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.

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.