The delusions of the past haunt Gatsby 's present. Ever since he met Daisy, he has gained this belief that he can relive the small dream he had once shared with her. So when the chance …show more content…
At one of his past parties, Gatsby purchases a designer dress worth "two hundred and sixty-five dollars" for a distressed stranger who had ripped her own dress (43). In this day and time, the thought of someone giving an expensive dress to a complete stranger is unheard of and a tad strange, which is noticeable when Jordan asked her if she kept it. Seeing how the dress was expensive, this was not just a charitable act on Gatsby’s part. If anything, he gave it away to impress the stranger and those who hear her gossip. Similarly, Tom flaunts his wealth when Myrtle buys a dog. Even though he called it a mutt, he still proceeded in buying it and even had the audacity in telling the vendor to go “buy ten more dogs” with his money (28). Gatsby and Tom do not shy away from their riches, but rather share it with the world in any way possible. They want the world to know they have …show more content…
Tom is unfaithful, brash, and abusive while Gatsby is gentle hearted and willing to give everything up for her. Gatsby would have seemed like the better choice, but Gatsby is small compared to Tom. First, Tom was known and influential in his time. He is so well known across the country that he can be found on a newspaper article. Second, Tom and Daisy have already established a family with each other, allowing them to know each other’s flaws and thought process. They have been together through the highs and lows of their, and know what to expect from their spouse in certain situations. Lastly, Tom has not been marked by the world as a murderer. By saving Daisy from jail time, Gatsby lost all his chances to live a stable life along her side. Daisy is a lady of wealth and class, and for her to be accompanied by a criminal, as well as a bootlegger, is not respectable for someone of her stature. So even if Tom is a terrible person, he is a man with money and power, a feature Daisy desires.
In conclusion, Tom and Gatsby are two sides of different coins. Both are motivated to express their wealth, but one does it to obtain love while the other uses it to secure relationships. There are times when it is all about the money. Sometimes they are not in control of their lives, but instead allow the things they crave to lead their lifestyle. A craving so strong it may burn the humanity they carry to the