Describe Tom In The Great Gatsby

The Enigma of Tom Buchanan: Power, Prejudice, and the Crumbling American Dream in The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a tapestry woven with themes of wealth, love, social class, and the elusive American Dream. At the heart of this intricate narrative lies Tom Buchanan, a character as complex and contradictory as the era he inhabits. He is a man of immense privilege, embodying the careless arrogance and destructive power of the old money elite. Understanding Tom requires a deep dive into his motivations, his relationships, and the societal forces that shaped his character. He is not merely a villain, but a representation of the decaying moral compass of the Roaring Twenties, a period marked by both unprecedented prosperity and profound social anxieties.

Tom Buchanan is a force to be reckoned with from the moment he appears in the novel. He is physically imposing, radiating a raw, almost brutal energy. Nick Carraway, the narrator, describes him as having a "cruel body," highlighting his athletic build and the impression of physical dominance he projects. This physicality is not merely aesthetic; it reflects a deeper, more aggressive aspect of his personality. Tom thrives on control, and his physical presence serves as a constant reminder of his power and authority.

A Portrait of Privilege and Entitlement

Tom's wealth is inherited, placing him firmly within the established upper class. He comes from a family with "so much money that they could do whatever they wanted." This lack of financial struggle breeds a sense of entitlement and a disdain for those who have to work for their living. He sees himself as inherently superior, a belief that permeates his interactions with others and fuels his careless behavior. He treats people, especially women, as possessions to be acquired and discarded at will.

His arrogance extends beyond his personal life and into his intellectual pursuits, albeit superficially. He fancies himself an intellectual, reading "deep books with long words in them," but his understanding of these concepts is shallow and often used to justify his own prejudices. He spouts pseudo-scientific theories about racial superiority, reflecting the pervasive social biases of the time. These beliefs, presented as intellectual insights, are ultimately a shield for his own insecurities and a means of reinforcing his sense of dominance.

Tom's immense wealth allows him to exist in a bubble, insulated from the consequences of his actions. He can afford to be reckless, knowing that his social standing and financial resources will protect him from any real accountability. This breeds a profound sense of irresponsibility, contributing to his infidelity and his overall disregard for the feelings of those around him. He embodies the negative aspects of the American aristocracy, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and the corrosive effects of inherited wealth.

The Complex Web of Relationships

Tom's relationships are fraught with conflict and deception. His marriage to Daisy Buchanan is a sham, built on a foundation of superficiality and convenience. While he is undeniably attracted to Daisy's beauty and charm, his affection is rooted in a desire to possess her, to control her. He sees her as a trophy, a symbol of his social status and wealth.

He is openly unfaithful to Daisy, engaging in a long-term affair with Myrtle Wilson, the wife of a humble mechanic. This affair reveals a darker side to Tom's character, highlighting his callous disregard for the feelings of both women. He sees Myrtle as a means of satisfying his physical desires, treating her with a condescending and often brutal attitude. He revels in the power dynamic, enjoying the fact that he can control and manipulate her.

His relationship with Gatsby is marked by jealousy and resentment. He is threatened by Gatsby's wealth and charisma, particularly by Gatsby's obvious love for Daisy. He sees Gatsby as an outsider, a "new money" parvenu who has no right to challenge his position in society. His animosity towards Gatsby is fueled by his fear of losing Daisy and his desire to maintain his dominance.

The Manifestations of Prejudice and Hypocrisy

Tom's prejudices are deeply ingrained in his worldview. He is a product of his time, reflecting the widespread racism and sexism that permeated American society in the 1920s. He espouses theories of white supremacy, believing that the white race is inherently superior and must be protected from being "submerged" by other races. These views are not presented as personal opinions but as objective truths, reinforcing the pervasive nature of prejudice in the society depicted in the novel.

His sexism is equally blatant. He views women as objects to be controlled and possessed. He expects Daisy to be docile and obedient, accepting his infidelities without complaint. He treats Myrtle with disdain, viewing her as a sexual object rather than a human being. His hypocrisy is evident in his outrage when he discovers Daisy's affair with Gatsby, despite his own long history of infidelity. He believes that he has the right to cheat on Daisy, but she does not have the same right.

This hypocrisy highlights the double standards that governed social interactions in the Roaring Twenties. Men of Tom's social standing were often afforded privileges and freedoms that were denied to women. He embodies the hypocrisy of a society that preached traditional values while simultaneously indulging in scandalous behavior.

The Crumbling American Dream

Tom Buchanan represents the corrupted version of the American Dream. He has achieved wealth and social status, but at the expense of his morality and his relationships. He is unhappy and unfulfilled, constantly searching for something that can alleviate his boredom and his sense of emptiness. His pursuit of pleasure is ultimately destructive, leading to tragedy and disillusionment.

