Tom Buchanan, the brutish and wealthy antagonist in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, is a masterclass in arrogant characterization. His arrogance isn't merely a character trait; it's a driving force behind the novel's tragic events. While Fitzgerald doesn't explicitly offer a list of quotes defining Tom's arrogance, the sheer force of his personality and his actions speak volumes. Let's delve into some of the most shocking instances that reveal the depths of his inflated ego and entitlement. These aren't just quotes; they are windows into a soul consumed by privilege and a profound lack of self-awareness.
"I'm going to make a phone call."
This seemingly innocuous sentence, uttered several times throughout the novel, reveals a frightening control and disregard for others. It's not just a phone call; it's a threat. The casual way Tom wields his influence and power, using a simple phone call to manipulate situations and intimidate people, perfectly encapsulates his arrogance. He believes he's above the law, above social norms, and above any consequences for his actions. This seemingly simple phrase is a subtle, yet shocking display of his complete disregard for others.
Why this quote is shocking:
The lack of explanation or justification for the call is chilling. The power implicit in the statement, the implied threat hanging in the air, highlights Tom's belief in his invincibility. He doesn't need to explain; he expects compliance.
Tom's Brute Strength and Physical Intimidation
While not a direct quote, Tom's physical presence and his use of physical intimidation are a constant and terrifying display of his arrogance. He doesn't need words; his sheer size and threatening demeanor often speak louder than any quote. His casual violence and the threat of violence hang over the narrative, reinforcing his sense of superiority and entitlement. He believes his physical power gives him the right to dominate those around him.
Why this is shocking:
This showcases an arrogance that transcends words. It's a visceral, physical manifestation of his belief in his superiority, a violent assertion of his dominance that silences dissent and instills fear. It's a primal expression of arrogance that's far more unsettling than any carefully crafted line of dialogue.
His Open Affair and Disregard for Daisy
Tom's blatant affair with Myrtle Wilson, conducted with a breathtaking lack of discretion, is another shocking manifestation of his arrogance. He believes he's above reproach, that his wealth and status shield him from the consequences of his actions. His casual cruelty towards Daisy, his wife, reveals a complete disregard for her feelings and a profound self-absorption.
Why this is shocking:
The sheer audacity of his infidelity, conducted so openly and with such disregard for others, demonstrates a level of entitlement that's both horrifying and deeply revealing. He operates under the assumption that his actions have no repercussions, a stark demonstration of his inflated sense of self-importance.
"I've got a lot of things I've got to do, and he [Gatsby] certainly can't do them."
This quote perfectly encapsulates Tom's disdain for Gatsby and highlights his belief in his inherent superiority based solely on his social status and wealth. He believes his accomplishments and his connections are vastly superior to Gatsby’s, regardless of Gatsby's actual achievements or character. This statement demonstrates an utter lack of empathy and recognition of Gatsby’s hard work and dedication.
Why this is shocking:
The casual dismissal of Gatsby's efforts, the underlying assumption of inherent superiority based purely on wealth and lineage, is a stark and disturbing reminder of Tom's ingrained arrogance and class prejudice.
The Underlying Current of Entitlement
Perhaps the most shocking aspect of Tom Buchanan's arrogance isn't any single quote, but the pervasive, underlying current of entitlement that flows through every aspect of his character. He assumes his opinions are facts, his desires are laws, and his position in society grants him immunity from consequences. This pervasive entitlement is what makes him truly shocking. It's not just arrogance; it's a belief in his inherent right to dominate.
In conclusion, while there's no single, definitive quote that perfectly encapsulates Tom Buchanan's arrogance, the cumulative effect of his actions and behaviors—his casual cruelty, his manipulative power plays, his blatant disregard for others— paints a shocking portrait of a man completely consumed by his own inflated sense of self-importance. It's this pervasive entitlement, woven throughout the novel, that makes Tom Buchanan such a compelling and terrifying character.
