Corruption can be defined as dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a classic example of the theme of corruption through its portrayal of people and society as a whole. Set during the 1920’s, Fitzgerald displays the great lengths at which people would go to climb the social pyramid for both love and wealth. Although the “Roaring 20’s” were considered a time of economic prosperity for many American citizens, it was also a time accompanied by greed and cynicism. Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby are two characters that have some corrupt features in the novel. Corruption can also be related to major themes in the novel such as Gatsby’s dream better known as the “American Dream” Tom Buchanan was born with corruption and wealth in his blood. His idea of his own superiority is innate so he …show more content…
Throughout the 1920’s, many people were involved in illegal activities because of things such as prohibition. Prohibition was a legislative act that banned the sale of alcohol in the United States which frustrated many wealthy citizens because they saw alcohol as a way of life. Because of Gatsby’s immense amount of money, rumors rang throughout his extravagant parties about where it may have come from, one suspicion being bootlegging. To bolster these suspicions, Gatsby was involved in business with some dubious figures, such as Meyer Wolfsheim. Wolfsheim was a mafia-man, who rigged the 1919 World Series, and was involved in bootlegging operations. Readers can use context clues, like Gatsby’s attempt to evade the subject of his business, to conclude that he has acquired his money from the illegal transport of alcohol. The novel states, “For when I asked him (Gatsby) what business he was in, he answered, ‘That's my affair’”. With this information, the “Great” Gatsby is no longer great, but he is