Thursday, December 6, 2012

In The Great Gatsby, what is Daisy’s real response to Gatsby's party, according to Nick?

Daisy is a character that we want so much to like, but she proves time and again just what kind of woman she really is. According to Nick, Daisy is offended by the party because she thinks it wasn't a gesture but an emotion. We see that Daisy does not have much fun at the party, the only time she enjoyed was the few moments she was alone with Gatsby. Daisy shows her snobbish side while at the party. 


We know that Gatsby is in love with Daisy, or at least the thought of her. We want Daisy to be deserving of Gatsby's love and devotion, but she just doesn't prove that she is. Throughout the novel, we see Daisy as a snob and self absorbed. We come to learn that Daisy is selfish and self serving. She has grown up around money, so she expects people to act a certain way, and when they don't, she becomes judgmental. Gatsby has done things he probably shouldn't have done, but he did these things to prove himself to Daisy. It is a sad concept that Gatsby thinks he has to prove his worthiness to her. 


Daisy looks down on people with new money. She comes from old money and holds herself to a different standard than those who have just come into money. In one way, we can feel for Daisy. She was raised a certain way and was taught how she was suppose to act. This is the only way of life she knows, so we can see, in some small way, why she is the way she is, but when real love comes to her, she turns her back on it. This kind of love comes along so rarely, and Daisy, because of her selfishness and being a part of the elite, doesn't trust the real love that is offered to her. That is the real tragedy.

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