Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby: Character Analysis

Tom Buchanan, a central figure in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel “The Great Gatsby,” epitomizes the opulence and moral decay of the American upper class during the Jazz Age. As a wealthy, arrogant, and physically imposing character, Tom exerts a domineering presence throughout the narrative. His complex personality and actions provide critical insights into the themes of power, privilege, and infidelity that permeate the novel. Through Tom Buchanan, Fitzgerald not only critiques the superficiality and corruption of the elite but also explores the human flaws and insecurities that drive such behavior. His brutish nature, casual racism, and unapologetic infidelity paint a stark picture of the era’s privileged class, making him a crucial element in Fitzgerald’s critique of the American Dream.

Tom Buchanan Description

Tom Buchanan is introduced as a wealthy, powerful, and arrogant man. He is a product of “old money,” which refers to families who have maintained their wealth over generations. This status is contrasted sharply with characters like Jay Gatsby, who represents “new money” – wealth that is recently acquired, often through dubious means. Tom’s inherited wealth and his attitudes towards those who lack his social pedigree reveal much about the social stratification of the time.

Physical Appearance: Tom Buchanan is described as a man of imposing physical presence. In his early thirties, he retains the powerful build of his youth as a star football player at Yale. He is described as having “a cruel body” with “enormous power,” and “a supercilious manner.” Fitzgerald writes, “He was a man with a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner. Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward… You could see a great pack of muscle shifting when his shoulder moved under his thin coat. It was a body capable of enormous leverage – a cruel body.”

Attire and Possessions: Tom’s clothing and possessions are constant reminders of his extreme wealth and social status. He’s often seen in riding clothes, a symbol of the leisure activities afforded to the upper class. His family home in East Egg is described as a “Georgian Colonial mansion overlooking the bay,” highlighting the old-money opulence that defines his lifestyle.

How does Nick Describe Tom Buchanan?

Nick Carraway, the narrator of “The Great Gatsby,” provides a detailed and often critical description of Tom Buchanan. His observations offer valuable insight into Tom’s character. Here’s an analysis of how Nick describes Tom:

Physical Appearance: Nick’s initial description of Tom is vivid and telling. He portrays Tom as a man of imposing physical presence, emphasizing his strength and aggressive demeanor. Nick notes, “He had changed since his New Haven years. Now he was a sturdy straw-haired man of thirty with a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner.” This description immediately establishes Tom’s intimidating presence.

Nick further elaborates on Tom’s physicality: “Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward… You could see a great pack of muscle shifting when his shoulder moved under his thin coat. It was a body capable of enormous leverage – a cruel body.” This portrayal suggests not just physical strength, but a threatening aura that Nick perceives.

Personality and Behavior: Nick’s observations of Tom’s personality are equally revealing. He describes Tom’s voice as “a gruff husky tenor,” which added “to the impression of fractiousness he conveyed.” This suggests that Tom’s very way of speaking contributes to his domineering presence.

Nick also notes Tom’s restlessness and aggression. He observes, “His speaking voice, a gruff husky tenor, added to the impression of fractiousness he conveyed. There was a touch of paternal contempt in it, even toward people he liked—and there were men at New Haven who had hated his guts.” This description hints at Tom’s general disdain for others and his tendency to provoke negative reactions.

Intellect and Attitudes: Despite Tom’s education at Yale, Nick portrays him as intellectually limited and close-minded. He describes Tom’s attempts at intellectual discourse as shallow and misguided. For instance, when Tom discusses the book “The Rise of the Colored Empires,” Nick notes, “There was something pathetic in his concentration, as if his complacency, more acute than of old, was not enough to him any more.”

Nick also highlights Tom’s racist views, describing how Tom “nibbled at the edge of stale ideas” and how his eyes “flashed about restlessly.” This portrayal suggests that Tom’s intellectual pursuits are more about justifying his prejudices than genuine curiosity or learning.

Relationship with Daisy: Nick’s observations of Tom’s relationship with Daisy are particularly insightful. He notes the lack of warmth between them and Tom’s casual infidelity. Nick describes how Tom “hovered restless about the room” during dinner, suggesting his discomfort and disconnection from his family life.

