Daisy has never had to concern herself with having to worry about money or material possessions. Her's is a life that mirrors the ideal of the American Dream in the 1920's. She has had everything handed to her and has never been faced with having to settle for second best.
Her looks, status and "charm" have worked wonders for her. Since such qualities have served her so well, she has mastered the arts of deception and manipulation. She is completely in love with luxury and cannot imagine life any other way. However, Daisy does seem capable of some feeling, especially when it comes to Nick, but not any type of attachment.
Though she promised herself to Gatsby, she sees opportunity with Tom Buchanan. Tom has the ability to give her the lifestyle of which she has dreamed. He comes from an aristocratic family and can give her the lifestyle that she is accustomed to. Her parents have given their blessing which makes her decision that much easier.
Oblivious, Self-Destructive Nature
She has no concept of what it would be like to have to work for anything and, as a result, she feels that she is owed all she receives. The idea of work or personal responsibility are completely alien to her. On some unconscious level, she may not realize that her actions are self-destructive, but she doesn't have the capacity to even fathom such a thought. In a word, she is dense.
Daisy has learned what high society expects from her. She knows exactly how to dress, how to act and what to say in order to maintain appearances. Her innocent air and fragility does not allow her to assume fault for any wrongdoing.
Superficial Nature
Despite her appearance, she is a very cold and emotionally numb young woman. Her self-serving nature only serves to reinforce her superficial characteristics. She even casts off her own daughter. Daisy never speaks of the child and acts as though she is an inconvenience.
Daisy maintains a firm illusion that she is in control of her situation. Though she could be considered a puppet whose strings are held by her husband. Whether or not she would readily admit it, she clings to Tom as though he is the air that keeps her alive.
When things fall apart, Daisy immediately departs and seeks refuge in her money and marriage. Tom is the rock behind which she hides and the pillar to which she is shackled.
Absence of Personal Responsibility
Daisy's reflecting on her lifestyle has caused her to realize that if she lost Tom, she would be lost. She doesn't have the strength to make it on her own, or, if it would come down to it, to make her own decisions. She will do anything to maintain this stability, even if it is at the expense of those around her.
When Tom's mistress is killed, the audience learns that Daisy is responsible. And, yet, she is more than willing to allow Gatsby to take responsiblity for the woman's death. Not once does she even consider the idea of coming forward and clearing his name. She feels no regret or emotion over what has happened.
Addiction and Diversion
In a warped sort of way, Tom is a type of addiction for Daisy. While she focuses completely on Tom, she has no need to give thought to her own demons. Having such a diversion so readily available, to Daisy, absolves her of any personal responsibility for her actions. She acts as though it also absolves her of her maternal responsibility -- such as her ability to cast off her daughter without so much as a thought.
Apart from Tom, toying with those around her creates another diversion and form of amusement for her. For example, she allows Gatsby to believe that she is within his reach only to let him down. Her emotional numbness either doesn't allow her to see that she is hurting him, or she simply doesn't care. When Gatsby dies, she doesn't even feel the need to attend his funeral. It is as though they were never close to one another.
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1995.
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