Relationship Between Tom Buchanan And Jay Gatsby

It is through fantasy and cynicism that we revise the parts of our lives that we desire most, and work towards pursuing something greater, purely motivated by self-interest. We realize then that nothing is ever precious or lasting; at one point everything becomes temporary and replaceable. Ultimately, there is no greater understanding of this than in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby. The restlessness and struggle one undergoes to woo over, perhaps the most valuable woman in their life, is greatly portrayed through two personas; Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby. Through the eyes of the narrator, Nick Carraway, readers can grasp the differentiation in relationships between Daisy and Tom versus that of her past lover, Jay Gatsby, and come

to realize the ways in which both are similar in their appeal to Daisy as wealthy and idealistic men, however, it is through their treatment, their rationale for being with her, and the sincerity of their feelings, one can distinguish the obvious contrast between the two relationships.
Deep within the heart of Daisy and Tom Buchanan’s marriage, rest the long-forgotten emotions, of care and love the partners once strongly felt toward each other, that have now been destroyed by their constant demand for wealth.

Tom perceives his wife to be nothing more than a possession he is entitled to have, oftentimes failing to express his true feelings for her. It is only when Daisy reveals her love for Gatsby (Fitzgerald 113) that Tom urgently strives to win her back. It is apparent that Tom understands the foundation of their marriage is not one based on true love and care but out of desire to uphold his well-liked image in society. Simultaneously, Nick questions the reason behind the union, stating “their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together” (Fitzgerald 170). Tom’s arrogant and self-centered nature is frequently present in his treatment towards Daisy causing the ongoing disputes and hardships in their

relation.
Through Gatsby and Daisy’s affair, it is evident that Gatsby’s treatment for Daisy greatly differs from that of Tom’s. Gatsby’s actions show his true feelings and the kind of treatment based on compassion and love. After losing Daisy upon the return from the war, Gatsby concludes that the paradise he once felt with Daisy could never be replaced; so he came up with a plan to recreate his past. To begin rekindling their romance, Gatsby moves just across the bay from Daisy (Fitzgerald 76) and hosts parties at his mansion “[expecting] her to wander into one” (Fitzgerald 77). Gatsby’s passion for Daisy is driven by immense love, motivating him to work harder to attain the wealth Daisy deserves. He presumes that the past can be recreated and in all effort attempts to keep it alive. Putting Daisy’s needs before his own, one can see the burning desire Gatsby has to win over Daisy and the desperate-willing-to-do-anything-to-get-her individual that he is. With his new-found wealth, Gatsby at last comes to appeal to Daisy’s necessities. More so, Gatsby sees the lack of respect Tom has for her, and valiantly ceases to stand up for Daisy, telling Tom to leave her alone (Fitzgerald 121). The intensity of Gatsby’s devotion to Daisy is evidently present through his treatment towards her and is founded upon his sincerity and love for her. Daisy was his “main goal throughout his entire adult life, working hand in hand with acquiring wealth” (Bunce). Contrastingly, Tom’s treatment is much rather different as it is based on greed and is purely out of self-interest.
Both Tom and Jay appeal to Daisy as wealthy and idealistic men for whom she falls in love with. Nonetheless, it is in their genuine rationale for being with her that the gentlemen differ. Tom and Daisy live an extravagant lifestyle that seems to fulfill their longing for luxury. While both characters live to uphold their status in the aristocratic society, Tom uses his power of wealth as the driving force in his marriage with Daisy. Overwhelmed by the idea of such an ideal lifestyle, Daisy fails to distinguish the foundation of her relationship with Tom. While Daisy is satisfied with the comfort and bliss she is provided with, to him she is nothing more than a materialistic possession, he refuses to let go off, as it would distort his image and diminish his self-worth. He states, “‘She’s not leaving me!’...’Certainly not for a common swindler who’d have to steal the ring he put on her finger’” (Fitzgerald 127). As Tom’s relationship with Daisy begins to fade, he senses loss of control- not due to the lack of true love, but out of fear for loosing a possession. For Tom, “whiteness, and its attendant privileges- material well-being, entitlement, the feeling of being “safe and proud above the hot struggles of the poor” is something that must be preserved, safeguarded, and barricaded” (Will). Tom’s enormous wealth oppresses him with a complete sense of entitlement and allows him to live under the fallacy that his prosperity will rectify the egotistical behaviour.
Although Gatsby acknowledges Daisy’s desire to lead a prosperous lifestyle, and uses his new acquired money to woo and attain a relationship with her, his intentions go beyond the rationale than that of Tom’s. Gatsby grew up with a disadvantaged childhood, but through hard work and love as a driving mechanism, he accumulates immense wealth, hoping to provide Daisy with a lifetime of prosperity that he believes she deserves. As Nick contemplates on Gatsby’s fantasy, “Almost five years! There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams- not through her own fault, but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion” (Fitzgerald 92), both the reader and narrator can see the ambition in Jay’s dreams of one day reuniting and rekindling his romance with her. As well, Daisy does not fail to recognize that Gatsby “looked at her in a way that every young girl wants to be looked at sometimes” (Fitzgerald 73) and she too imagines a life they could have together when she sobs “It makes me sad because I’ve never seen such-- such beautiful shirts before” (Fitzgerald 89). The force behind Gatsby’s rationale to acquire a relationship with Daisy is driven by a desire to regain happiness and love they once had and in view of the fact that “He saw the future and knew it was bright…” (Bunce). Their relationship portrays the compassion and care that Daisy’s marriage with Tom lacks. The feelings between Gatsby and Daisy are seen as strong and genuine, those that do not exist between her and Tom.
Perhaps the greatest difference in the relationships between Daisy and her admirers is the sincerity of their feelings. Tom chooses to ignore the sanctitude of his marriage when he has an affair with Myrtle Wilson. Daisy is aware of the romance as she tells Nick, “Tom’s got some woman in New York” (Fitzgerald 20). Although the affair could lead one to develop feelings of resentment and disgust, she refuses to confront Tom of his infidelity, even offering him a pencil at Gatsby’s party, under the illusion of his need to take down addresses (Fitzgerald 102). This can demonstrate the distorted feelings Tom has towards Daisy, although he argues otherwise, “‘And what’s more, I love Daisy too...I love her all the time” (Fitzgerald 125). Tom’s betrayal further prompts Daisy to start losing hope in humanity. Even for her own child, Daisy “[hopes] that she’ll be a fool” (Fitzgerald 22). She wishes for her daughter to view the world as a happy place, concealing its gruesome reality. Furthermore, Tom, “who is not very discreet about his own infidelities” (Latchem), can lead the reader to interpret his emotions as being insincere, purely relying on Daisy’s true affection towards him, as a way to keep the marriage from falling apart, similarly like he relies on money to protect him from the harsh consequences of his deeds others have to live with.
While contrasting between Tom and Gatsby, it is evidently easier to distinguish the sincerity of Gatsby’s long-devoted feelings towards Daisy than those of Tom.

