The Role Of Corruption In The Great Gatsby

It is often said that wealth is the key to happiness. However, wealth does not just include money. Wealth consists of multiple elements such as wellness, love, as well as money. Jay Gatsby has an innocent dream, but this leads him living a hollow life full of corruption and selfishness. He hasn’t made any positive effects on his world around him and his selfishness leads to him living an unhappy life lacking real purpose. Jay Gatsby is undoubtedly a foolish dreamer. One of the first times we question Gatsby motivations is in the parties he throws. “…the halls and salons and verandas are gaudy with primary colors, and hair shorn in strange new ways…the bar is in full swing…the opera of voices pitches a key higher.” (40) You would think Gatsby throws these impressive people for the social aspect partying and the social aspect it brings. However, this is simply not the case. The sole reason Gatsby throws these unbelievable parties is to attract Daisy. He doesn’t care about the guests there nor does he really know them. He shows a complete disregard for the money he has made and his quality of friends. His thoughtless and wasteful lifestyle has a lot to do with his undoing. …show more content…
A quote from Tom Buchanan reveals this to Nick, Jordan and Daisy. “He and this Wolfsheim bought up a lot of side-street drug stores here and in Chicago and sold grain alcohol over the counter. That’s one of his little stunts. I picked him for a bootlegger the first time I saw him, and I wasn’t far wrong.” (133) Gatsby will go to the extremes to acquire wealth and get Daisy back. Even if this means engaging in criminal activities that could endanger his health, wealth, and reputation. Throughout the book, Gatsby continues to become the epitome of the foolish dreamer through his careless actions and ways of