they were together. Additionally, with desperation in his voice, Gatsby states, "Can't repeat the past?...Why of course you can!" (Fitzgerald 116). Gatsby believes that, due to his extreme wealth, he can change the past to his desire. This exemplifies how he attempts to relive the past and is too blinded by his desires to see that this is unattainable. All things considered, Gatsby’s attempts to relive the past with Daisy Buchanan display his desperation and unwillingness to let go of the

This is evidenced by the highly extravagant parties that he often throws and how he exhibits his wealth. Such parties aim to impress Daisy in hopes of winning her back. However, in doing so, Gatsby ultimately demonstrates how the American Dream has become more about material success than personal fulfillment. In addition, Gatsby goes to great lengths to fit in with the upper class and win Daisy's love; he changes his name, creates a fictional backstory, and adopts a wealthy persona. This further highlights how the American Dream has become more about image than authenticity. The pursuit of material success and the constant need to present an idealized image have become the driving forces behind the American Dream, and Gatsby embodies this in his