Tom Buchanan: The Embodiment of Old Money and Toxic Masculinity

Tom Buchanan, a central antagonist in The Great Gatsby, represents the old money elite and embodies toxic masculinity. His character is defined by his arrogance, physical strength, and cruel, violent nature.

Tom Buchanan character analysis reveals a complex figure driven by insecurity and a need for control. Born into old money, Tom is characterized by his physical strength and hypermasculine ideals. He defines himself through his superior position in society and uses his physicality to assert dominance over others, particularly women.

Highlight: Tom's marriage is portrayed as a social construct rather than a romantic relationship, highlighting the superficiality of upper-class unions in the 1920s.

Tom Buchanan's physical description emphasizes his muscular build and imposing presence. This physical superiority complements his cruel and violent nature, making him a formidable and intimidating character.

Quote: "Now he was a sturdy, straw-haired man of thirty with a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner."

What does Tom Buchanan want to control? Tom seeks to control every aspect of his life, including his wife Daisy, his mistress Myrtle, and the social hierarchy he believes should remain unchanged. His pursuit of affairs is not just about physical attraction but also about asserting control and exercising dominance.

Vocabulary: Hypermasculine: Exaggerated stereotypical male behavior, emphasizing physical strength, aggression, and sexuality.

Tom Buchanan's thoughts about inner self reveal a man grappling with a "crisis of masculinity." As women gained more rights and independence in the 1920s, Tom feels emasculated and responds by embracing even more extreme hypermasculine ideals.

Tom Buchanan's background is rooted in old money and privilege. He is often nostalgic about his youth as a successful athlete, reflecting his aimlessness and lack of purpose in adulthood. This nostalgia also manifests in his racist and xenophobic beliefs, as he fears the loss of his class privilege.

Example: Tom's racism is evident in his endorsement of "The Rise of the Colored Empires," a book that promotes white supremacist ideas.

Daisy Buchanan: The Gilded Cage of the Roaring Twenties

Daisy Buchanan, a central character in The Great Gatsby, embodies the complexities and contradictions of the 1920s American upper class. Born into old money in Louisville, Daisy is characterized by her ethereal beauty, charm, and a deep-seated dissatisfaction with her life.

Daisy's character is marked by her fickleness and materialism. She prioritizes her appearance and reputation above all else, living a life of luxury in East Egg. Her beauty and charm captivate those around her, but this exterior masks a hollow and superficial interior.

Highlight: The color white is used 49 times in relation to Daisy, symbolizing her apparent purity and innocence, which contrasts with her true nature.

Daisy's relationship with Gatsby is rooted in their past. They met when Gatsby was a military officer stationed near her home, but he went off to war, and she ultimately married Tom Buchanan. Despite being in awe of Gatsby's commitment to her, Daisy is afraid to leave her comfortable life with Tom.

Quote: "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 reveals Daisy's cynical view of the world and her understanding of the limited options available to women in her society. She conforms to gender expectations, taking on a domestic lifestyle despite her inner restlessness.

Vocabulary: Sardonic: Grimly mocking or cynical.

Daisy's character is based on Zelda Fitzgerald, F. Scott Fitzgerald's wife. Both women enjoyed wealth and material comforts but struggled with the constraints of their society. Daisy's perfect facade disintegrates by the end of the novel, revealing the consequences of her actions and choices.

Example: Daisy's decision to let Gatsby take the blame for Myrtle's death demonstrates her selfishness and inability to take responsibility for her actions.

George Wilson: The Forgotten Man of the American Dream

George Wilson, a working-class car mechanic living in the Valley of Ashes, represents the harsh reality of the American Dream for many during the 1920s. His character serves as a stark contrast to the wealthy and privileged characters of East and West Egg.

Wilson is depicted as lifeless, downtrodden, and exhausted, embodying the struggles of the working class in pursuit of the elusive American Dream. His "everyman" name suggests that he represents all working-class males of his time, struggling against the tide of an increasingly prosperous yet unequal society.

Highlight: Wilson's residence in the Valley of Ashes symbolizes the desolation and hopelessness experienced by those left behind in the pursuit of wealth and status.

