Moral Vacancy and it's Derivate From Wealth and Social Standing Within "The Great Gatsby"

Essay by kashkeyHigh School, 12th gradeA, January 2006

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The characters in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, are true examples of how moral vacancy is derived from wealth and higher social standings. This is can be proved by the lack of concern for ones significant other, monetary possessions and the carelessness of people of higher social standings and economic backgrounds.

In the novel there are many relationships that take place, four of which take place within the main characters, Jay Gatsby, Tom and Daisy Buchanan, Nick Carraway and Jordan Baker. Tom and daisy have been married for approximately five years and since they moved East from Chicago Tom has been having an affair with Myrtle Wilson the wife of his supposed friend George Wilson. This extravagant affair is widely known by almost all. This openess can be seen at a dinner party held at the Buchanan's home when Myrtle calls, "You would she would have the decency not to telephone him at dinnertime" (20) says Jordan towards Nick as Daisy leaves the room.

Tom even has the gall to invite and force Nick to accompany him as he and Myrtle go off to their lavish New York apartment to have a mini party with another couple and Myrtles younger sister, Catherine. After months of being together Nick decides to cal it off with Jordan, when he goes to see her, he is not surprised when she reveals that she is already engaged to another man, but he still pretend to be surprised. Jordan even goes on to say "I don't give a damn about you anymore, but it [being together] was an experience for me." (186) The emotional affair that Gatsby and Daisy are involved in over the course of the summer is inevitably the demise of the titled character. When all is reveled in the...