Final Blog

Compare and Contrast Gatsby and Tom. How are they alike? How are they different? Why would Daisy choose to stay with Tom?

Sometimes the best decision to make, is not the best decision for the person who has to decide. Sacrifices have to be made to keep everyone happy, even if it means sacrificing the dreams of a lifetime. In the book The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald a rich, sophisticated goddess is being fought over by two gorgeous and very wealthy men, one whom happens to be her husband. Tom Buchanan is a very ignorant and cocky man who doesn't treat Daisy with the respect she deserves. Gatsby is a very shy and timid man around Daisy and most of the "old rich" people, but he has an unconditional love for Daisy that will always be remembered.

Gatsby and Tom are both very rich men, but received their money two completely different ways. Gatsby grew up a poor boy on a farm, who had to work hard for his money doing jobs such as clam digging and salmon fishing on the south shore of Lake Superior. While Tom's family has always been rich. Gatsby came into all his money illegally by bootlegging, but he won't admit it. Instead he makes up lies to try to convince people that he's an innocent, intelligent mad educated at Oxford. Tom and Gatsby are alike in more ways then one. Gatsby and Tom had the same ignorant attitudes when they were younger. Gatsby got girls all the time, he was a handsome man. Tom was a football player who had the looks and the money. Except Tom hasn't changed, even as a married man. Yet, Gatsby has changed since he met Daisy, of course Daisy didn't have the same effect on Tom as she did Gatsby.

Gatsby and Tom both love Daisy, but in unique ways. Daisy is a possession to Tom, he loves her because she fulfills his "perfect" American life. Yet, Tom is an unfaithful, liar who doesn't care about Daisy's feelings. He sleeps with many random girls, when he has a beautiful wife and daughter at home. Daisy is a fantasy to Gatsby. Gatsby's whole heart is devoted to Daisy and he would never do anything to hurt her. Gatsby has waited for Daisy ever since he was shipped away into the military, and now that he has all the material things she would need he's come to receive her love once again. Tom has always had Daisy and knows he always will, he has no thought in his mind that Daisy will leave him, he wouldn't cheat if he thought that.

Even though Daisy is in love with Gatsby she will remain with Tom, because of respect. Divorce was looked down upon in the 1920's, but that's not the only reason. Gatsby has a lot of money, but because he's new rich he's not respected as the people are in East Egg. He doesn't know how to spend his money and how to act rich. He's criticized by the "old rich" and looked down upon as immature and wild, and his eccentric parties don't help. Even Daisy is surprised by the people who come to his uncivilized parties. Daisy would never leave Tom and her "American Dream" to live with someone in West Egg and have her reputation destroyed.

Gatsby and Tom are definitely unique but opposite character's who tend to be exaggerated by the author. Gatsby wouldn't be able to live without Daisy or without hope of being with Daisy. When Tom doesn't care if he's with Daisy or with a girl off the street, as long as he's married to Daisy. Daisy will always stay with Tom, because it was how she was brought up, even if it means pretending she's in love with someone she's not.