Q: Compare and contrast Gatsby and Tom. How are they alike? How are they different? given the extremely negative light in which Tom is portrayed throughout the novel, why might Daisy choose to remain with him instead of leaving him for Gatsby?
A: Throughout the novel, The Great Gatsby, we are given two men that have made huge impacts on the life of Daisy. Gatsby was her first love, thinking he was going to be her lover the rest of her life. Unfortunately, he decided to go to fight in the war for years, followed by his decision to attend Oxford for a few months in the army program. When he returned, Daisy was married and with another man who she is expect to live her life with until the day she dies. Tom and his entire family is part of the old money, having it for many past years. Gatsby is part of the new money society, acquiring his funds more recently and having grown up from a less fortunate family then Tom did when he was younger. Even while Gatsby was away he still had feelings for his Daisy and continued to have them when he returned, disappointed to find that she has married another man. He continues to try to get her back and convince her to leave her husband. Tom on the other hand, might love her, but not with the same passion as Gatsby. Tom was lucky enough to be able to marry her in the beginning, but he has proven to be unfaithful and a cheater. Gatsby proves to be more faithful and more passionate about the love he shares with Daisy as does she with him. Tom just shows him jealousy and his desire to keep her as his possession out of the reach of Gatsby, not for his love.
Throughout the story, Tom is portrayed as a terrible person, because he truly is one. He is able to marry a truly kind woman and has taken advantage of the kindness she has and her timidness to stand up to his behavior. Ever since the beginning of their marriage, Tom has been unfaithful, keeping an apartment in the city for him and his