Tom Buchanan, the brutish and wealthy antagonist in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, is a masterclass in portraying toxic masculinity and unchecked arrogance. His character isn't simply unpleasant; he embodies a specific type of societal arrogance fueled by wealth, power, and a deep-seated sense of entitlement. Through Fitzgerald's masterful use of dialogue, Tom's arrogance shines through, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. This exploration delves into some of his most telling quotes, examining how they reveal the depths of his character and contribute to the novel's enduring themes.
"I'm inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores."
This seemingly self-deprecating statement is actually a sly display of arrogance. Tom presents himself as open-minded and tolerant, implying a superior intellect that allows him to understand "curious natures." However, the subtle dig at "veteran bores" reveals his underlying contempt for anyone he deems inferior. He positions himself as a judge, implicitly placing himself above others while claiming to avoid judgment. This contradictory stance is a hallmark of his arrogant nature; he believes he's above the rules that govern ordinary people.
"And I hope she'll be a fool—that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool."
This quote, directed at his wife, Daisy, encapsulates Tom's profoundly misogynistic and arrogant worldview. He doesn't desire a partner; he wants a possession – a beautiful object to enhance his status. His desire for Daisy to remain a "fool" speaks volumes about his own intellectual vanity and his expectation that women should be subservient and unaware of his infidelity and questionable morals. He believes his own intelligence and power excuse his actions, and he sees no need for Daisy to possess any critical thinking skills that might challenge his authority.
"I've got a rather good deal on the show. I'm getting them for a song."
This seemingly innocuous remark about acquiring something at a discounted price reveals Tom's ingrained sense of entitlement. The casual boast about obtaining something "for a song" highlights his disregard for others and his belief in his own superior bargaining skills—skills that he likely uses to exploit those less fortunate. The very phrase itself, often used to imply a remarkably advantageous deal, emphasizes his detachment from the economic realities faced by most people.
"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?"
This quote underscores Tom's inherent racism and his use of intellectual posturing to mask his prejudices. He uses a flimsy excuse of a book to justify his pessimistic worldview, which conveniently supports his own elitist and discriminatory beliefs. His casual mention of racial superiority masks his own deep-seated insecurities and a fear of change. This display of intellectual arrogance is a calculated strategy to intimidate and silence those who might challenge his viewpoints.
How does Tom Buchanan’s arrogance contribute to the overall themes of The Great Gatsby?
Tom Buchanan’s arrogance is not merely a character trait; it is a key element in driving the narrative and exploring Fitzgerald's central themes. His disdain for the moral code and his sense of entitlement are interwoven with the novel's exploration of wealth, class, the American Dream, and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. His arrogance fuels the conflict and ultimately contributes to the tragic downfall of several characters, highlighting the devastating consequences of such a flawed worldview. He represents the corrupting influence of wealth and power, a critique central to Fitzgerald's masterpiece.
What motivates Tom Buchanan’s arrogance?
Tom Buchanan's arrogance stems from a combination of factors: his immense wealth, his perceived social status, and a deep-seated insecurity he tries to mask through displays of dominance and control. His privileged upbringing has instilled in him a sense of entitlement, making him believe he's above the rules and consequences that apply to others. His insecurity drives him to assert his dominance over those around him, both physically and emotionally. The need to control his environment – his wife, his social circles, and even his own narrative – is a direct consequence of his deep-seated anxieties.
Is Tom Buchanan a sympathetic character?
No, Tom Buchanan is not a sympathetic character. His actions and attitudes consistently portray him as cruel, callous, and deeply misogynistic. While the novel explores the complexities of human nature, there is little redeeming quality presented to warrant any form of sympathy for Tom Buchanan. His arrogance and disregard for others ultimately render him unlikeable and contribute to the tragic events that unfold throughout the novel.
By examining these and other quotes, we can see how Tom Buchanan serves as a powerful symbol of the destructive consequences of unchecked arrogance and the corrosive effects of wealth and privilege. He embodies the flaws and hypocrisies of the Roaring Twenties, making him a compelling and unforgettable character in American literature.
