Gatsby - Chapter Seven

The two posts that were made about chapter seven mainly focused on Gatsby's dream crashing down around him and Tom's hypocrisy when dealing with his wife's affair with Gatsby. Although both are extremely important points, I believe that this scene was also a huge revelation of Daisy's character.

Daisy, of course, is beautiful. She is delicate and lovely and captivating, but she is very imperfect. Her voice, which is praised throughout the novel, is finally said to be "full of money" (120) by Gatsby himself. Nick in turn realizes that money "was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it." (120) Daisy is so irresistible because of her looks and most importantly her money and status. Furthermore she is commanding and critical of her husband: "'Open another window,' commanded Daisy, without turning around." (126) Again, Daisy attacks Tom: "Now see here, Tom... If you're going to make personal remarks I won't stay here a minute. Call up and order some ice for the mint julep." (127) Daisy's hostility may stem from being pampered all her life or perhaps her hostility toward Tom is her indirect reaction to being cheated on, but either way, it is a particularly unattractive quality that seems to be forgiven or classified as a general multitude of a woman's fancies that must be satisfied.

And speaking of being Tom's multiple affairs, Daisy's reluctant-ness to leave Tom is surprising after she has been given the opportunity to leave with Gatsby who has secretly and unwaveringly loved her for five years. She cries multiple times "Please don't! Let's all go home," (130) wishing to avoid the broached conflict of her affair. This makes me wonder if she enjoys being lusted after by Gatsby while being married to Tom. Perhaps the secrecy was thrilling, but I belive that she enjoys the ego boost; Daisy takes advantage of the effect she tends to have on men until they are eating out of the palm of her hand, but her confidence wavers when she is at risk of losing control of a situation (a quality very much like her husband).

Over all, Daisy's excessive love of herself and her image make it impossible to truly love someone. Her reputation is too spotless withstand the event of her being seen with someone below her or off-limits, which explains why her scandal with Gatsby causes her to react with such emotional indecision.

Upon arriving in the salon of the Buchanan's mansion, Nick immediately observes Daisy and Jordan: "[They] lay upon an enormous couch, like silver idols weighing down their own white dresses against the singing breeze of the fans" (115). This is perhaps the most accurate description of Daisy we have seen thus far; she is merely an idol that has been falsely worshiped by Gatsby, Tom and even Nick.