Chapter 5 - Pages 81-96
As Nick comes home with Jordan, he notices Gatsby's mansion lit up and decorated, although unoccupied. After Gatsby presents himself, and begs Nick to help him get Daisy to his house, and Nick agrees, much to Gatsby's joy. Later on, Gatsby does a number of spontaneous things because of his fear of Daisy's rejection. Daisy arrives, and after an awkward start, the two break the ice and begin reminiscing. Nick ponders whether Daisy will live up to Gatsby's perfect image of her, and leave.
Daisy: " The exhilarating ripple of her voice was a wild tonic in the rain. I had to follow the sound of it for a moment, up and down, with my ear alone before any words came through. A damp steak of hair lay like a dash of blue paint across her cheek and her hand was wet with glistening drops as I took it to help her from the car." (84)
By reading about Daisy, I know she has a conscience and remains faithful in her marriage, unlike her husband Tom. Although falling in love again with Gatsby, Daisy does not engage in sex (that we know of) and upholds her dignity. In addition, Daisy keeps her personal problems to herself and chooses not to air her dirty laundry out for everyone to see.
The character of Daisy has multiple roles in the novel. Her most important role is her position a friend and mirror character of Nick, who also avoids cheating and lying. Also, she provides as a binary opposition to Myrtle, who Fitzgerald described as short, unattractive, harsh, and greedy, while Daisy comes off as sweet and innocent, albeit sad and a major pushover.
Quote: " I was in the drug business and then I was in the oil business. But I'm not in either one now" (87).
While the roots behind Gatsby's wealth remain somewhat anonymous, Fitzgerald finally reveals some of his shady past. His admittance of being involved in the drug business brings me back to the class conversation on why some characters in the media hold popularity, in spite of poor moral qualities. I feel although a lair with a shady past who lusts over another man's wife, future chapters will guarantee my interest in the character if Gatsby.
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