“The Great Gatsby” by F.Scott Fitzgerald

“An Empty, shallow Fairy-tale princess who never grows up”

One of the main focuses in the novel, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is the character of Daisy as she is the goal for which Gatsby strives. Although she is an intricate part of the plot and adds to the many themes of the novel, her character is portrayed as selfish and immature. This essay will prove that Daisy is an empty, shallow, fairy-tale princess who never grows up by discussing: firstly, her rediscovered love for Gatsby; secondly, the relationship between herself and Tom Buchanan; thirdly, her carelessness and lack of thought for anyone but herself.

After many years Daisy and Gatsby reunite and Daisy rediscovers her love for him. However this newly found love is only evident after Daisy discovers Gatsby’s wealth with his nice shirts and large house. This shows how superficial Daisy is as she only focuses on the outward rather than the inward. Furthermore we can see Daisy’s immaturity as she rekindles her past love with Gatsby even though she has no intention of ever leaving Tom. This is evident in the hotel scene, in which Daisy says that Gatsby demands to much of her when he attempts to get her to leave Tom for him. It is in this respect that we see that Daisy never thinks of the consequences of her actions and instead chooses to remain ignorant. Thus causing her character to be empty, shallow and childish.

Tom and Daisy have a very shallow and immature relationship. Neither one of them is happy in the relationship but instead maintain the image for others and their child. This can be exemplified by Tom’s flaunting of his affair when he knows Daisy will do nothing to reprimand him. Furthermore the main reason Daisy married Tom, is because of his inherited wealth. We observe this when she lies crying on the floor before her wedding, clutching Gatsby’s letter and Tom’s necklace and instead of cancelling the wedding, she continues with it as if nothing had happened. In this instance we can see how shallow Daisy is, in that she sacrifices her own happiness and the love of Gatsby by marrying Tom for his money. As well as this we notice, in their relationship, the foolishness of Daisy. This can be identified in the “hulking” incident in which Daisy teases Tom. Thus Daisy can be described as silly, foolish and immature.

Daisy is an irresponsible and selfish individual. This is evident in many instances. The main instance however is that of Myrtle’s death in which Daisy is the culprit. We see how Daisy allows other people to take the blame for her offence. Her offence then results in the death of Gatsby, the man whom she supposedly loves, as he is the one who took the blame for her crime. We see her lack in conscience as she fails to attend Gatsby’s funeral but instead retreats into her money with no sense of guilt. Another instance is when Daisy hit Myrtle and instead of showing remorse about taking another life, she remained involved in her own problems while permitting Gatsby to take the blame for her wrong doing.

In conclusion we can establish that Daisy is an Empty, shallow Fairy-tale princess who never grows up. As she never admits her mistakes as well as lacks any real depth throughout the novel. We did this by discussing: firstly, Daisy and Gatsby relationship; secondly, Tom and Daisy’s marriage; thirdly, discussing Daisy’s thoughtlessness and her lack of consideration for others.