Conflicting ideals in The Great Gatsby Throughout the world, societies can become cruel and unjustified machines. In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, the morality of a society is clearly revealed through the choices and consequences its characters experience. The two societies within the novel, West Egg and East Egg, create an atmosphere of contrasting ideals and morals, therefore completely opposite from each other. Three examples will be provided to support the thesis stated above. First, Jay Gatsby, arguably the main character, is involved in a series of criminal activities. Secondly, Tom and Daisy Buchanan are a true symbol of how the morals of their society are revealed through their actions. Finally Nick Carraway, the narrator, is sincere and innocent in a society gone mad. These three points will be elaborated below. First, Jay Gatsby, formerly known as Jay Gatz, is a figure of the corruption of the American dream. He is an illegal smuggler, an acquaintance of gamblers and swindlers. His activities are constantly denounced by Tom Buchanan throughout the novel. His criminal activities reveal the morality of the society of the past. His lavish and extravagant parties are another symbol of the morality of his society. In the early evening, people are happy, dancing all night and generally having a good time. But the party's façade quickly fades and the true nature of these events is revealed. People get drunk, swim in the pool to sober up, spouses argue and argue over non-sequential issues. And when all this is over, the floor will be covered in orange rings, spilled cocktails and nostalgia for other parties. This is all a trick, so that Gatsby can receive Daisy's in... middle of paper... saddened by the coldness of people who begrudgingly care about the funeral. Of all the people who attend the celebrations, four attend the funeral. Thus, the choices and consequences of Nick's experience clearly define the morality of the two societies. In summary, the morality of a society is revealed through the actions of its inhabitants. First, Jay Gatsby, is involved in a number of criminal activities and is the father figure of the corruption of the American dream. Secondly, Tom and Daisy Buchanan, are a true symbol of how the morals of East Egg society are revealed by their actions. Finally, Nick Carraway, is truly an innocent in a myriad of scheming scammers and swindlers. Therefore, their unjustified beliefs truly define the morality of a society which is clearly revealed through the choices and consequences of its characters from within..