F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Critique of the American Upper Class in The Great Gatsby and Its Moral Corruption

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Critique of the American Upper Class in The Great Gatsby and Its Moral Corruption

In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald offers a sharp critique of the American upper class, exposing their moral corruption, shallowness, and self-destructive tendencies. The novel’s portrayal of the Buchanans—Tom and Daisy—serves as a commentary on the emptiness that accompanies wealth and privilege, particularly in a society that prizes material success over moral integrity.

Tom Buchanan is a prime example of the morally bankrupt elite. His infidelity with Myrtle Wilson, his racist attitudes, and his blatant disregard for the feelings of others showcase the moral decay that comes with unchecked privilege. Tom’s sense of entitlement and his belief in his own superiority are not only rooted in his inherited wealth but also in his belief that the rules of morality do not apply to him. Daisy, while seemingly more refined, is equally morally corrupt, choosing to stay with Tom despite his infidelities and emotional neglect, as it offers her security and stability over the uncertain future that Gatsby promises.

The novel critiques the idea that wealth and social status are synonymous with happiness or virtue. The Buchanans’ carelessness and lack of accountability, both in their personal lives and in the way they treat Gatsby and others, reflect the moral hollowness of the American upper class. Through characters like Tom and Daisy, Fitzgerald illustrates the dangers of a society that places wealth and status above ethics, where individuals can escape responsibility for their actions due to their economic privilege.