You know about Gatsby and Daisy in the past and in the present—but what about their future? Thinking about all you have learned—about their characters, about the social classes that divide them, and about their views of the past—predict what you think will happen between the two. Use details from the novel and from your lessons to support your answer.

Question

You know about Gatsby and Daisy in the past and in the present—but what about their future? Thinking about all you have learned—about their characters, about the social classes that divide them, and about their views of the past—predict what you think will happen between the two. Use details from the novel and from your lessons to support your answer.

Answer 1

Based on what we know about Gatsby and Daisy's characters and their social circumstances, it is likely that their future together will be filled with challenges and ultimately may not end well.

Gatsby, a self-made man from a lower social class, is driven by his obsession with Daisy and his desire to recapture the past. However, Daisy, a member of the wealthy upper class, is trapped in a loveless marriage with Tom Buchanan. Despite her feelings for Gatsby, Daisy ultimately chooses to stay with Tom due to the security and status he provides.

Throughout the novel, we see the stark contrast between Gatsby's hopeful optimism and Daisy's cynicism. Gatsby believes that he can recreate a perfect future with Daisy, while Daisy is more focused on preserving her own comfortable existence. This fundamental difference in their outlooks on life suggests that their relationship is built on false hopes and unrealistic expectations.

Furthermore, the societal boundaries that separate Gatsby and Daisy make it nearly impossible for them to have a future together. The wealthy elite like Daisy and Tom are too entrenched in their privileged world to accept someone like Gatsby into their social circle. Despite Gatsby's wealth and success, he will always be seen as an outsider by those who hold power and influence.

In addition, the tragic events that unfold at the end of the novel, including Gatsby's death and Daisy's disillusionment with both men in her life, further emphasize the futility of their relationship. The past that Gatsby longs to relive can never be recaptured, and the future he envisions with Daisy is ultimately a fantasy.

In conclusion, while Gatsby and Daisy may have shared a brief moment of happiness in the past, their future together is doomed by their different social backgrounds, conflicting values, and the harsh realities of the world they inhabit. Their love story is ultimately a cautionary tale about the destructive power of nostalgia and the impossibility of escaping one's past.