The Complex Relationship Between Tom and Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby

Throughout F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel, The Great Gatsby, the relationship between Tom and Daisy Buchanan is a central focus. Their marriage serves as a microcosm of the superficiality, materialism, and deceit that characterize the high society of the 1920s. This essay will explore the dynamics of their relationship, examining their shared values, the impact of external influences, and the role of Jay Gatsby as a catalyst for their eventual downfall. By analyzing the complexities of their relationship, it becomes evident that Tom and Daisy's marriage is a reflection of the decadence and moral bankruptcy of the Jazz Age.

'The Complex Relationship Between Tom and Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby'

The Shared Values of Tom and Daisy Buchanan

Tom and Daisy Buchanan come from the same social class and share similar values and beliefs. They both prioritize wealth, luxury, and social status above all else. Their marriage is a convenient alliance that perpetuates their privileged lifestyle. Tom, a wealthy and arrogant man, represents the old money aristocracy, while Daisy, his beautiful and fragile wife, epitomizes the shallow and capricious nature of the upper class.

One of the key aspects of their relationship is their mutual understanding and acceptance of infidelity. Tom is unfaithful to Daisy throughout their marriage, engaging in multiple affairs, most notably with Myrtle Wilson. Daisy, although aware of her husband's philandering ways, chooses to turn a blind eye and maintain the facade of a happy marriage. This shared acceptance of extramarital affairs demonstrates their lack of emotional connection and highlights their superficial relationship.

Furthermore, both Tom and Daisy are consumed by their obsession with material possessions. They constantly seek validation through their extravagant lifestyle, which is evident in their opulent home, grand parties, and luxurious cars. Their marriage is based on superficiality and appearances rather than genuine love and affection.

The Influence of External Factors on Tom and Daisy's Relationship

The relationship between Tom and Daisy is heavily influenced by external factors like societal expectations and pressures from high society. Back in the 1920s? Divorce was highly stigmatized especially within elite circles. This societal pressure compels Daisy to remain in a loveless marriage rather than pursuing her own happiness. She's trapped in a golden cage sacrificing personal desires just to keep up appearances.

Tom exploits these dynamics within his marriage to maintain control over Daisy. He uses her vulnerability against her—manipulating her emotions left right center! It's kinda sad if you think about it—these power games reflect gender roles expected back then where women had to be submissive right?

Add into mix American Dream pursuit: wealth plays big role here too! For instance: Tom’s riches give sense security validation she craves so much right?! Their relationship rests heavily upon materialism plus wanting comfortable luxurious lifestyle more than anything else out there today honestly speaking perhaps never changes...

The Role Of Jay Gatsby In Tom And Daisys' Relationship

The enigmatic figure Jay Gatsby acts sorta catalyst between them really; self-made man who represents new money class deeply infatuated with dear ol’Daisy isn’t he though? His love pure genuine stark contrast superficiality which defines Toms & Daisys’ entire married life doesn’t it seem true enough?

Gatsby’s relentless pursuit threatens stability within this shaky setup here: making matters worse causes suspicion jealousy insecurity rise tenfold when realizes might lose wife dear ol'Daisy back new suitor…eventually leads expose Gatsbys illegal activities even leading tragic demise sad tale indeed!

Yet despite all odds genuine intentions behind actions hopes rekindling past love blinds reality harsh truths...Daisy cannot break free chains marital obligations societal expectations eventually opting stick around regardless leaving audience ponder consequences decisions made long ago now irreversible lost forever sigh!

Conclusion

The relationship between Tom & Daisy Buchanan truly complex portrait decadent morally bankrupt era known Jazz Age wasn't it? Marriage built shared values wealth materialism constantly pressured society yearning achieve elusive American Dream...Meanwhile presence mysterious figure such Jay Gatsby sheds light fragility underlying bond existing merely out convenience nothing deeper profound here perhaps cautionary tale need reevaluate priorities once mindlessly chasing material gains empty pursuits ultimately costing much more valuable human connections just saying food thought anyone?

Bibliography

• Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.
• Smithsonian Institution Archives (n.d.). "The Jazz Age". Retrieved October 10th 2023 from Smithsonian Libraries website.
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• Taylor L., (1987) "Living It Up or Selling Out?" New York Times Book Review article published date March 22nd87.'
• Pittman S., (1991). "Materialism & Society during Roaring Twenties." Journal Cultural Studies vol IX no III summer fall issue pages pp11-34 publisher unknown now defunct journal last updated August92 .
• Mizener A.,(1951),"Biography Author F.Scott Fitzgerald" published Harcourt Brace Janovich Inc New York City original copyright year nineteen fifty-one currently reprinted numerous editions worldwide various languages including Spanish German French Italian Portuguese Russian Arabic Mandarin Japanese Korean Hindi Urdu among others .