Throughout F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, the theme of moral decay looms large. The characters in the novel are trapped in a world of materialism, greed, and superficiality, which ultimately leads to the deterioration of their morals. This essay will explore the various instances of moral decay in the novel and analyze their implications on the characters and society as a whole. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One of the most prominent examples of moral decay in The Great Gatsby is seen through the character of Tom Buchanan. Tom is portrayed as a rich and powerful man who uses his status to manipulate and dominate others. He engages in extramarital affairs without any remorse, treating his wife Daisy with contempt. This moral decay is evident in a dialogue between Tom and Daisy, where he nonchalantly dismisses her concerns about his infidelity, stating, "I have a nice place here and I intend to keep it." (Fitzgerald, 15) Tom's lack of moral values ​​and disregard for the feelings of others highlight the decadence of the upper class society in which he thrives. Another example of moral decay can be seen through the character of Jay Gatsby. Gatsby, although initially portrayed as an enigmatic and mysterious figure, is ultimately revealed to be a man driven by his obsession with wealth and status. He throws lavish parties in an attempt to win back the love of Daisy, who represents for him the epitome of wealth and social status. Gatsby's pursuit of material success ultimately leads to his downfall, as he becomes trapped in a web of lies and deceit. This moral decay is evident in Gatsby's willingness to engage in illegal activities and associate with shady characters to achieve his goals. The moral decay in The Great Gatsby extends beyond individual characters and permeates the entire society depicted in the novel. The 1920s, also known as the Roaring '20s, were a time of great social and economic change in America. The period following the First World War brought with it a sense of disillusionment and a desire for instant gratification. This is reflected in the characters' obsession with wealth, parties and material possessions. The pursuit of the American dream, which promises success and happiness to those who work hard, becomes distorted and corrupted in the world of the novel. The moral decay of society is best exemplified in the extravagant parties thrown by Gatsby, where guests indulge in excessive drinking, promiscuity, and superficial conversation. The implications of this moral decay are far-reaching. Fitzgerald uses the characters from The Great Gatsby to criticize the emptiness and superficiality of the American dream. The pursuit of material success and social status comes at the expense of authentic human connections and moral values. The novel's characters are trapped in a cycle of hedonism and self-indulgence, which ultimately leads to their downfall. This critique of the American Dream and society's moral decay serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of excess and superficiality. In conclusion, The Great Gatsby portrays a world of decadent morals, where characters are consumed by the pursuit of wealth, status, and instant gratification. Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby, as well as the society in which they exist, exemplify this moral decay. The novel serves as a critique of the emptiness and superficiality of the American dream, highlighting the negative consequences of materialism and superficiality. By exploring the theme of moral decay, Fitzgerald pushes readers to reflect on their own, 1925.