Wealth and Privilege: Throughout the novel, Nick emphasizes Tom’s immense wealth and the privilege it affords him. He describes Tom’s estate, his horses, and his lifestyle with a mix of awe and distaste, highlighting the excesses of Tom’s social class.

Overall Impression: Nick’s overall impression of Tom is largely negative. He sees Tom as a brutish, arrogant, and morally bankrupt individual. However, Nick’s narration also reveals a certain fascination with Tom, suggesting the complex allure of wealth and power even as he criticizes it.

Tom Buchanan’s Character Traits

1. Physically imposing:

Tom’s physicality is a crucial aspect of his character, serving both literal and symbolic purposes in the novel. Fitzgerald describes him as having a “hard mouth and a supercilious manner” with a “cruel body capable of enormous leverage.” This imposing presence is a remnant of his days as a star football player at Yale, suggesting that his physical prime – and perhaps his life’s peak – is behind him.

Key aspects of this trait include:

• His muscular build intimidates others, reinforcing his dominant personality
• The description of his “cruel body” foreshadows his violent tendencies
• His physical presence is often the first thing characters notice about him, emphasizing its importance
• It serves as a metaphor for the brute force of old money and privilege in society

Example: When Nick first meets Tom, he notes, “Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward… You could see a great pack of muscle shifting when his shoulder moved under his thin coat.”

2. Wealthy and privileged:

Tom’s immense wealth from old money is fundamental to his character. It shapes his worldview, his interactions with others, and his place in society. This wealth is not just about material possessions but also about the power and influence it grants him.

Key aspects of this trait include:

• His mansion in East Egg symbolizes old money opulence
• He flaunts his wealth through expensive hobbies like polo
• His privilege allows him to act with impunity, facing few consequences for his actions
• He uses his wealth to control others, such as keeping an apartment for Myrtle
• His sense of entitlement stems directly from his lifelong wealth and social status

Example: Tom’s casual purchase of an extravagant necklace for Myrtle demonstrates how he uses his wealth to buy affection and control others.

3. Arrogant and domineering:

Tom’s arrogance is perhaps his most defining characteristic. He consistently asserts his superiority over others, believing his wealth and social status make him inherently better. This arrogance manifests as a domineering attitude in his interactions.

Key aspects of this trait include:

• He frequently interrupts others and dismisses their opinions
• He attempts to control situations and people around him
• His arrogance extends to intellectual matters, despite his “simple mind”
• He believes he’s entitled to respect and deference from others
• His domineering nature is evident in his relationships with Daisy, Myrtle, and others

Example: During dinner at his home, Tom interrupts Nick and Jordan’s conversation to expound on his racist theories, showcasing both his arrogance in assuming his opinion is more important and his attempt to dominate the social situation.

4. Racist:

Tom’s racism is a defining aspect of his character, reflecting both his personal beliefs and the prevalent attitudes of his social class in the 1920s. His bigotry extends beyond race to include antisemitism and xenophobia.

Key aspects of this trait include:

• He espouses white supremacist views, as seen in his discussion of “The Rise of the Colored Empires”
• His racism is pseudointellectual, using misinterpreted science to justify his beliefs
• He sees diversity and racial equality as threats to his privileged position
• His racist views are intertwined with his classism, revealing a broader prejudice against those he sees as “other”
• He uses racist rhetoric to assert his superiority and to bond with others of his class

Example: Tom tells Nick, “Civilization’s going to pieces. I’ve gotten to be a terrible pessimist about things. Have you read ‘The Rise of the Colored Empires’ by this man Goddard?… The idea is if we don’t look out the white race will be – will be utterly submerged.”

5. Unfaithful:

Tom’s infidelity is a prominent aspect of his character, revealing much about his morality and view of relationships.

