When Daisy feels happy and safe with Jay Gatsby, the novels central figure Nick comments, "'Then they sauntered over to my house and sat on the steps for half an hour, while at her request I remained watchfully in the garden." and than Daisy explains "In case there's a fire or a flood 'or any act of God'" (107). Daisy does not really mean any act of God or a fire; she really wants Nick to watch out for Tom so he does not catch Daisy and Gatsby, who are having an affair. She says this to taunt Tom even though he is not at the party. On the other hand, later on when Tom does finally arrive at the party he does not like the people that he and Daisy are sitting with and asks to go sit with other people. To this, Daisy says, "'Go Ahead, and if you want to take down any addresses here's my little gold pencil'" (108). Daisy is basically giving Tom permission to talk to other women just as she is now free to talk to Gatsby. Tom does not have any intention to talk to any other women due to his connection with Myrtle, but the comment is meant to taunt Tom for how he treats Daisy. .
Another example of sarcasm is seen with Jordan Baker, Nick's girlfriend. She uses a great amount of sarcasm to get a rise out of people, especially Nick. When Jordan and Nick are having a conversation about driving, Nick is honest about calling Jordan a rotten driver. In response Nick states: "You're a rotten driver," "Either you ought to be more careful , or you oughtn't to drive at all." Jordan replies "I am careful' 'No you're not' 'Well, other people are,' she said lightly. 'What's that got to do with it?' 'They'll keep out of my way' she insisted. 'It takes two to make an accident.'" (58).
Jordan always enjoys using sarcasm with Nick to make him angry and she usually succeeds. Nick later states that this event is the main reason for eventual breakup later in the novel.