Although being apart from Daisy for nearly five years (Fitzgerald 92), Gatsby does not fail to pursue his dream of being with her. The letter Gatsby receives from Daisy while at Oxford, motivates him to work harder and attain the wealth that will satisfy Daisy’s needs. With the thought of finally being good enough for her, Gatsby moves back to West Egg, “so that Daisy would be just across the bay” (Fitzgerald 76) and believes he can ultimately live up to her standards. Jay remains unseen upon his arrival in New York, but throws glamorous parties in hopes of Daisy attending one (Fitzgerald 77). Furthermore, Gatsby’s sincere emotions towards Daisy are seen after the accident in which Daisy kills Mrs. Wilson. Although it was the end for her and Gatsby, "He couldn't possibly leave Daisy until he knew what she was going to do. He was clutching at some last hope ... " (Fitzgerald 141). Daisy couldn't face the fact that she might go to jail and knew Gatsby would take her blame out of love and compassion for her. Taking the blame would be the last great thing Gatsby could do for Daisy (Fitzgerald 137). Familiarizing himself with Gatsby’s emotions, Nick cannot help but “[admire] Gatsby’s resolute commitment to success, love, and dreams” (Pauly). It is through Gatsby’s refusal to sacrifice his continuous dream, one can see

the genuine feelings he has towards Daisy. Despite the fact that both men claim to love Daisy, Tom has shown no sincerity in his feelings for her since the day they were married, whereas Gatsby remained loyal and consistent with his.
In The Great Gatsby, it is vividly seen how Daisy’s relationship with Tom differs from that of her previous lover. Throughout the novel, the differences can be distinguished seen through the treatment, rationale, and the sincerity of feelings both men show and possess. Aside from Daisy’s burning desire to fulfill her need for a prosperous lifestyle, Fitzgerald portrays the hardships and differences she faces in each of her perplexing relationships.