I think I can speak for most people when I say that I was initially frustrated with Daisy’s indecisiveness when she was put in the middle of Gatsby and Tom. My thoughts were a constant mantra of, “Pick Gatsby! It’s so obvious who is the right one!” I was hoping she would do the “right” thing and leave Tom for Gatsby. It is easy to forget that the world of The Great Gatsby was real and experienced by many not so long ago. A century ago is a long time, but in the context of the United States, that is barely anything. The U.S. is a baby country, but I digress. Since the 1920s, American society has come a long way in its social norms, gender roles, and age-centered expectations. The power modern-day women have vs. their 1920 counterparts is noticeably different in response to century-long societal shifts. This large shift is what causes 21st century readers to root for Daisy and Gatsby’s fairytale ending. We idolize the Roaring 20s to no end, but more so its an idolization of what immediately comes to mind when thinking about it. What about the negative things not worthy of praising? How come Daisy didn’t choose Gatsby over Tom?
It makes sense of Daisy to run away with Gatsby, right? After all, Gatsby had finally made it and achieved the American Dream. He did it for her too! He carried himself up the social ladder, networked with people who were able to lift him up, swims in wealth and riches, is one of Long Island’s eligible and desirable bachelor’s, and he lives in a fantastical mansion. It is everything a girl could dream of! So why did she choose to stay with Tom? The answer is pretty and sadly simple. It is because she was a woman of the 1920s. It even shows how the book and the 2013 movie adaptation was presented. The conflict of Daisy choosing Tom or Gatsby was not even really about her. If anything, it showed the power of two men over one woman.
Tom wanted to retain his ultimate prize: the hand of Daisy.
Gatsby wanted to win his ultimate prize: the hand of Daisy.
Daisy was a symbol of proof of their American Dream. She was nothing more than a status symbol and a personified victory.
Likewise, Daisy knew and accepted this. This is why she chose to stay with Tom and turned a blind eye to the mess she caused after. Tom offered security; one she was already well familiar with. Tom Buchanan pleased her family back in Louisville. Her family would not take kindly to her deserting her marriage and running off with Gatsby. Society would not let a careless act like that go undetected. Daisy acted with the interests of Tom, her family, and the eyes of society in her mind. That is why she chose Tom over Gatsby.
What if Daisy did not feel these societal pressures? What if she lived in an era where she could move freely with significantly less scrutiny and control? Had Daisy lived in the 21st century, even in the 2020s, it is more likely and probable that she would have gone with Gatsby. While marriage is still a sacred and respected thing today, there have been significant social strides in regard to behaviors and acceptance towards divorce and acknowledgement of unhappy marriages. There would still be some scrutiny as we have not moved completely beyond the grip of the patriarchy, but her life would not have been over or ruined by any means. She more than likely would have been fine if she divorced Tom or left him. Love has been a lot more valued when couples are considering marriage; most people of today would sympathize with her. The idea of influence, marrying for the family, and preserving one’s status is a thing of the past or it is reserved for the highly affluent or royalty. Even if she were still rich, Daisy would not have to suffer too much in regard to the pressure of gender roles and social norms. They would not have nearly as much weight as they would in the 1920s. The weight of society is not nearly as heavy nowadays.