Examples Of The 7 Deadly Sins In The Great Gatsby

1046 Words5 Pages
The Deadly Sins In the novel, The Great Gatsby, the setting is of the 1920’s, a time of great wealth, glamour, and prosperity. Although the 1920’s seemed like an ideal world for the wealthy and common people, full of luxury and happiness, there was still much imperfection. In the Roman Catholic Church, a key concept of defeat is The Seven Deadly Sins. Scott Fitzgerald shows how pride, gluttony, and greed can ultimately lead to selfish desires that have tragic consequences. As the whole nation celebrated winning World War I, a booming economy, and their country, Jay Gatsby was celebrating a different type of dignity. Gatsby was no stranger when it came to pride, nor was he a stranger to flaunting it. He was wealthy, had a nice house, was well known, and everyone envied him for what he possessed. Gatsby would flaunt his money and wealth by saying comments like, “My house…show more content…
However the one thing he desired most that money could never buy was his love and passion for Daisy. Gatsby believed that he could win the love of the woman he longed for by showering her with materialistic items. Tom also took great pride in his earnings and believed he was a better man because of them. He exclaims, “Now don’t think my opinion on this matter is final just because I’m stronger and more of a man than you are” (Fitzgerald). He, along with Gatsby feels content with the unnecessary materialistic items that he owns. Tom commits the sin of adultery, as well, and takes pride in his mistress. Nick states that, “he had one [ mistress who ] was insisted upon wherever he was known. His acquaintances resented the fact that he turned up in popular restaurants with her and, leaving her at a table, sauntered about, chatting with whomever he knew”
Open Document