Key aspects of this trait include:

• His affair with Myrtle Wilson is conducted openly, showing his disregard for social norms and his marriage
• He sees his infidelity as a right afforded by his status and wealth
• His unfaithfulness extends beyond physical affairs to emotional unavailability in his marriage
• He shows no remorse for his actions, indicating a lack of empathy for Daisy’s feelings
• His infidelity serves as a catalyst for much of the novel’s plot

Example: Tom’s brazenness is evident when he stops to buy gas at Wilson’s garage with Nick and Jordan in the car, openly flirting with Myrtle in front of her husband.

6. Hypocritical:

Tom’s hypocrisy is a key element of his character, highlighting the double standards he applies to himself versus others.

Key aspects of this trait include:

• He’s outraged by Daisy’s affair with Gatsby but sees no issue with his own infidelity
• He criticizes others’ morality while ignoring his own transgressions
• He upholds certain social standards publicly while flouting them privately
• His hypocrisy extends to his views on class, race, and social order
• This trait underscores the moral bankruptcy of his character and his social class

Example: When confronting Gatsby about his relationship with Daisy, Tom self-righteously declares, “I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife,” conveniently ignoring his own extramarital affair.

7. Violent:

Tom’s tendency towards physical aggression is a manifestation of his brutish nature and his belief in solving problems through force.

Key aspects of this trait include:

• His violence is often impulsive, reflecting his lack of self-control
• He uses physical intimidation to assert dominance in various situations
• His violent tendencies are an extension of his physical imposingness
• He shows no remorse for his violent actions, seeing them as justified
• His violence is often directed at those he perceives as weaker or inferior

Example: The most notable instance of Tom’s violence is when he breaks Myrtle’s nose with “a short deft movement.” This act demonstrates his quick temper and his willingness to hurt even those close to him.

8. Intelligent but close-minded:

Despite his Yale education, Tom is described as having a “simple mind.” This trait reveals the limitations of his intelligence and his resistance to new or challenging ideas.

Key aspects of this trait include:

• He’s well-educated but lacks critical thinking skills
• He gravitates towards simplistic ideologies that support his worldview
• He refuses to engage with ideas that challenge his beliefs
• His intelligence is narrow, focused mainly on maintaining his status and lifestyle
• He uses his education to bolster his sense of superiority rather than to broaden his understanding

Example: Tom’s discussion of “The Rise of the Colored Empires” demonstrates this trait. He latches onto this pseudoscientific work because it confirms his racist beliefs, showing an inability to critically evaluate the information or consider alternative viewpoints.

9. Selfish:

Tom’s selfishness is a core aspect of his character, driving many of his actions and attitudes throughout the novel.

Key aspects of this trait include:

• He consistently prioritizes his own desires and comfort above others’ wellbeing
• His self-centeredness extends to his relationships, viewing others as possessions or means to an end
• He shows little concern for the consequences of his actions on others
• His selfishness is intertwined with his sense of entitlement, believing he deserves whatever he wants
• This trait contributes to his lack of emotional growth or self-reflection throughout the story

Example: Tom’s selfish nature is evident in how he treats Myrtle. He uses her for his pleasure but shows no real concern for her feelings or wellbeing, as seen when he casually breaks her nose and later allows her to believe Gatsby was driving the car that killed her.

10. Insecure:

Despite his outward bravado, Tom harbors deep-seated insecurities that influence his behavior.

Key aspects of this trait include:

• He feels threatened by Gatsby’s wealth and Daisy’s affection for him
• His insecurity drives his need to assert dominance and control in various situations
• It manifests in his clinging to racist ideologies to justify his position in society
• His aggressive behavior often serves as a mask for his underlying insecurities
• This trait reveals that his arrogance is partly a defense mechanism

Example: Tom’s insecurity is particularly evident in the confrontation scene at the Plaza Hotel. His aggressive questioning of Gatsby’s background and his desperate attempts to discredit him reveal his fear of losing Daisy and his position of superiority.

11. Manipulative:

Tom’s manipulative nature is a key tool he uses to maintain control and achieve his goals.

