Daisy Flashcards
1
Q
Dual Marriages
A
- Two men feel married to Daisy simultaneously.
- She is tied to both her past with Gatsby and her present with Tom.
2
Q
Forfeited Autonomy
A
- Forced to surrender her independence to the male characters around her.
- Daisy is not in control of her own fate but is dictated by societal expectations and male dominance.
3
Q
Facade vs. Reality
A
- Appears charming and sophisticated but is actually selfish, careless, and shallow.
- Her perfect facade disintegrates by the end of the novel.
4
Q
Island of Purity
A
- Daisy stands out as a symbol of purity amidst a morally corrupt society.
5
Q
New Woman vs. Cynicism
A
- Daisy reflects the contradictions of American society, balancing outward submissiveness with inner cynicism.
6
Q
Idealization vs. Reality
A
- Gatsby idealizes Daisy, projecting his desires onto her while ignoring her true nature.
- Daisy is placed on a pedestal by Gatsby but fails to live up to his idealized vision of her.
- ‘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.’ (Chapter 5)- magnanimity of Gatsby’s dream.
7
Q
Desire for Ignorance
A
- Wishes her daughter to be naive and unaware of harsh realities, reflecting her own desire to live comfortably in denial.
- ‘that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool’
8
Q
Emotional Reactions
A
- Daisy’s emotional reaction to Gatsby’s efforts suggests a realization of his sacrifices and her own role in his pursuit.
*‘They’re such beautiful shirts,” she sobbed, her voice muffled in the thick folds.’
9
Q
Symbolism of Voice
A
- Daisy’s voice represents both charm and captivity, reflecting her power and subjugation.
* ‘her voice is full of money’ (Gatsby) - ‘The exhilarating ripple of her voice was a wild tonic in the rain’
10
Q
Trapped in Relationships
A
- Daisy and Myrtle are both trapped in unhappy marriages and seek escape through extramarital affairs.
11
Q
Dependence on Men
A
- Daisy is financially dependent on Tom and lacks control over her own life.
12
Q
Acceptance of Tradition
A
- Despite her unhappiness, Daisy accepts her traditional role as a wife for the security it provides.
13
Q
Fear of Change
A
- Daisy lacks the courage to leave her luxuries behind and pursue a life with Gatsby, fearing the unknown.
14
Q
Portrayal through Others
A
- Fitzgerald deliberately keeps Daisy’s character mysterious, reflecting how she is seen through the eyes of others rather than as a fully fleshed-out individual.
