Tom’s admission of his love for Daisy demonstrates how even though he acknowledges his issues, he still deep down has love for his wife. It further represents the complexities of love and how Tom is only becoming possessive because he knows that he is losing Daisy and his love turns to jealousy. Yet love should not be about possessiveness but rather mutual respect that partners have for each other. This love seen from Tom contrasts greatly against the love observed from Gatsby, which ultimately depicts how love can be interpreted and projected in different ways from different individuals. Though, the love that these characters have for each other is not always as authentic as it may seem; in fact, many of them have interpreted love as their dreams rather than the reality of it. During one summer day, Gatsby finally decided to declare his love for Daisy, only for her to state that she is still in love with Tom. This admission sent Gatsby into a spiral and he argued with Nick who stated that he “can’t repeat the past” but Gatsby argued “Why, of course you can!” …show more content…
At one party in New York, Tom runs into Myrtle and here they have a discussion on certain matters. Tom asserts himself to Myrtle, stating that she shouldn’t think his “opinions on these matters are final”. Just because [he’s] stronger and more of a man than [she] is” (Fitzgerald). This reveals the truth about the dynamics of their relationship. Tom asserts his dominance over Myrtle and this displays how this is not a romantic relationship but rather Tom’s obsession with control and escape from his unhappy marriage. For Myrtle, she saw this relationship as an advantage to herself because Tom was a wealthy man and she needed the status and money. Ultimately, this depicts the realities of some relationships where some are driven by love and attraction while others are driven by selfish desires and a desire for power. The Great Gatsby explores love and relationships by emphasizing their complications as well as their obscure nature. Fitzgerald portrays these themes through characters like Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom to show how romantic ideals can bring feelings of joy and fulfillment but also cause pain and discontent