Key aspects of this trait include:

• He skillfully uses others for his own ends, often without their full awareness
• His manipulation extends to emotional and psychological tactics, not just physical intimidation
• He’s adept at twisting situations to his advantage
• This trait is closely linked to his intelligence, showing a cunning side to his otherwise “simple” mind
• His manipulative behavior often has far-reaching consequences for other characters

Example: The most significant instance of Tom’s manipulation is when he tells George Wilson that Gatsby was driving the car that killed Myrtle. By doing so, he effectively orchestrates Gatsby’s death without getting his own hands dirty, simultaneously eliminating his rival and avoiding blame.

12. Restless:

Fitzgerald specifically notes Tom’s “restless” nature, a trait that provides insight into his inner state and motivations.

Key aspects of this trait include:

• Despite his wealth and comfort, he seems perpetually dissatisfied
• His restlessness drives him to seek new diversions, including his affair with Myrtle
• It manifests physically in his constant movement and “fractious” behavior
• This trait suggests an inner emptiness that his privileged lifestyle cannot fill
• His restlessness contributes to the overall sense of unease and impending conflict in the novel

Example: Nick observes Tom’s restlessness early in the novel: “His eyes, flashing about restlessly, fell on Tom Buchanan in riding clothes was standing with his legs apart on the front porch.” This description captures Tom’s physical restlessness, which mirrors his internal state.

What Information Further Develops the Character of Tom Buchanan?

To further develop the character of Tom Buchanan, we need to look into his background, and relationships.

Tom Buchanan’s background is crucial to understanding his character. Born into the wealthy Buchanan family of Chicago, Tom represents the epitome of old money and inherited privilege. His family’s wealth is described as “enormous” and seemingly inexhaustible, a fact that has shaped Tom’s worldview from birth. This privileged upbringing has instilled in him a sense of entitlement and superiority that permeates every aspect of his life. It’s not just the wealth itself, but the longstanding social status and power that come with it, which have molded Tom into the man he is.

Tom’s education and past achievements also play a significant role in his character development. He attended Yale University, where he was a football star. This period represents the peak of Tom’s life, a time when he was celebrated and admired. The fact that his glory days are behind him contributes to his current restlessness and dissatisfaction. It’s as if Tom has been unable to move beyond his college success, leaving him perpetually seeking to recapture that feeling of importance and adulation. This past glory also fuels his need to assert dominance in his current life, as he struggles to maintain the status he once held effortlessly.

The relationship between Tom and his wife, Daisy, is a key element in understanding his character. Their marriage appears to be one of convenience rather than love, a union of two powerful families rather than two hearts. Tom’s treatment of Daisy reveals his view of women as possessions to be controlled and displayed rather than equal partners. His casual infidelity and lack of emotional connection to Daisy highlight his self-centeredness and inability to form deep, meaningful relationships. Their marriage symbolizes the hollow nature of upper-class unions in the 1920s, where appearances and social status often trumped genuine affection.

Interestingly, Tom’s role as a father provides further insight into his character. He has a daughter with Daisy, but shows little interest in fatherhood. This detachment from family life underscores his self-centeredness and inability to connect emotionally with others, even his own child. It also suggests that Tom views family as yet another social obligation or status symbol rather than a source of joy or fulfillment.

Tom’s social connections and lifestyle choices are also revealing. His social circle is exclusive and powerful, and he uses these connections to maintain his status and influence. His love for polo and expensive cars are not merely hobbies but showcases of his wealth and status. However, these interests come across as superficial, emphasizing the emptiness of his lifestyle. Tom seems to lack any genuine passions or pursuits that bring him true satisfaction, instead filling his life with expensive distractions.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of Tom’s character is his intellectual pretensions. Despite his Yale education, Tom is described as having a “simple mind.” He attempts to appear intellectual, often spouting opinions on books and social theories. However, these attempts usually reveal his narrow-mindedness and lack of critical thinking skills. His misinterpretation of sociological theories, particularly his embrace of racist pseudoscience, demonstrates not only his bigotry but also his inability to engage with complex ideas in a meaningful way.

Tom’s reactions to adversity provide further insight into his character. When faced with challenges, such as Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy, Tom becomes aggressive and manipulative. This behavior reveals his deep-seated insecurity and fear of losing control. Despite his outward confidence, Tom is easily threatened by anyone who might usurp his position or challenge his authority. His response to these threats is often violent or underhanded, showing a lack of moral fiber and an inability to handle problems in a mature manner.

