Tom Buchanan: An Embodiment of Privilege and Decadence in “The Great Gatsby”

The characters of "The Great Gatsby," one of F. Scott Fitzgerald's most famous books, are brought to life as they embody many facets of the Jazz Age's spirit. Tom Buchanan is notable as a person of enormous money, overt conceit, and inflexible privilege. He serves as Jay Gatsby's glorified dreams' opposite in many respects. Tom embodies the darker undercurrents of the Roaring Twenties, a period characterized by opulent parties as well as ingrained classism and moral deterioration. This essay offers a distinctive analysis of Tom Buchanan, capturing the intricacies of his role in "The Great Gatsby." For a comprehensive understanding, readers may refer to the aforementioned references.

Riches and Privilege

Tom's riches is immediately apparent. He was reportedly "one of the most powerful ends that ever played football at New Haven," suggesting a prestigious Yale education. In contrast to Gatsby's recently obtained riches, the Buchanans' house, a "cheerful red and white Georgian Colonial mansion," represents Tom's old money status. The established social structures of the period are represented by this distinction.

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Arrogance and Dominance

Tom exudes a sense of entitlement and dominance. His interactions with his wife Daisy and his lover Myrtle Wilson are clear examples of this. He conducts both of his relationships in a possessive manner, in keeping with the patriarchal standards of the time. His physique, which is sometimes portrayed as hostile, is a symbol of his drive to exercise control over the people and circumstances in his environment.

Racism and the fear of the "Other"

When Fitzgerald talks about the book he's reading, "The Rise of the Colored Empires," he gives us a look of Tom's personality. Tom's conviction in racial purity and his worry that non-white races would take over the contemporary world highlight how pervasive xenophobia and racism were at the period. Additionally, it provides a striking contrast to Gatsby's more open-minded parties.

Moral Decadence

Although several characters in the book display moral uncertainty, Tom repeatedly exhibits a lack of an ethical compass in his acts. His refusal to accept responsibility is shown by his continuous relationship with Myrtle, his nonchalant rejection of her death, and his hasty determination to place the blame on Gatsby. This moral collapse serves as a metaphor for the disillusionment that characterized the post-World War II period.

Conclusion

Fitzgerald uses Tom Buchanan, with all of his shortcomings and complexity, as a critical prism through which to examine the social structures of the Jazz Age. The unfettered luxury, uncontrolled hubris, and moral degradation that supported the glamor and glamour of the 1920s are personified in him. As Jay Gatsby's sad narrative develops, it is Tom and other characters that serve as the novel's background and help to highlight the sharp contrasts and disillusionments of a pivotal period in American history. And established social structures of the period are represented by this distinction.

References:

1. F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925). Gatsby, The Great. Sons of Charles Scribner.
2. M. J. Bruccoli (2000). Scott F A Letter-Based Life of Fitzgerald. Scribner.
3. N. Tredell (2007). Reader's Guide to Essential Criticism of The Great Gatsby. It's Palgrave Macmillan.

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