The quotes about the pearl necklace in the great gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a novel renowned for its intricate symbolism, and few objects in the story carry as much weight as the pearl necklace given to Daisy Buchanan. This seemingly simple piece of jewelry embodies complex themes of wealth, love, and societal expectations in the Roaring Twenties. 

The Pearl Necklace: A Symbol of Wealth and Power

Tom Buchanan’s Gift to Daisy

One of the most striking mentions of the pearl necklace occurs when Tom Buchanan gives Daisy an expensive strand of pearls as a wedding gift. This act immediately establishes the necklace as a symbol of Tom’s immense wealth and his ability to provide Daisy with a life of luxury. The pearls are not merely a token of affection; they are a demonstration of Tom’s status and his dominance over Daisy.

The scene where the necklace is described underscores the societal values of the time. For Daisy, the pearls represent a choice between security and true love. Tom’s wealth is alluring, but it comes with the loss of autonomy and emotional fulfillment.

Key Quote: “A string of pearls valued at three hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”

This quote emphasizes the staggering monetary value of the necklace, reinforcing the materialism and extravagance that define Tom’s character. The pearls become a tangible representation of the opulence of the Jazz Age, a period marked by conspicuous consumption and the pursuit of superficial pleasures.

The Necklace and Daisy’s Internal Struggle

The Wedding Night Breakdown

The pearl necklace resurfaces during a pivotal moment on the eve of Daisy’s wedding. As she clutches a letter from Jay Gatsby, Daisy experiences a breakdown, tearing at the necklace and rejecting its implications. This dramatic act reveals her internal conflict: a choice between following her heart and conforming to societal expectations.

Fitzgerald masterfully uses the necklace as a physical manifestation of Daisy’s dilemma. The pearls bind her to Tom, symbolizing the constraints of a life dictated by wealth and societal approval. Her momentary rejection of the necklace reflects a fleeting desire to break free from these constraints and embrace true love with Gatsby.

Key Quote: “She had a bottle of Sauterne in one hand and a letter in the other. She was drunk as a monkey.”

This description paints a vivid picture of Daisy’s emotional turmoil. Her drunken state and her reaction to the pearls highlight her vulnerability and the weight of the decision she faces. The necklace, once a symbol of wealth and stability, becomes a burden she struggles to bear.

The Necklace and the Illusion of Love

Materialism vs. Emotional Connection

The pearl necklace serves as a reminder of the superficiality of Daisy and Tom’s relationship. While the necklace is a grand gesture, it lacks the emotional depth and sincerity that characterize Gatsby’s love for Daisy. The pearls symbolize a love based on material possessions rather than genuine affection.

Fitzgerald contrasts this materialistic love with Gatsby’s romantic idealism. For Gatsby, Daisy represents a dream, an aspiration that transcends wealth and status. However, Daisy’s attachment to the pearls reveals her own entanglement in the values of the upper class. Despite her moments of doubt, she ultimately prioritizes material comfort over emotional fulfillment.

Key Quote: “Her voice is full of money.”

Although not directly about the necklace, this quote encapsulates Daisy’s character and the allure she holds for both Tom and Gatsby. The pearls are an extension of her identity, a physical manifestation of her wealth and the privilege that defines her world.

The Necklace as a Reflection of Gender Roles

Daisy’s Lack of Agency

The pearl necklace also symbolizes the limited agency women had in the 1920s. Daisy’s acceptance of the necklace signifies her submission to societal expectations and her role as a trophy wife. The pearls are a gift from Tom, but they come with unspoken demands: loyalty, obedience, and the suppression of personal desires.

Fitzgerald uses the necklace to critique the patriarchal norms of the era. Daisy’s choices are constrained by the expectations placed upon her as a woman, and the necklace becomes a chain that binds her to these expectations. Even in moments of rebellion, such as her wedding night breakdown, Daisy is ultimately unable to break free from these societal constraints.

Key Quote: “They’re such beautiful shirts.”

This seemingly unrelated quote reflects Daisy’s fascination with wealth and material possessions. Her admiration for Gatsby’s shirts parallels her attachment to the pearls, illustrating how deeply entrenched she is in the values of her class.

The Necklace and the Theme of Corruption

Wealth as a Source of Moral Decay

The pearl necklace is not only a symbol of wealth but also a representation of the moral corruption that accompanies it. In The Great Gatsby, wealth is often portrayed as a corrupting force that erodes authenticity and human connection. The necklace embodies this theme, serving as a reminder of the compromises Daisy makes in the pursuit of material comfort.

Tom’s gift of the necklace is an act of control, a way to secure Daisy’s loyalty and reinforce his dominance. The pearls, while beautiful and valuable, are also a symbol of the emptiness that pervades the lives of the wealthy characters in the novel.

Key Quote: “They smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness.”

This quote, while not specifically about the necklace, captures the essence of the Buchanans’ relationship. The pearls are part of the façade they present to the world, masking the hollowness of their lives and their inability to form genuine connections.

The Enduring Symbolism of the Pearl Necklace

The pearl necklace in The Great Gatsby is more than a piece of jewelry; it is a powerful symbol that encapsulates the novel’s central themes of wealth, love, and societal expectations. Through its various appearances in the story, the necklace reveals the complexity of Daisy’s character, the constraints of her world, and the moral decay of the Jazz Age.