One of the most telling aspects of Tom’s character is his lack of personal growth throughout the novel. Unlike other characters who evolve or learn from their experiences, Tom remains stagnant. He doesn’t reflect on his actions or their consequences, nor does he show any desire to change or improve himself. This stagnation is a damning indictment of his character and the class he represents, suggesting that the old money elite is incapable of adaptation or self-reflection.

The Symbolism of Tom Buchanan

Wealth and Power

Tom Buchanan symbolizes the entrenched power and privilege of the American aristocracy. His wealth affords him a sense of invulnerability and entitlement. He lives in a mansion in East Egg, a symbol of “old money” and social exclusivity. East Egg represents the established, hereditary aristocracy, in contrast to West Egg, where Gatsby resides, which symbolizes the nouveau riche and the transience of wealth.

Tom’s wealth also allows him to manipulate and control those around him. He uses his financial power to maintain his extramarital affair and to dominate his wife, Daisy. This control extends to his social interactions, where he asserts his superiority over others, particularly Gatsby. Tom’s wealth is a tool of oppression, maintaining the social order and reinforcing his dominance.

Racism and Xenophobia

Another significant aspect of Tom Buchanan’s character is his overt racism and xenophobia. Early in the novel, he espouses pseudo-scientific theories of racial superiority, expressing a fear that the “white race” is under threat. This ideology is indicative of the broader racial prejudices of the time and serves to underscore Tom’s role as an enforcer of social hierarchies. His racism is not only a personal belief but also a means of maintaining his social status by othering those who are different.

Tom’s xenophobia also extends to his attitudes towards Gatsby, whom he views as an upstart and a threat to the established social order. Gatsby’s mysterious background and rapid accumulation of wealth challenge the traditional power structures that Tom represents. This fear of the “other” is a recurring theme in Fitzgerald’s critique of the American aristocracy.

The Illusion of the American Dream

Tom Buchanan’s character also serves to highlight the illusion of the American Dream. The dream promises that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success through hard work and determination. However, Tom’s existence and attitudes reveal the fallacy of this promise. His wealth and social status are inherited, not earned, and he actively works to preserve this status quo.

Tom’s interactions with Gatsby further illuminate this theme. Gatsby, who embodies the pursuit of the American Dream, is ultimately unable to transcend the social barriers that Tom represents. Despite his wealth, Gatsby remains an outsider in the eyes of the established elite. Tom’s character demonstrates that the American Dream is often inaccessible to those who do not already belong to the upper echelons of society.

Tom Buchanan in the Context of the Jazz Age

Historical and Social Context

To fully understand Tom Buchanan’s character, it is essential to place him within the historical and social context of the Jazz Age. The 1920s were a time of significant social change and economic prosperity in the United States. The era, often referred to as the “Roaring Twenties,” was marked by a surge in consumer culture, technological advancements, and a loosening of traditional social norms.

However, this period was also characterized by stark social inequalities and cultural conflicts. The rise of the nouveau riche, represented by characters like Gatsby, threatened the established social order. This tension between old and new money is a central theme in “The Great Gatsby.” Tom Buchanan, as a symbol of the old aristocracy, represents the resistance to these changes and the desire to maintain the existing social hierarchy.

The Jazz Age and Moral Decadence

The Jazz Age was also a time of moral and ethical ambiguity. The era’s emphasis on hedonism and excess often led to a disregard for traditional values and social norms. Tom Buchanan’s character embodies this moral decay. His infidelity, racism, and hypocrisy are all indicative of the broader ethical decline of the American elite during this period.

Fitzgerald’s portrayal of Tom is a critique of this decadence. Through Tom, he exposes the emptiness and corruption that often accompany great wealth and power. The moral failings of characters like Tom serve as a warning about the dangers of unchecked privilege and the erosion of ethical standards.

