The Great Gatsby

Chapters 7

            The plot thickens, and the drama heightens as the long-anticipated moment arrives; the confrontation of Daisy and Tom where Daisy will renounce all amours to this supposed and specious lover. Duration of weeks has lent themselves to the manipulation of Daisy, to sway her to believe her attraction and allurement to Tom Buchannan was merely a cozening, aptly performed by a dubious impostor.  So Gatsby has convinced her.  Long has Gatsby waited this majestic moment when he shall be prestigiously crowned the victor and Tom ignominiously decried and derailed for the sycophantic charlatan he undoubtedly is. 

Gatsby has coxed Daisy into a hallucinogenic state.  This brain-washing has proved profitable and has led to this building climactic moment.   The unassuming reader, faulting prior examination of the novel, undoubtedly settles with the notion that Daisy will assuredly announce her love for Gatsby and implore Tom to sign the bill of divorcement.  The remainder of the novel would be the definitive falling action.  No such fortune is found, for when Daisy goes to speak with Tom, she is unable to unclasp the sentiments of love which are painted upon her heart.  Gatsby then plunges in, attempting to force action.

“‘Your wife doesn’t love you,’ said Gatsby. ‘She’s never loved you.  She loves me.’ 

‘You must be crazy!’ exclaimed Tom automatically. 

Gatsby sprang to his feet, vivid with excitement. ‘She never loved you, do you hear?’ he cried.  ‘She only married you because I was poor ad she was tired of waiting for me.  It was a terrible mistake, but in her heart she never loved any one except me!’” (p. 130).

If only Gatsby could realize what reasoning he is using.  Doesn’t love, true love draw out requited love from both?  Shouldn’t Daisy accept Gatsby, prince or pauper, rich or poor?  The pettiness of money which pricks Daisy evidences her sheer shallowness.  How can we hope to see a happy-ending for such an unhappy couple? 

  Daisy subsequently reveals her love for Tom as well as Gatsby, which slaps and stings Gatsby.  It taxes him causing embitterment.  Still, he will not give up hope.  With hysteria silently smoldering this lame love-triangle, they take to their cars.  None of the participants of the prior conversation would prove stable to drive.  In an unfortunate event, Daisy, who selected to drive, hit Myrtle Wilson, her life, violently extinguished on that summer night.