Character Analysis of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, revolves around wealthy New Yorkers living in the 1920s, or the “jazz age”. Tom and Daisy Buchanan are incredibly rich from inheriting family money, unlike Jay Gatsby who worked his way, although possibly illegally, to his fame and riches. The only motive on his mind was to impress Daisy, whom he fell in love with years ago. What he fails to realize is that Daisy never wanted her husband, Tom, or her pursuer, Gatsby; she wanted whoever could meet her need for material wealth. She is very self-centered, desperate for attention, will act only for her own benefit, and can attract people easily with her charm. Nick goes as far as to tell her, “You make me feel uncivilized, Daisy,” (Fitzgerald, 12).
Daisy possesses a strong desire for wealth, which comes from being raised in a sophisticated, rich background. She is well accustomed to a wealthy lifestyle. Jordan recalls her memories of eighteen-year-old Daisy and how “the largest of the banners and the largest of the lawns belonged to Daisy Fay’s house. She was … by far the most popular of all the young girls in Louisville,” (Fitzgerald, 74). When Gatsby and Daisy met years ago, she may have loved Gatsby at one point in time, but he was not rich. She married Tom soon after, because he was richer and could afford luxuries like “a cheerful red-and-white Georgian Colonial mansion, overlooking the bay” (Fitzgerald, 6). In the long run, Daisy Buchanan cared more for material wealth than she ever did for both Tom and Gatsby.
In chapter seven, Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan try to determine whom Daisy truly loves. Jay demands that she tell everyone that she never actually loved Tom, but Tom wishes for her to show Gatsby that he is the only one ...

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...ith its fluctuating, feverish warmth, because it couldn’t be over-dreamed—that voice was a death-less song,” (Fitzgerald, 96). Gatsby was so enchanted by Daisy’s voice because it was the one thing that could exceed his abnormally high expectations. She uses her charm to tether in both Tom and Gatsby whom she uses as she needs.
Daisy Buchanan, as lovely as she is, has more negative qualities than positive. She craves attention from both Tom and Gatsby, but she does not love either of them. Her charming voice kept Jay Gatsby longing for her for so many years, but in the end he is disappointed as Daisy choses Tom over him. Tom should not be so satisfied, because there is evidence that Daisy only chose Tom for his wealth and power. She is self-centered and acted only for herself when she chose Tom, because she was running away from the blame of Myrtle Wilson’s death.

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