Morality in The Great Gatsby is a complex theme, woven into the fabric of the characters' lives and actions. The novel presents a world where traditional moral values are overshadowed by materialism and the pursuit of personal desires. Characters like Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby navigate a moral landscape where wealth and status often dictate actions, leading to a decay of ethical standards. Through their stories, Fitzgerald critiques the moral corruption inherent in the American Dream.

Daisy Buchanan's actions exemplify the moral decay in the novel. Her affair with Gatsby, conducted openly when her husband is absent, highlights her disregard for marital fidelity. Daisy's suggestion to Jordan to kiss Nick further underscores her belief that such behavior is acceptable because others do it too. This reflects a broader societal acceptance of immorality among the wealthy, where personal desires trump ethical considerations.

The characters in The Great Gatsby often act without moral restraint, driven by privilege and a sense of exceptionalism. This is evident in the tragic events leading to Myrtle's death and Gatsby's murder, where the elite's sense of superiority fails to shield them from the consequences of their actions. Tom, Daisy, and Jordan escape punishment, yet their involvement in immoral acts is undeniable. The novel portrays a world where wealth and social status justify unethical behavior, leading to a cycle of moral decay.

The materialism of the East creates the tragedy of destruction, dishonesty, and fear. No values exist in such an environment.

The relationship between morality and wealth is central to the novel. Characters like Tom and Myrtle justify their actions through their pursuit of material success. Tom's affair with Myrtle and his disdain for her husband, George Wilson, highlight how wealth erases moral boundaries. Similarly, Gatsby's illegal activities to amass wealth for Daisy's love illustrate how the pursuit of the American Dream can lead to moral corruption. The novel suggests that wealth often corrupts, blurring the lines between right and wrong.

Gatsby's character embodies the moral ambiguity present in the novel. While he is a dreamer and romantic, his methods are questionable. His pursuit of Daisy involves deceit and the willingness to break up a marriage. Despite his flaws, Gatsby's unwavering belief in his dream and his innocence in the face of adversity evoke sympathy. Nick's evolving perception of Gatsby reflects his own moral growth, as he learns to empathize with Gatsby's complex nature.

[Nick] tells him he is better than the “whole rotten bunch put together.”

This statement captures Nick's moral journey, as he chooses to see the good in Gatsby despite his flaws. The novel ultimately portrays a world where morality is subjective, shaped by personal desires and societal pressures. Through its characters, The Great Gatsby explores the fragile nature of morality in a world driven by wealth and ambition.