Gatsby describes his past with Daisy as a time of love and idealization. He often romanticizes their relationship from when they were younger, viewing it as an idyllic and perfect connection. Daisy represents for Gatsby a symbol of his dreams and aspirations for a better life.
Because he was with Daisy in the past.
In Chapter 7 of "The Great Gatsby," Gatsby wants Daisy to tell Tom Buchanan that she never loved him and that she is leaving him for Gatsby. Gatsby wants Daisy to openly declare her love for him and acknowledge their past together, hoping to solidify their relationship.
Nick advises Gatsby not to try to repeat the past with Daisy, as he cannot recreate what they had before. He also warns Gatsby about the dangers of pursuing an idealized version of Daisy that may not exist. Ultimately, Nick encourages Gatsby to let go of his obsession with Daisy and move on.
"Can't repeat the past?... Why of course you can!" - Gatsby expresses his belief that he can recreate the past with Daisy. "You can't repeat the past." - Nick tells Gatsby that it's not possible to go back in time. "I wouldn't ask too much of her... you can't repeat the past." - Daisy's response to Gatsby's attempt to revive their past relationship.
The conflict between Gatsby's Daisy and Tom in "The Great Gatsby" is primarily due to their past relationship and Daisy's inability to fully commit to Gatsby. Tom represents the old-money elite that Daisy is accustomed to, while Gatsby represents new wealth and a chance at a new life. Daisy's indecision and fear of social consequences ultimately lead to her choosing Tom over Gatsby.
Gatsby views Daisy's child with surprise because he is overwhelmed by the realization that Daisy has moved on with her life and started a family without him. It emphasizes the passage of time and Gatsby's inability to recapture the past with Daisy.
Because he was with Daisy in the past.
Jordan tells Nick that Gatsby and Daisy had a romantic relationship in the past when Gatsby was a young officer. Daisy promised to wait for Gatsby, but eventually married Tom Buchanan because Gatsby was poor at the time.
One detail is Gatsby's insistence on showing Daisy the exact house he bought in Louisville, as he believes this will impress her. Another detail is how Gatsby tries to recreate the past by showing Daisy his possessions and displaying his wealth. These actions reveal that Gatsby has romanticized Daisy, connecting her to his idealized version of the American Dream.
This is problematic because it prevents them from forming a genuine and stable connection in the present moment. Gatsby's obsession with the past keeps him from fully engaging with Daisy in the present, while Daisy's focus on her current life and social status makes it difficult for her to reciprocate Gatsby's longing for their past romance. Their inability to bridge this gap ultimately leads to their relationship's downfall.
Gatsby's quixotic passion and obsession is Daisy Buchanan, a woman from his past whom he idealizes as the epitome of wealth, beauty, and sophistication. Gatsby's relentless pursuit of Daisy reflects his belief that she is the key to achieving his dreams of status and happiness, despite the impossibility of recapturing their past romance.
In Chapter 6 of "The Great Gatsby," Tom vows to find out more about Jay Gatsby's background and expose him as a fraud to Daisy. He becomes suspicious of Gatsby's wealth and past and aims to protect his marriage to Daisy from any potential threat.