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Seven Deadly Sins In The Great Gatsby

1793 Words8 Pages

What does it take for a person to be truly evil? Is there such a thing as truly evil people? Do perfect role models exist? Each of these questions are prominent and reoccurring throughout the book The Great Gatsby and have significant meaning to the message that the author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, is attempting to convey. Fitzgerald uses several of his characters as a portrayal of the seven deadly sins and the cardinal virtues throughout the novel. Throughout The Great Gatsby, Tom Buchanan is used to embody the seven deadly sins, Nick Carraway represents the cardinal virtues, and Jay Gatsby displaying both positive and negative character traits, symbolizes human nature.
Around the year six hundred, Pope Gregory I defined the seven deadly …show more content…

The novel frequently referenced instances where Tom lashes out due to pure rage combined with alcohol abuse. Tom is described as a drunk, and often allows himself to consume more alcohol than the average person. As Tom is naturally a confrontational person, it never bodes well for him to be intoxicated in the presence of others. For instance, during a small altercation with his lover, Myrtle Wilson, Tom punches her in a jealous fit of anger, breaking her nose. A similar event occurs later in the book with his wife, Daisy, although the cause of the fight is unclear. Nevertheless, it is evident that alcohol was involved, and Tom was drunk. It is apparent that many of Tom’s relationships suffer from his uncontrollable, excessive drinking combined with his outrageous fits of …show more content…

Many of the characters express lust for others, however, they lack the true feeling of love. Nick proves his compassion and care for others in his loyalty to Jay Gatsby. Without truly meeting him, Nick is willing to carry out a favor for Gatsby, no questions asked, as he recognizes the importance of helping others. He is often there for Gatsby, not only physically, but also emotionally, when he needs it most. It is due to Nick’s genuine empathy, humanity, and kindness that readers are able to better identify with him, and use him as a moral

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Tom Buchanan As A Villain In The Great Gatsby

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The Importance Of Virtue In The Great Gatsby

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