Tom Buchanan, the brutish and powerful antagonist in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, is a masterclass in portraying toxic masculinity and unchecked arrogance. His character isn't just a foil to Gatsby's romanticism; he embodies the destructive forces of wealth, privilege, and ingrained prejudice that permeate the Jazz Age world Fitzgerald depicts. While Gatsby's flaws are often presented with a degree of pathos, Tom's arrogance is stark, unapologetic, and ultimately terrifying. This essay will explore some of Tom Buchanan's most resonant quotes, examining how they illuminate his character and contribute to the novel's overall thematic concerns.
"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." - Is this ironic?
This seemingly self-aware statement, uttered ironically by Tom, is one of the most revealing quotes in the novel. It highlights his profound hypocrisy. While claiming to be open-minded, Tom actively judges everyone he encounters, particularly those he deems beneath him socially or economically. His "curious natures" are those who amuse or serve him, not those who challenge his worldview. The "veteran bores" he refers to are likely individuals who dare to question his authority or wealth. The irony underscores his deep-seated arrogance, preventing him from recognizing his own biases and prejudices. This quote sets the tone for his character, establishing him as a man who believes himself above accountability.
"She’s got an indiscreet voice," - His judgment of Myrtle Wilson
Tom's comment about Myrtle Wilson's "indiscreet voice" perfectly encapsulates his casual cruelty and condescending attitude towards women. He doesn't see Myrtle as an individual with her own agency; rather, he views her as a possession to be controlled and discarded. The description of her voice as "indiscreet" isn't a comment on its volume or tone, but rather a reflection of Tom's perception of Myrtle's behavior as exceeding the boundaries he has set for her. This highlights his patriarchal perspective and his belief in his right to exert dominance over women. This quote, seemingly simple, is a potent example of the casual misogyny that fuels Tom's actions.
"I've got a strong principle against letting them in. I'm awfully afraid they'll want to live here." - Showing his classism
This quote, spoken about the less wealthy members of society, reveals Tom's ingrained classism. He doesn't simply dislike individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds; he fears their presence will somehow taint his opulent lifestyle. His "principle" is not a matter of personal preference but a manifestation of his deeply ingrained belief in his social superiority. This showcases the extent to which his arrogance is tied to his wealth and status. It's not merely a matter of snobbery; it's a fundamental belief in his inherent right to maintain a social distance from those he deems "beneath" him.
How does Tom's arrogance contribute to the novel's themes?
Tom's arrogance is central to The Great Gatsby's exploration of the American Dream's corruption. His unchecked power and privilege, fueled by his arrogance, lead to devastating consequences for those around him. He destroys Myrtle Wilson's life, contributes to Gatsby's downfall, and ultimately represents the corrosive influence of wealth and social inequality on human relationships. His inability to acknowledge his own flaws and accept responsibility for his actions underscores the novel's tragic tone and its critique of the moral decay within the wealthy elite.
What are the consequences of Tom's arrogance?
The consequences of Tom's arrogance are far-reaching and devastating. His infidelity destroys his marriage, his violent temper threatens those around him, and his casual cruelty leaves a trail of broken lives in its wake. The novel suggests that unchecked arrogance, particularly when combined with wealth and power, leads to moral decay and ultimately self-destruction. Tom's arrogance is not just a personality flaw; it's a driving force behind the novel's tragic events. He embodies the destructive potential of a society that prioritizes wealth and social status above all else.
Is Tom Buchanan a truly evil character?
While not overtly villainous in the traditional sense, Tom Buchanan's actions stem from a profound arrogance and a lack of empathy that render him a destructive force. He's not driven by malice, but by a sense of entitlement that allows him to rationalize his harmful behavior. This makes him a more complex and ultimately more unsettling character than a simply evil antagonist. His actions are a consequence of his deeply ingrained beliefs about his superiority, rather than a deliberate attempt to inflict pain.
In conclusion, Tom Buchanan's arrogance is not just a personality trait but a defining characteristic that shapes the narrative of The Great Gatsby. His quotes serve as stark reminders of the corrosive effects of unchecked power, privilege, and the deeply ingrained prejudices that permeate society. His character remains a compelling and disturbing figure, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance and the destructive consequences of unchecked power.