Despite his circumstances, Wilson is shown to love his wife Myrtle steadfastly. However, his naivety and lack of assertiveness allow him to be manipulated by others, particularly Tom Buchanan.

Quote: "He was his wife's man and not his own."

This quote underscores Wilson's lack of agency and his dependence on Myrtle, highlighting the power dynamics within their relationship.

When Wilson learns of his wife's affair, he transforms from a passive character to an active and tenacious one. This change in his character drives the tragic climax of the novel.

Vocabulary: Prosaic: Lacking imagination; dull and commonplace.

Wilson's character arc demonstrates the destructive power of unrequited love and the devastating effects of toxic masculinity. His actions in the latter part of the novel show how desperation and heartbreak can drive even the most docile individuals to extreme measures.

Example: Wilson's decision to seek revenge for his wife's death, ultimately leading to Gatsby's murder, shows the tragic consequences of his awakening from naivety to harsh reality.

Tom Buchanan: A Closer Look at the Antagonist

Tom Buchanan's character description in Chapter 1 sets the tone for his role throughout the novel. He is introduced as a powerful, domineering figure with a strong physical presence and an air of arrogance.

Quote: "Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward."

This description immediately establishes Tom as an intimidating and assertive character, foreshadowing his role as the novel's primary antagonist.

Tom Buchanan's thoughts about inner self reveal a man deeply insecure about his place in a changing world. Despite his wealth and social status, Tom feels threatened by the shifting social dynamics of the 1920s, particularly the increasing independence of women and the rise of "new money" figures like Gatsby.

Highlight: Tom's subscription to racist ideologies and his fear of losing class privilege reflect his inner turmoil and desire to maintain the status quo.

Tom's unfaithfulness and hypocrisy are central to his character. While he pursues affairs to assert his dominance and control, he becomes enraged when he suspects Daisy of being unfaithful. This double standard highlights the patriarchal norms of the time and Tom's adherence to traditional gender roles.

Example: Tom's affair with Myrtle Wilson, a woman from a lower social class, demonstrates his belief in his right to exert power over others based on his social and economic status.

Tom Buchanan's physical description emphasizes his imposing presence and athletic build. His physical strength is a key aspect of his character, often used as a means of intimidation and control.

Vocabulary: Supercilious: Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others.

In conclusion, Tom Buchanan represents the dark side of the American upper class in the 1920s. His character serves as a foil to Gatsby, highlighting the stark differences between old money and new money, and the destructive nature of unchecked privilege and power.

Myrtle Wilson's Social Ambitions

Myrtle represents the futile attempt at social mobility through relationships rather than work.

Example: She uses her relationship with Tom to access luxury goods and a sophisticated lifestyle.

Highlight: Her desperate attempt to climb the social ladder ultimately leads to her tragic death.

Her character demonstrates the limitations placed on women's social mobility in the 1920s.

Jay Gatsby: The Enigmatic Pursuer of the American Dream

Jay Gatsby, the eponymous character of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, is a complex and enigmatic figure who embodies the essence of the American Dream. His journey from a poor Midwestern boy to a wealthy and mysterious socialite is driven by his unwavering devotion to Daisy Buchanan and his pursuit of wealth and status.

Gatsby's character is defined by his charisma, ambition, and romantic idealism. He is often described as charming and enigmatic, maintaining a facade of mystery that intrigues those around him. His pursuit of wealth is not for personal gain, but rather as a means to win back Daisy, his lost love from years ago.

Highlight: Gatsby's car, a symbol of his newfound wealth and status, is closely tied to his carefully constructed identity.

Gatsby's relationship with Daisy is ephemeral and based on an idealized past. He views her through a romanticized lens, often at odds with reality. This inflated view of Daisy drives his every action and decision, ultimately leading to his tragic end.

Quote: "Gatsby? What Gatsby?" This quote highlights how Daisy is a figment of Gatsby's past, while for him, she represents his past, present, and future.

Despite his wealth and social status, Gatsby remains an outsider, often alone and isolated. This solitude is representative of his ostracization from society, particularly the old money elite of East Egg. His tragic hero status is cemented by his excessive greed and idealism, which ultimately lead to his downfall.

Definition: The American Dream: The belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination.