Why Does Daisy Stay with Tom?
Tom and Daisy Buchanan, the golden couple of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby, are often considered a symbol of lost potential. They are wealthy and privileged but lack a genuine connection. So it begs the question- why does Daisy stay with Tom?
Money
Perhaps the most obvious reason- money. Tom is wealthy and can provide Daisy with financial comfort. For Daisy, money gives security to her future and it also gives her a certain status that allows her to do whatever she pleases.
Loneliness
Fitzgerald suggests that Daisy finds fulfilment in companionship that she can’t find elsewhere. For her, staying with Tom is far less daunting than the prospect of being alone again after the death of her first husband.
Family
Tom and Daisy have a daughter- Pammy, whose presence binds the couple together. Neither party wishes to disrupt the family unit and despite the fact that Tom and Daisy have an unhappy marriage, they remain together out of a mutual sense of responsibility to their daughter.
Habit
Tom and Daisy’s relationship is not built on passion and love, but more a case of familiarity. They have been together for a long time and have become too comfortable in their dynamic. Daisy lacks the strength to break away from the confinements of her relationship with Tom.
In conclusion, Daisy stays with Tom for a number of reasons- money, loneliness, family and habit. Despite the lack of real affection between them, Fitzgerald suggests that Daisy finds a certain level of comfort in staying with Tom.
Do you think Daisy made the right decision to stay with Tom? Let us know in the comments below!
1. What factors influence Daisy’s decision to remain with Tom?
Daisy’s decision to remain with Tom is influenced by several factors, including her fear of the consequences of leaving, her desire for wealth and social status, and her love for Tom. Additionally, the cultural norms of the time period, which heavily value marriage and maintaining the “ideal” family, likely played a role in her decision.
3. How does Daisy feel about Tom’s infidelity?
Daisy is deeply hurt and saddened by Tom’s infidelity. She loves him and desires a committed and loyal relationship, but his actions have caused her immense emotional pain and confusion.
5. Is Daisy’s choice to remain with Tom out of her own volition or does she believe she has no other options?
Daisy’s choice to stay with Tom is out of her own volition, as she believes staying with him is the best and safest option for her and her daughter. Although Daisy has reservations about her future with Tom, her decision is ultimately based on her own beliefs, after considering the available choices.
2. Does Daisy feel a sense of security with Tom?
No, Daisy does not feel secure with Tom. She is constantly anxious and apprehensive, knowing that his wealth and status give him power over her. She knows that he can manipulate her, and she feels powerless to stop him.
4. Does Daisy feel pressure to maintain a public image of marital felicity in spite of her unhappiness?
Yes, Daisy certainly feels pressure to maintain a public image of marital felicity, even though she is unhappy. She is concerned about what other people will think of her if they find out the truth and so she puts on a false smile and pretends that everything is fine. She also puts on a show of affection with her husband in public to ensure others don’t question their happiness.