The Role Of Materialism In The Great Gatsby

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Notwithstanding Daisy’s twisted relationship with her husband Tom, his destructiveness never surpasses verbal abuse. Under these circumstances, Daisy never attempts to defend herself or go against Tom’s demands. Daisy has merely accepted the fact that this is simply part of her marriage to Tom and does not fight it. As an illustration Tom controls Daisy in front of a crowd “ ‘Come on Daisy’ Tom said pressing her hand with his hand towards Gatsby’s car. ‘I’ll take you in this circus wagon.’ He opened the door but she moved out from the circle of his arm...she walked close to Gatsby touching his coat with her hand” (Fitzgerald 121). Equally important Tom abuses his mistress Myrtle physically while exemplifying various acts of violence towards …show more content…
Gatsby demonstrates great means of love for Daisy, however she continuously refuses marriage as he is financially incapable of meeting her needs. Daisy has little to no perception on a healthy marriage as Gatsby yells at Tom “ ‘She only married you because I was poor and she was tired of waiting for me. It was a terrible mistake but in her heart she never loved anyone except for me’” (Fitzgerald 127). The women’s addiction to materialism is extremely evident when connected with Gatsby. Daisy demonstrates her obsession with a materialistic lifestyle as she discovers Gatsby’s closet filled with luxurious and expensive clothes. Daisy immediately becomes fascinated with Gatsby’s clothing, “Suddenly, with a strained sound, Daisy bent her head into the shirts and began to cry stormily. ‘They're such beautiful shirts,’ she sobbed, her voice muffled in the thick folds. ‘It makes me sad because I've never seen such – such beautiful shirts before’” (Fitzgerald 89). Daisy’s obsession with materialistic items and money has grown as she is exposed to the glamourous things money can buy. As Daisy cries into Gatsby’s shirts, it becomes evident that her only source of happiness ultimately comes from money and having materialistic items, regardless of the
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