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.
One quote that showcases Gatsby's obsession with Daisy in "The Great Gatsby" is when he says, "Can't repeat the past? Why of course you can!" This quote demonstrates Gatsby's belief that he can recreate his past with Daisy and fulfill his obsession with her. Another quote is when Gatsby describes Daisy's voice as "full of money," highlighting his idealized view of her and his obsession with her wealth and status.
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.
Here are some quotes from "The Great Gatsby" that highlight Gatsby's obsession with Daisy: "He talked a lot about the past, and I gathered that he wanted to recover something, some idea of himself perhaps, that had gone into loving Daisy." - Nick Carraway "Can't repeat the past? Why of course you can!" - Jay Gatsby "Her voice is full of money." - Jay Gatsby "I'm going to fix everything just the way it was before... She'll see." - Jay Gatsby These quotes show how Gatsby is fixated on Daisy and is determined to recreate their past relationship.
"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.
Nick learns that Gatsby isn't what people have said him to be. Gatsby served in the war and studied at Oxford. At first, Nick is skepitcal about what he says because the way Gatsby is speaking seems akward and suspicious to him. But Gatsby senses this tension and pulls out his medal from the war and a picture of himself on the polo team of Oxford.
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.
Because he was with Daisy in the past.
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.