In The Great Gatsby, Francis Scott Fitzgerald depicts the struggle and the desire for wealth of those who want to reach the high social status, as well as the excessiveness of the wealthy class. In the novel, the temptation of money is the basis of the immoral lives that the majority of the characters lead. The lust for wealth leads to the corruption of fundamental ideals as equality and freedom. Money and material goods determine success in society, creating division and iniquity among people. According to Fitzgerald, money is the root of society’s decadency and the loss of spiritual values, which are considered less important than material possessions. Throughout The Great Gatsby, money is the means through which the characters attempt to
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He dodges emotional commitments.” (131). At first, it appears that his bad judgements are the reflection of his experience in the East Egg. As the novel progresses, he is drawn into the world around him and he sees so much corruption and hypocrisy that he feels forced to change his perception of people. However, the deeper he is sucked into this reality, the less reliable he becomes. Nick knows all about the lying and deception that dominate these relationships. However, he gives the impression that he is very comfortable with this situation. Often, he does not reveal everything he knows. Despite his involvement, Nick shows no sign of moral sensitivity. He chooses to emotionally distance himself from all the troubles, and he demonstrates that he is not inclined to change his non-impartial opinions. I therefore agree with Donaldson’s argument. Nick Carraway is opinionated from the start and he tells us what he wants us to know to suit himself out to be an innocent natured: “everyone suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known” (Fitzgerald, 60). In chapter 9, Jordan admits that she thought he was “an honest, straightforward person”, whereas he is just a careless “bad driver” (Fitzgerald,
He dodges emotional commitments.” (131). At first, it appears that his bad judgements are the reflection of his experience in the East Egg. As the novel progresses, he is drawn into the world around him and he sees so much corruption and hypocrisy that he feels forced to change his perception of people. However, the deeper he is sucked into this reality, the less reliable he becomes. Nick knows all about the lying and deception that dominate these relationships. However, he gives the impression that he is very comfortable with this situation. Often, he does not reveal everything he knows. Despite his involvement, Nick shows no sign of moral sensitivity. He chooses to emotionally distance himself from all the troubles, and he demonstrates that he is not inclined to change his non-impartial opinions. I therefore agree with Donaldson’s argument. Nick Carraway is opinionated from the start and he tells us what he wants us to know to suit himself out to be an innocent natured: “everyone suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known” (Fitzgerald, 60). In chapter 9, Jordan admits that she thought he was “an honest, straightforward person”, whereas he is just a careless “bad driver” (Fitzgerald,