Why Do You Suppose Fitzgerald Links The Behavior

Why Does Fitzgerald Link the Behavior of Gatsby and Tom? A Deep Dive into Moral Decay in The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby isn't simply a tragic love story; it's a potent commentary on the moral decay lurking beneath the glittering facade of the Roaring Twenties. Central to this critique is the striking parallel between Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan, two men seemingly worlds apart yet bound by a disturbingly similar moral compass. This essay will explore the intricate ways Fitzgerald links their behaviors, arguing that this parallel serves to expose the pervasive emptiness and destructive nature of the American Dream's corrupted pursuit. We'll delve into their shared characteristics, contrasting their approaches to achieving their desires while highlighting the devastating consequences of their actions.

The Illusion of Success: Shared Roots of Moral Failure

Both Gatsby and Tom embody the American Dream's twisted manifestation in the Jazz Age. They are both wealthy, powerful men who command respect, at least superficially. However, a closer examination reveals that their wealth is built on morally questionable foundations, obscuring a deep-seated emptiness and a profound lack of genuine connection.

Gatsby's Ill-gotten Gains:

Gatsby’s wealth, the very symbol of his success, is inextricably linked to his morally compromised past. His fortune, amassed through bootlegging and other illicit activities, is a tainted representation of the American Dream. He built his empire on breaking the law, suggesting that his pursuit of wealth overshadowed any sense of ethical conduct. Fitzgerald subtly underscores this by contrasting Gatsby's ostentatious displays of wealth with the underlying illegality of its source. His extravagant parties, filled with unknown faces and shallow revelry, highlight the superficiality of his success, a stark contrast to the genuine connection he desperately craves. The very opulence intended to impress Daisy masks the hollowness at the core of his being.

Tom's Old Money Arrogance:

Tom, on the other hand, represents the established elite, inheriting his wealth and social status. He doesn't need to resort to illegal activities to maintain his opulent lifestyle. Yet, his moral corruption stems from a different, equally insidious source: his unshakeable sense of entitlement and inherent arrogance. His infidelity, his casual cruelty towards Daisy and Myrtle, and his blatant disregard for the law all stem from a belief that his social position grants him immunity from consequences. His careless attitude towards others exposes the corrosive effects of unchecked privilege, demonstrating that wealth doesn't automatically equate to moral integrity. He uses his power to manipulate and control, highlighting how inherited wealth can foster a sense of entitlement and disregard for others.

The Pursuit of Daisy: A Shared Obsession, Divergent Approaches

Both Gatsby and Tom are driven by their obsession with Daisy, though their approaches differ significantly. This shared desire, however, serves to illuminate the destructive consequences of their flawed morality.

Gatsby's Romantic Idealization:

Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy is romanticized and idealized. He has spent five years recreating himself, transforming from a poor, ambitious young man into a wealthy, powerful figure all in the hope of winning her back. His unwavering faith in the possibility of recapturing the past, of reliving a lost love, blinds him to Daisy's true nature and the reality of their situation. This romantic idealization, however, ultimately fuels his destructive behavior. He believes that by achieving wealth and status, he can recapture a past that is irrevocably gone, demonstrating the self-deception inherent in his pursuit. His unwavering belief in the redemptive power of material success is ultimately his downfall.

Tom's Entitled Possession:

Tom’s relationship with Daisy is characterized by a sense of ownership and control. He doesn't actively pursue her in the same obsessive way as Gatsby; he simply assumes her loyalty and his right to possess her. His infidelities are not acts of passion, but rather expressions of his entitlement and disregard for her feelings. He represents the toxic masculinity of the era, wielding his power and wealth to control Daisy and maintain his dominance. His lack of remorse, his casual dismissal of his infidelity, highlights the profound moral bankruptcy at the heart of his character.

The Consequences of Shared Moral Failure: A Devastating Parallel

The parallels between Gatsby and Tom extend beyond their shared motivations. Their actions have devastating consequences, not only for themselves but for those around them.

Destruction and Violence:

Both men are capable of violence, though they express it differently. Tom’s violence is more overt and physical, exemplified by his brutish treatment of Myrtle Wilson. Gatsby’s violence, however, is more insidious and indirect, a consequence of his desperate pursuit of an unattainable dream. His illegal activities and his willingness to bend the rules for Daisy directly contribute to the tragic events that unfold. The ultimate consequence, the death of Gatsby, is a direct result of the entangled web of deceit and violence they both create.

The Collateral Damage:

The tragic deaths of Myrtle and Gatsby serve as a chilling illustration of the collateral damage caused by their shared moral failings. These deaths are not accidental; they are direct consequences of their actions and the destructive consequences of their obsession with Daisy. Their disregard for others' feelings and their self-serving actions result in irreparable damage to those around them. The tragedy highlights the broader social consequences of unchecked ambition and moral decay.

Fitzgerald's Critique: Beyond Individual Characters

Fitzgerald's linking of Gatsby and Tom transcends a simple character comparison; it serves as a broader commentary on the societal ills of the Jazz Age. The similarities between these two men underscore the pervasiveness of moral decay within the wealthy elite and the destructive nature of the American Dream’s corrupted pursuit.

The Illusion of the American Dream:

The novel exposes the hollowness at the heart of the American Dream, demonstrating how its pursuit can lead to moral compromise and ultimately, destruction. Both Gatsby and Tom represent different facets of this corrupted dream: Gatsby chasing an unattainable past through ill-gotten gains, and Tom embodying the destructive arrogance of inherited wealth. The tragic consequences of their actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing material success over ethical conduct.

Social Commentary and Critique:

Fitzgerald's novel isn't just a story about two men; it's a powerful social critique of the era's moral landscape. By highlighting the similarities between Gatsby and Tom, he exposes the inherent flaws within a system that prioritizes wealth and status over genuine human connection and ethical behavior. The novel serves as a warning against the seductive allure of wealth and the potential for its corrosive effects on the human spirit.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy of Moral Ambiguity

The striking parallels between Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan are not accidental; they are central to Fitzgerald's critique of the American Dream and the moral decay of the Roaring Twenties. By highlighting their shared characteristics, their contrasting approaches to achieving their desires, and the devastating consequences of their actions, Fitzgerald forces readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about wealth, power, and the elusive nature of happiness. The lasting power of The Great Gatsby lies not only in its tragic love story but also in its profound exploration of moral ambiguity and the enduring consequences of a corrupted pursuit of the American Dream. The link between Gatsby and Tom serves as a stark reminder of the potential for self-destruction when the pursuit of success overshadows ethical considerations and genuine human connection. The tragedy of their intertwined stories continues to resonate with readers today, serving as a timeless exploration of the human condition and the enduring allure of a flawed ideal.