Critical Reception and Interpretations

Tom Buchanan has been the subject of extensive critical analysis and interpretation. Scholars have examined his character from various perspectives, including psychological, sociological, and historical viewpoints.

Psychological Analysis

From a psychological standpoint, Tom Buchanan’s behavior can be seen as a manifestation of deep-seated insecurities and a need for control. His aggression and dominance may be compensatory mechanisms for underlying feelings of inadequacy. This interpretation aligns with theories of authoritarian personality, which suggest that individuals who exhibit domineering and prejudiced behavior often do so out of a desire to assert control and alleviate their own insecurities (Adorno et al. 9).

Sociological Analysis

Sociologically, Tom represents the entrenched social hierarchies and power dynamics of the time. His character can be analyzed through the lens of social stratification theory, which examines how social structures and institutions maintain and reproduce inequalities. Tom’s attitudes and actions are indicative of the ways in which the American aristocracy sought to preserve their privileged status in the face of social change.

Historical Analysis

Historically, Tom Buchanan’s character reflects the broader cultural and social tensions of the 1920s. His racism and xenophobia are not merely personal failings but are representative of the broader societal prejudices of the era. The eugenics movement, which gained popularity in the early 20th century, promoted ideas of racial purity and superiority, ideas that Tom explicitly endorses in the novel (Kevles 4). Understanding this historical context is essential to comprehending the full implications of Tom’s character.

Tom Buchanan Quotes

1. “Civilization’s going to pieces. I’ve gotten to be a terrible pessimist about things. Have you read ‘The Rise of the Colored Empires’ by this man Goddard?”

Context: Tom says this during a dinner at his house, interrupting a conversation between Nick and Jordan.

Analysis: This quote is crucial in establishing Tom’s character and worldview. It reveals several key aspects:

• Racism: Tom’s interest in a book promoting white supremacy clearly demonstrates his racist beliefs.
• Pseudo-intellectualism: By referencing this book, Tom attempts to appear well-read and intellectual. However, his misunderstanding of the content (the actual book was “The Rising Tide of Color” by Lothrop Stoddard, not Goddard) reveals his superficial engagement with ideas.
• Fear of change: His statement that “civilization’s going to pieces” indicates his fear of social change and his desire to maintain the status quo that benefits him.
• Privilege: Tom’s pessimism about “things” stems from his privileged position being potentially threatened by social progress.

This quote encapsulates Tom’s role as a representation of the old money elite’s prejudices and resistance to social change in the 1920s.

2. “I’ve got a nice place here. It belonged to Oil City Gaffney.”

Context: Tom says this to Nick when showing him around his estate.

Analysis: This seemingly casual statement reveals much about Tom’s character:

• Wealth: The offhand way Tom mentions acquiring a mansion demonstrates the scale of his wealth.
• Materialism: Tom defines his “place” primarily by its previous owner, suggesting he values it more as a status symbol than a home.
• Lack of personal connection: There’s no indication that Tom has any emotional attachment to the property; it’s simply another possession.
• Social climbing: By mentioning the previous owner, Tom subtly boasts about his ability to acquire the trappings of old money, despite being from Chicago rather than the established East Coast elite.

This quote illustrates Tom’s materialistic values and his use of wealth as a means of asserting status.

3. “I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife. Well, if that’s the idea you can count me out.”

Context: Tom says this during the confrontation with Gatsby at the Plaza Hotel.

Analysis: This quote is rich with implications:

• Hypocrisy: Tom’s outrage at Gatsby’s affair with Daisy ignores his own infidelity, revealing his double standards.
• Classism: By referring to Gatsby as “Mr. Nobody from Nowhere,” Tom dismisses him based on his lack of established social status.
• Possessiveness: Tom’s phrasing suggests he sees Daisy as a possession rather than an autonomous individual.
• Threatened masculinity: The quote reveals Tom’s insecurity and his view that Gatsby is challenging not just his marriage, but his position in society.

This quote encapsulates the clash between old and new money, and Tom’s sense of entitlement and ownership over Daisy.

4. His voice was “a gruff husky tenor” that “added to the impression of fractiousness he conveyed.”

Context: This is Nick’s description of Tom’s voice when he first meets him.

