Analysis of Daisy and Tom's Dream in The Great Gatsby

The concept of the American Dream has been a recurring theme in literature, representing the pursuit of happiness, success, and wealth. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, explores this theme through the dreams of its characters, especially Daisy and Tom Buchanan. While their dreams may initially seem aligned with the traditional American Dream, a closer analysis reveals the corruption and emptiness that underlie their aspirations. This essay will delve into Daisy and Tom's dreams, examining their motivations, the consequences of their pursuit, and the implications for the larger themes of the novel.

The Elusive Nature of Daisy's Dream

One of the central questions in The Great Gatsby is: what is Daisy's dream? Throughout the novel, Daisy is portrayed as a symbol of unattainable beauty and wealth, embodying the allure of the American Dream. However, her dream remains ambiguous and ever-changing, reflecting the shallow nature of her desires.

Daisy's initial dream seems to revolve around love and happiness. She is infatuated with Jay Gatsby, a man who represents the epitome of success and wealth. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Daisy's dream is not centered around true love, but rather the material comforts that come with it. She is willing to marry Tom Buchanan, a wealthy man, despite her lingering feelings for Gatsby. This choice reveals Daisy's true priorities: she values the security and opulence that Tom can provide over the emotional connection she shares with Gatsby.

Daisy's dream is further distorted by her societal expectations. As a member of the upper class, she is trapped in a world of privilege and entitlement. Her dream becomes a façade, as she is expected to conform to the norms and expectations of her social circle. This pressure forces Daisy to sacrifice her own desires and conform to the shallow values of the wealthy elite.

The Illusion of Tom's Dream

While Daisy's dream is characterized by ambiguity and shallowness, Tom Buchanan's dream is built on a foundation of power and dominance. As a wealthy and privileged man, Tom believes that he is entitled to both material wealth and control over others. His dream is one of superiority, where he can exert his influence and assert his dominance over those around him.

Tom's dream is exemplified through his affair with Myrtle Wilson, a working-class woman. His relationship with Myrtle allows him to indulge in his desire for power and control, as he can manipulate and dominate her. However, this dream ultimately leads to destruction and tragedy. Tom's pursuit of power blinds him to the consequences of his actions, causing him to neglect his wife and ultimately leading to Myrtle's death.

Furthermore, Tom's dream is revealed to be an illusion. Despite his wealth and privilege, he is unable to find true happiness or fulfillment. His dream is hollow, driven by a need for superiority rather than genuine satisfaction. This emptiness is evident in his constant need for validation and his inability to maintain stable relationships.

The Implications for the Novel

The analysis of Daisy and Tom's dreams in The Great Gatsby reveals the corruption and emptiness that underlie the pursuit of the American Dream. Fitzgerald uses these characters to critique the shallow values and materialistic desires that dominate society. Through Daisy and Tom, he exposes the moral decay and disillusionment that result from the relentless pursuit of wealth and power.

Furthermore, the examination of Daisy and Tom's dreams highlights the theme of illusion and deception in the novel. Both characters are trapped in a world of superficiality and facades, where appearances are valued over authenticity. Their dreams reflect the illusory nature of the American Dream itself, a dream that promises happiness and success but ultimately fails to deliver.

In conclusion, the dreams of Daisy and Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby serve as a critique of the corrupting influence of wealth and power. Daisy's dream represents the shallow and ever-changing nature of desire, while Tom's dream exposes the emptiness and illusion of dominance. By analyzing these dreams, Fitzgerald offers a profound commentary on the moral decay and disillusionment that lie beneath the surface of the American Dream.

References

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.