In this passage Nick describes his first meeting with Tom and Daisy since he has moved to West Egg. While approaching he comments on Toms "Two shining arrogant eyes", eyes is a common motif in the Great Gatsby and often used to symbolize God and power which is further emphasized when Nick "could see a great pack of muscle shifting when his shoulder moved under his thin coat", Fitzgerald often associates Tom's powerful presence with his stocky and well-built body. Not only does the way Tom dresses and his possessions symbolize his wealth, status and power, but he literally embodies all of those ideas as his body becomes a symbol of empowerment.
Nick then turns his attention to Daisy by referring to her as "The other girl...[that] made an attempt to rise". Daisy, throughout the novel is often described as a "girl", striping her of her age and maturity which is in contrast to Tom's oozing presence of status and strength. The description that she "made an attempt to rise" further shows how Daisy has little mobility in her and Tom's relationship as she can only "attempt to rise" and is unable to stand and speak for herself.
Daisy embraces Nick and "[holds his] hand for a moment,looking up into [his] face, promising that there was no one in the world that she so much wanted to see". The greeting by Daisy appears to be over dramatic, as she is trying hard to show her gladness that she, in the end, lacks sincerity.
Daisy is portrayed as Gatsby's muse (muse: the source of an artist's inspiration). It is discovered later in the book that Gatsby's real name was James Gatz but he changed it because he wanted to pursue a new, better life than his current one. To Gatsby, if he could get a girl like Daisy, he could finally tell himself that he has 'made it' and become the upper-class, high status man he has always desired.
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