f wealth. Each character bases his life around petty means, and is in conflict with each other's illusions. Tom's wealth and Daisy's love for it surmount Gatsby's enduring dream, the American dream: the misconception that happiness can be recaptured if only one can make enough money. The practicality of it all is highly unlikely. When one bases his life to the acquisition of money, all morals and realities are reduced to a realm of shallow thoughts. This is clearly seen in Gatsby's failure to regain Daisy. Outside forces, such fortune, money, and greed, interfere with the characters' goals. The outcome of the story was fitting to the plot. Since the purpose of the novel is to demonstrate the failure of a life based on materialism, the characters end up failing in becoming true beings of their own will and power; money becomes their driving force. This scenario serves a universal appeal to those whose only objective is money. IV. Perhaps the best example of the superficial attitudes involved in materialism is Daisy. She is lovely, delicate, and at the same time, arrogant. Daisy was born into her wealth and knows no other life. Money is her main concern, just as Gatsby said "her voice rings with money." Both Tom and Gatsby want her in their lives. However, Tom does not envision at her as a woman, but rather as a child. Hence, he has a mistress Myrtle who is Daisy's complete opposite. Daisy possesses a cold heart with little concern for those around her, especially Gatsby. She was very much in love with him in their early stages of their past relationship, however she chose Tom, who has more money. Her attitude toward Gatsby revolves around the superficial illusion of what he represents, not what he truly is. As for Tom, he and Daisy are more partners in a world of wealth than husband and wife. For that reason, she can never leave him for Gatsby, a West Egger. She wanders off every so often when her emotions seep through the cracks of her...
