In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby immorality is a recurring theme that foreshadows decisions made by influential characters. For example, Tom Buchanan uses immoral judgment in his marriage with Daisy. He pursues a woman of lower status for his own selfish desires. In contrast, Myrtle Wilson is immoral in her marriage to her husband because of her greedy conscience. “She smiled slowly and, walking through her husband as if he were a ghost, shook hands with Tom, looking him flush in the eye”. Myrtle’s actions and behaviors when her husband was present reflect the poor decisions she has made with Tom.
Another example of immorality in The Great Gatsby is seen in the business transactions between Gatsby and Meyer Wolfshiem. When Nick goes out to lunch with Gatsby, and meets Meyer for the first time, he is skeptical about their relationship. “Meyer Wolfsheim? No, he’s a gambler.’ Gatsby hesitated, then added coolly: ‘He’s the man who fixed the World’s Series back in 1919.’ ‘Fixed the World’s Series?’ I repeated. The idea staggered me.” Nick is perplexed by the idea that Gatsby would know someone so scandalous.
Throughout the story Gatsby is known as a rich and powerful man but we are given a brief look at his family and true background. When the reader is introduced to Gatsby’s first apprentice, Dan Cody, we are surprised by his similar features and manners in respect to the way he handles himself. At the end of the novel, the reader meets Gatsby’s father, Mr. Gatz. Earlier in the story, Gatsby told Nick that he had inherited all his money and his whole family is dead. This is a good example of how immoral lies lead to lonely and unexpected ends.
In conclusion, Tom’s immorality with marriage, Gatsby’s immorality with money making and lies about his past led to an unfortunate end to the Great Gatsby.
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