Friday, January 20, 2012

In the end of "The Great Gatsby," who ends up getting Daisy? Does she choose Tom or Jay Gatsby? Why?

Daisy really had no plan to ever leave Tom for Gatsby.  She enjoyed the attention she was receiving and also enjoyed the idea that she was getting revenge on Tom.  But she admits herself that she does love Tom, and her attitude and behavior in the hotel stand-off proves that she is grand-standing, and not serious in her affair with Gatsby.

First, she doesn't want Gatsby to reveal the affair:

“I’ve got something to tell YOU, old sport——” began Gatsby. But Daisy guessed at his intention.

“Please don’t!” she interrupted helplessly. “Please let’s all go home. Why don’t we all go home?”

Next, she hesitates to even try and deny Tom:

I never loved him,” she said, with perceptible reluctance.

When Gatsby starts to push the issue, Daisy breaks:

“Oh, you want too much!” she cried to Gatsby.

When Gatsby says that Daisy is leaving, and Tom laughs, that is the only time she tries to suggest that she wants to go.  And it is only in reaction to Tom's disbelief - she wants Tom to react, to fight for her.  Here is her quote:

“I am, though,” she said with a visible effort.

Finally, she begs Tom to stop the argument - not Gatsby:

The voice begged again to go.

“PLEASE, Tom! I can’t stand this any more.”

Her frightened eyes told that whatever intentions, whatever courage, she had had, were definitely gone.

Gatsby was never good enough for her, even with his money, as was clear at his parties.  He just doesn't have status.

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