He embodies the disillusionment of the post-World War I generation, a generation that had witnessed the horrors of war and the collapse of traditional values. He seeks solace in material possessions and superficial pleasures, but these things ultimately fail to provide him with any lasting satisfaction. His life is a testament to the emptiness of the pursuit of wealth without purpose or meaning.

Tom's character serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrosive effects of privilege. He is a reminder that the American Dream, when pursued without regard for morality or empathy, can lead to destruction and despair.

A Deeper Look: Analyzing Tom's Motivations

Beyond the superficial layers of wealth and arrogance, understanding Tom Buchanan requires exploring the potential motivations that drive his destructive behavior. While the novel doesn't explicitly delve into his past traumas or insecurities, we can infer certain psychological factors that might contribute to his character.

• Insecurity and the Need for Control: Despite his outward confidence, Tom might harbor deep-seated insecurities. His constant need to exert control over others, particularly women, could stem from a fear of vulnerability and a desire to maintain a sense of power. His affairs could be a way of validating his masculinity and reinforcing his dominance. The "cruel body" might be a physical manifestation of this need to control his environment and the people in it.
• Disillusionment and Boredom: Tom's immense wealth and privilege have likely led to a sense of boredom and disillusionment. He has everything he could possibly want, but he is ultimately unhappy. His affairs and his pursuit of excitement could be attempts to escape this sense of emptiness. However, these superficial pleasures only provide temporary relief, leaving him perpetually unsatisfied.
• The Pressure of Expectations: As a member of the established upper class, Tom is likely burdened by the expectations of his social circle. He is expected to maintain a certain image, to marry within his class, and to uphold traditional values. This pressure could contribute to his unhappiness and his desire to rebel against the constraints of his social environment. His infidelity could be a way of asserting his independence and defying the expectations of his peers.
• A Lack of Purpose: Tom lacks a clear sense of purpose or meaning in his life. He has no real goals or aspirations beyond maintaining his wealth and social status. This lack of purpose could contribute to his sense of emptiness and his destructive behavior. He is adrift in a sea of privilege, lacking the guidance and direction that could give his life meaning.

By considering these potential motivations, we can gain a deeper understanding of Tom Buchanan's complex and contradictory character. He is not merely a villain, but a product of his environment and his own internal struggles.

Tom's Enduring Legacy

Tom Buchanan's character continues to resonate with readers today because he represents timeless themes of power, privilege, and the corrupting influence of wealth. He is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of empathy and responsibility.

His portrayal of prejudice and hypocrisy remains relevant in a world still grappling with issues of racism, sexism, and social inequality. He serves as a reminder of the need to challenge these biases and to hold individuals accountable for their actions.

Ultimately, Tom Buchanan is a complex and unforgettable character who embodies the dark side of the American Dream. He is a symbol of the moral decay that can accompany wealth and privilege, and a reminder of the importance of striving for a more just and equitable society. He serves as a powerful critique of the social and economic forces that shaped the Roaring Twenties and continue to influence our world today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tom Buchanan

Q: Is Tom Buchanan purely evil?

A: While Tom is undoubtedly a flawed and destructive character, labeling him as purely evil is an oversimplification. He is a complex individual driven by a combination of factors, including insecurity, societal pressures, and a lack of purpose. His actions are reprehensible, but understanding his motivations adds nuance to his portrayal.

Q: What does Tom Buchanan represent in The Great Gatsby?

A: Tom represents the corrupting influence of wealth and privilege, the decay of traditional values, and the dark side of the American Dream. He embodies the careless arrogance and destructive power of the old money elite.

Q: Why does Tom stay with Daisy despite his affairs?

A: Tom stays with Daisy because she represents a symbol of his social status and wealth. He sees her as a trophy, and he is unwilling to relinquish his control over her. Furthermore, he is comfortable with the superficiality and convenience of their relationship.

Q: Does Tom ever face consequences for his actions?

A: Tom largely avoids facing significant consequences for his actions. His wealth and social standing protect him from accountability. This lack of consequences highlights the inequities of the social system depicted in the novel.

Q: How does Tom's character contribute to the overall themes of The Great Gatsby?

A: Tom's character is central to the novel's exploration of themes such as wealth, love, social class, and the American Dream. He embodies the negative aspects of these themes, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and the corrosive effects of privilege.

Conclusion

Tom Buchanan remains one of the most compelling and controversial characters in American literature. He is a symbol of the excesses and moral failings of the Roaring Twenties, a reminder of the corrupting influence of wealth and privilege. Understanding his motivations and his impact on the lives of those around him is crucial to understanding the enduring power of The Great Gatsby. He forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the society we live in. What do you think about Tom's role in the tragedy of Gatsby's demise? How do you see his character reflecting contemporary issues of power and privilege?