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Essay / Arrogance and moral decadence in The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby, a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and published in 1925, is widely considered a literary masterpiece that reflects decadence and moral decadence moral corruption of the Jazz Age in America. The story centers on Jay Gatsby, a mysterious and wealthy socialite, driven by his immense arrogance and incessant desire to win back his former lover, Daisy Buchanan. Through the portrayal of various characters and their actions, Fitzgerald explores the destructive power of arrogance and its implications on individuals and society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay In The Great Gatsby, arrogance is depicted as a malignant force that distorts reality and leads to self-deception. Jay Gatsby, the epitome of arrogance, fabricates an extravagant lifestyle and assumes a false identity to impress Daisy and prove his worth. His delusions of grandeur blind him to the emptiness and corruption that lie beneath the surface of his glamorous existence. Gatsby's arrogance prevents him from seeing Daisy's true essence, as he is infatuated with an idealized version of her that represents his own quest for perfection and status. Likewise, Tom Buchanan, Daisy's husband and symbol of aristocratic arrogance, exudes a sense of arrogance. a right which blinds him to the consequences of his actions. Tom's superiority complex allows him to engage in extramarital affairs without remorse, believing that his wealth and social status give him immunity from moral responsibility. This arrogance ultimately leads to the collapse of relationships and the tragic events that happen to the characters in the novel. The arrogance in The Great Gatsby is also closely linked to the illusion of the American dream and the pursuit of wealth as a means to achieve happiness and social acceptance. . Gatsby's relentless quest for wealth and status is fueled by his arrogant belief that he can recreate the past and win Daisy's love through material success. However, his blind ambition and arrogance lead to his downfall, highlighting the emptiness of the American dream and the perils of excessive pride. The novel's characters, mesmerized by the opulence and extravagance of the Jazz Age, are trapped in a cycle of pursuit. superficial pleasures and illusions of happiness. They focus on outward symbols of success, such as big parties, luxurious homes, and expensive clothes, while neglecting the deeper values of love, integrity, and authentic connections with others. Their arrogance blinds them to the emptiness and moral decadence that underlies their brilliant lives. The consequences of arrogance in The Great Gatsby are depicted through broken dreams, broken relationships, and moral decadence. Gatsby's arrogant pursuit of his idealized version of Daisy ultimately leads to disillusionment and heartbreak. His determination blinds him to the genuine love and companionship that is within his reach, further perpetuating his isolation and unhappiness. Likewise, Tom's arrogant behavior and lack of empathy contribute to the collapse of his marriage and the tragic outcome of the novel. Additionally, the societal ramifications of arrogance are evident in Fitzgerald's depiction of the upper-class elite. The arrogance and lack of moral compass displayed by characters like Tom and Daisy Buchanan illustrate the corruption and decadence of American society during the Roaring Twenties. The pursuit of material wealth at the expense of human relationships and ethical values ultimately leads to a fractured society where moral bankruptcy reigns. HAS,.