Daisy, the
main female character, is part of a conflict between Gatsby and Tom. She is the
treasure that both men are after, her voice is described twice in the book, one
very different than the other. “Daisy began to sing the music in a husky,
rhythmic whisper, bringing out a meaning in each word that it had never before
and would never have again…each change tipped out a little of her warm human
magic upon the air.” (Fitzgerald 108). This description brings out a powerful
and almost mystical feeling to her voice. Her voice was described this way when
she was entering Gatsby’s house for a party, suggesting that she is acting in
the “new money” mannerisms when she is around Gatsby. This quote as compared to
this one, “[Her voice]…was full of money—that was the inexhaustible charm that
rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbals’ song of it…”(Fitzgerald
120). Suggests that her voice changes depending on who she’s with at the time. With
Gatsby it is a laid back and fun, confidant voice. With Tom she sounds like
royalty or “the kings daughter”.
I agree that Daisy is the main conflict between Gatsby and Tom. She seems to be the magnet pulling all the characters in, as if the whole novel revolved around her. I have never noticed the change in her voice before, and now that I realize it, it does contribute a huge sense to the novel. I disagree though that she has a "laid-back, and fun" tone towards Gatsby. With Gatsby I feel she is more content and she sounds more like her 'old-self'. With Gatsby she can be herself. But not "laid-back" or "fun", I think other words such as, "calm and relaxed" are more significant. Unfortunately, with Tom, she always has to put on an act, and impress someone. As if, she always has to try harder than usual.
ReplyDeleteDaisy is a very selfish character, always changing her attitude and even her voice, when she is around different people. She always has to conform in order to fit in. However, what she does, I don't think makes her fit in, it makes her stand out even more. It is evident that she always has on an act, thus making her a flat character. She does not change at all, at the end of the novel, she is still the same selfish character not willing to sacrifice her enormous wealth.