Jay Gatsby is not a great man. He is undoubtedly a very fascinating one because of the mysterious aura that surrounds him. Nick sums it up best when he said that in Gatsby, he saw everything that he despised yet he couldn't help but admire his optimism towards the future. Through the mass of contradictions that are his traits, the bad outweighs the good. Gatsby's moral values are completely materialistic, he has no qualms about committing adultery, and he has trouble letting go of the past. Although Gatsby is driven by money to pursue his dreams, he can't see past the source for his motivation. He feels absolutely no guilt in resuming his affair with Daisy, thus endangering her marriage. Thirdly, Gatsby's refusal to accept the passing of time cost him his love, and ultimately his life.
             First of all, Gatsby can't relate to anything except for money. It is money that fuels his attempt at riches. He is so blinded by it that he stoops to illegal bootlegging and forms a connection with the mob to gain his wealth. Even Gatsby' love for Daisy is illusory. He confuses his love for her with admiration for her wealth, her life of luxury and the elegant way that she carries herself. She came to represent to him the American dream of power and riches. Gatsby even comments that Daisy' laugh, the one thing that he most values about her, sounds like money. Thus, all of Gatsby's connections to reality are based on his pursuit of wealth.
             Secondly, he feels no guilt in breaking up Daisy and Tom's marriage. Driven by his need to possess the American dream, Gatsby risks breaking up the marriage that is Daisy's only source of security. However, Gatsby never thinks twice about his adulterous affair or the feelings of those around him. This greatly illustrates his immoral and selfish ways; not to mention his penance for ruthlessness in accomplishing his goals.
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