The Voice Full of Money: Unveiling The Meaning

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, the enigmatic character Daisy Buchanan is described as having a voice "full of money." This peculiar expression is mentioned a few times in the text, leaving readers to ponder its true significance. In this essay, we will delve into the meaning behind Daisy's voice and explore its implications within the context of the novel. By examining various aspects of the topic, we will unravel the deeper layers of this metaphorical phrase and its connection to themes of materialism, illusion, and the corruption of the American Dream.

Thesis: The voice full of money attributed to Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby symbolizes her association with wealth, materialism, and the allure of the upper class, ultimately reflecting the superficiality and emptiness of the characters' lives.

Throughout the novel, Daisy is portrayed as a member of the wealthy elite, and her voice becomes a symbol of her connection to this world of opulence. Fitzgerald describes her voice as "full of money," suggesting that her wealth is not only evident in her possessions but also in her very speech. This phrase implies that Daisy's voice carries the weight of her materialistic desires and ambitions, highlighting the superficiality of her character.

Supporting evidence:

In Chapter 7, Gatsby remarks, "Her voice is full of money" (Fitzgerald 120). This description emphasizes the materialistic nature of Daisy's existence and underscores her association with wealth.

Analysis:

By attributing the quality of wealth to Daisy's voice, Fitzgerald highlights the significance of money and material possessions in the lives of the characters in the novel. This aligns with the overarching theme of the corrupting influence of wealth and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Daisy's voice, with its association with money, also contributes to the illusion of happiness that permeates the novel. The characters in The Great Gatsby often use wealth and material possessions as a means to create a facade of contentment, and Daisy's voice reflects this deceptive nature.

Supporting evidence:

In Chapter 1, the narrator, Nick Carraway, describes Daisy's voice as "a deathless song" (Fitzgerald 9). This description suggests that Daisy's voice, like a beautiful melody, captivates those who hear it, effectively masking the true emptiness of her existence.

Analysis:

The use of the phrase "full of money" in relation to Daisy's voice reinforces the idea that wealth can create an illusion of happiness and fulfillment. This aligns with the broader theme of the novel, which explores the hollowness and dissatisfaction that can accompany the pursuit of material wealth.

The voice full of money symbolizes the corruption of the American Dream as portrayed in The Great Gatsby. Daisy, with her voice carrying the weight of her wealth, embodies the shallow pursuit of material success that undermines the true ideals of the American Dream.

Supporting evidence:

In Chapter 6, Daisy confesses to her friend Jordan Baker, "I hope she'll be a fool—that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool" (Fitzgerald 17). This statement reflects Daisy's resignation to the limitations of her gender and her belief that superficiality and ignorance are favorable attributes in a woman.

Analysis:

The voice full of money, attributed to Daisy, represents the corrupting influence of materialism on the American Dream. Daisy's acceptance of societal expectations and her willingness to embrace ignorance as a means to conform to the desires of the male-dominated upper class reflect the degradation of the American Dream's ideals.

In The Great Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan's voice, described as "full of money," holds profound meaning within the context of the novel. This phrase represents Daisy's association with wealth, materialism, and the allure of the upper class. Furthermore, it symbolizes the illusion of happiness created by the pursuit of material possessions, as well as the corruption of the American Dream. Fitzgerald's use of this metaphorical expression adds depth and complexity to Daisy's character and serves as a critique of the superficiality and emptiness that pervade the lives of the novel's characters. Ultimately, the voice full of money serves as a reminder of the dangers of prioritizing wealth and material success over genuine human connection and fulfillment.

Bibliography:

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