Analysis: Though not a direct quote from Tom, this description by Nick is crucial in establishing Tom’s character:

• Intimidation: The “gruff husky tenor” suggests a forceful, domineering way of speaking.
• Aggression: “Fractiousness” implies that Tom is irritable and quarrelsome, even in casual conversation.
• Physical presence: The description of his voice complements the portrayal of Tom’s imposing physicality.
• Constant tension: The fact that even his voice conveys fractiousness suggests that Tom brings an atmosphere of tension and potential conflict wherever he goes.

5. “He ran over Myrtle like you’d run over a dog and never even stopped his car.”

Context: Tom says this to George Wilson, Myrtle’s husband, after Myrtle’s death, referring to Gatsby.

Analysis: This quote is a pivotal moment in the novel, showcasing Tom’s manipulative nature:

• Deception: Tom is lying here, knowing full well that Daisy was driving the car, not Gatsby.
• Manipulation: By comparing Myrtle to a dog, Tom dehumanizes her while simultaneously inciting George’s anger towards Gatsby.
• Self-preservation: Tom deflects any potential suspicion from himself and Daisy, protecting his own interests.
• Callousness: The casual way he speaks about Myrtle’s death reveals his lack of genuine concern for her, despite their affair.
• Class distinction: The comparison to running over a dog subtly reinforces the class divide between Tom and the Wilsons.

This quote demonstrates Tom’s willingness to sacrifice others (in this case, Gatsby) to maintain his position and protect himself and Daisy. It’s a clear example of his moral bankruptcy and manipulative skills.

6. “I’d like to take you down to the stables.”

Context: Tom says this to Nick, suggesting they go see his horses.

Analysis: While this quote might seem innocuous, it reveals several aspects of Tom’s character:

• Wealth display: By mentioning his stables, Tom is casually showcasing his wealth and lifestyle.
• Nostalgia for past glory: The stables likely remind Tom of his polo-playing days, hinting at his desire to relive past achievements.
• Attempt at bonding: This could be seen as Tom’s awkward attempt to connect with Nick, revealing his limited social skills outside of his usual circles.
• Control: By suggesting this activity, Tom is trying to direct the interaction on his terms, in his territory.

This quote, while brief, gives insight into Tom’s need to assert his status and control social situations, even in casual interactions.

7. “Once in a while I go off on a spree and make a fool of myself, but I always come back, and in my heart I love her all the time.”

Context: Tom says this about his relationship with Daisy, essentially admitting to and justifying his infidelities.

Analysis: This quote is revealing of Tom’s attitude towards his marriage and his general moral stance:

• Casual infidelity: Tom treats his affairs as mere “sprees,” downplaying their significance and the hurt they cause.
• Lack of remorse: He frames his behavior as “making a fool of himself” rather than acknowledging the pain he inflicts on Daisy.
• Entitlement: The phrase “I always come back” suggests he believes Daisy should always be waiting for him, regardless of his behavior.
• Superficial love: His claim to love Daisy “all the time” rings hollow given his actions and attitude.
• Self-justification: This entire statement serves as Tom’s way of excusing his behavior without taking real responsibility.

This quote encapsulates Tom’s selfish and entitled approach to his marriage and relationships in general.

8. “Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward… It was a body capable of enormous leverage – a cruel body.”

Context: This is Nick’s description of Tom when he first meets him.

Analysis: This vivid description is crucial in establishing Tom’s physical presence and its connection to his personality:

• Intimidation: The “shining arrogant eyes” and aggressive posture immediately establish Tom as an intimidating figure.
• Dominance: The description suggests that Tom’s entire demeanor is geared towards establishing dominance in any situation.
• Physical threat: The mention of “enormous leverage” and a “cruel body” implies a capacity and willingness for violence.
• Correlation between physical and moral attributes: Nick’s description links Tom’s physical appearance to his moral character, suggesting that his cruelty is an inherent part of his being.
• Foreshadowing: This initial description foreshadows Tom’s aggressive and domineering behavior throughout the novel.

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