What are three ways in which Daisy Buchanan symbolizes the American Dream in Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby?

1. Daisy represents the American Dream for Jay Gatsby. In Chapter VIII, when he describes when he first sees her, he describes the prototypical all-American girl. Gatsby tells Nick that she was the first "nice girl" he had ever known. However, when describing Daisy, Gatsby convolutes his descriptions of her with the descriptions of her home. He calls Daisy "extraordinary," but then describes her this way: "She vanished into her rich house, her rich, full...

1. Daisy represents the American Dream for Jay Gatsby. In Chapter VIII, when he describes when he first sees her, he describes the prototypical all-American girl. Gatsby tells Nick that she was the first "nice girl" he had ever known. However, when describing Daisy, Gatsby convolutes his descriptions of her with the descriptions of her home. He calls Daisy "extraordinary," but then describes her this way: "She vanished into her rich house, her rich, full life, leaving Gatsby—nothing." Then he describes her house this way:

"Her porch was bright with the luxury of star-shine; the wicker of the settee squeaked fashionably as she turned toward him and he kissed her curious and lovely mouth."

There's no surprise, then, that when Gatsby has his fancy home, it only feels complete when Daisy finally joins him there, even if only temporarily.

2. Daisy also symbolizes the inaccessibility of the American dream for women. She is at the mercy of her husband and then Gatsby. Daisy explains her inability to access this dream succinctly when she discusses her daughter with Nick. She tells Nick that when her daughter grows up, she hopes she'll "be a fool—that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool."

3. Finally, Daisy represents the falseness of the American dream. Daisy has everything that this dream is supposed to represent. She has money, the most beautiful home in Long Island, a daughter and a husband, cars... but Daisy lacks happiness. Her husband abuses her. She wishes that her daughter will grow up to be a "fool." She shows that money, houses, and things (like cars) will not bring the happiness people expect from the American Dream.