Appearance Versus Reality In The American Dream — страница 2

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result Daisy subsequently had an affair with Gatsby. Gatsby s superficial possessions and newfound wealth impressed Daisy so greatly that she cheated on her husband. On the exterior Gatsby had everything to offer Daisy, but in reality, he was a lonely, dishonest man who was obsessed with money. Nicole, like Daisy, entered marriage for the wrong reasons. Nicole had been mentally unstable for years until Dick Diver entered her life. He not only offered her support as a doctor, but as a husband as well. He was some one she [Nicole] could rely on indefinitely (p.215). Dick was impressed with Nicole s high social status and when Nicole s sister, Baby Warren, proposed the idea of them marrying, he could not pass up the offer. However, Dick was reluctant to marry, and he often believed

that he had made a mistake. But she did not know that twice Dick had come close to flinging the marriage in her face (p.159). It s possible that I [Dick] was the wrong person for Nicole . . . (p.215). Nicole s marriage, much like Daisy s, was based on a weak foundation. Although the Divers gave the exterior impression of a blissful marriage, it, like the Buchanan s union, was troubled. Throughout the marriage Dick engaged in affairs, while Nicole remained faithful. When Dick s career began to fall apart and he became an alcoholic, Nicole sought elsewhere for emotional support. Nicole, like Daisy, pursued an affair outside of her marriage. Nicole wanted an affair ; she wanted a change (p.291). Similarly, Daisy and Nicole both pursued relationships outside of their marriages. Both

women gave the outward impression that their marriages were indissoluble, however, in reality, their marriages were troubled. Daisy s marriage to Tom, although troubled within, gave the outward appearance of happiness and fulfillment. The couple was very wealthy, and had acquired most of their wealth from their inheritances. Tom did not require Daisy s wealth to achieve his goals in life. Their relationship was troubled in other aspects, and the desire for wealth never entered their marriage, unlike the Diver s marriage. Outwardly the Diver s marriage was also flawless. They lived a perfect life, or so it seemed. Their marriage, like the Buchanan s, suffered in many areas, but the main reason for their problems was Dick s desire for Nicole s wealth. Dick was extremely ambitious

and saw Nicole s wealth as a business opportunity. Dick married Nicole for her money, . That was his weakness you [Nicole] hinted as much yourself one night (p.240). And I [Dick] haven t got that much money I haven t got a tenth of it Nicole and Baby are rich as Croesus but I haven t managed to get my hands on any of it yet (p.176). Dick felt that he should be the supporter of the family, and he always resented the fact that she had greater power over him because of her wealth. You ve got too much money [Nicole] That s the crux of the matter. Dick can t beat that (p.293). The Divers have an impeccable marriage on the exterior; though realistically Dick s main reason for marrying Nicole was to fulfill his desire for wealth. The Buchanans on the other hand, did not have any

problems related to money. Daisy Buchanan gives the appearance of leading an interesting, thrilling life in East Egg. She has traveled around the world, and lived the life of luxury. However, even with all her wealth and status, she still leads a dull, unfulfilling life. She is constantly complaining of boredom and is seen as being restless throughout the novel. They [Tom and Daisy] had spent a year in France for no particular reason, and then drifted here and there unrestfully wherever people played polo and were rich together (p.6). Daisy s world and the people she associates with, all have achieved the American Dream, but they have no aspirations or goals and thus they all live meaningless lives. This sense of boredom and unproductiveness is seen at various points throughout

the novel when Daisy complains of being bored and continues to say, What ll we do with ourselves this afternoon? (p.118) On the exterior Daisy lives a fast-tracked, thrilling life, but in reality, her life is uninteresting and lacking sustenance. Daisy s past relationships were much more fulfilling. Her love affair with Gatsby in the past brought her more happiness than with her current husband. They [Daisy and Gatsby] had never been closer in their month of love, nor communicated more profoundly with one another (p.150) Of course she [Daisy] might have loved him just for a minute, when they were first married and loved me [Gatsby] more even then, do you see? (p.152) Overall, Daisy s leads an unfulfilling life, despite her vast wealth. Her past was much more rewarding then her