Character Analysis of Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby," Tom Buchanan is a character that often evokes strong reactions from readers. Some see him as a wealthy and powerful man who is confident and assertive, while others view him as arrogant and insensitive. In this essay, we will delve into a character analysis of Tom Buchanan to explore his motivations, relationships, and impact on the storyline.

First and foremost, Tom Buchanan is portrayed as a wealthy and privileged individual who comes from old money. He is described as being physically imposing with a "cruel body" and a "supercilious manner." Tom's wealth and status give him a sense of entitlement, which is evident in his behavior towards others, especially those of lower social standing.

One of Tom's defining characteristics is his arrogance and condescension towards others. He looks down on those who he deems inferior, particularly Jay Gatsby, who he sees as a threat to his marriage with Daisy. Tom's arrogance is highlighted in his treatment of Myrtle Wilson, his mistress, whom he openly flaunts in front of his wife and friends without any regard for her feelings.

Despite his flaws, Tom is also portrayed as a complex character with moments of vulnerability and insecurity. He is deeply insecure about his relationship with Daisy and is constantly seeking validation through his extramarital affairs and displays of wealth and power. This vulnerability humanizes Tom and adds layers to his character, making him more than just a one-dimensional antagonist.

Tom's relationships with other characters in the novel are crucial to understanding his motivations and actions. His marriage with Daisy is fraught with tension and infidelity, yet he is fiercely protective of her when he feels threatened by Gatsby. Tom's possessiveness of Daisy stems from his fear of losing her to someone he perceives as unworthy, which drives much of his behavior throughout the novel.

Furthermore, Tom's rivalry with Gatsby serves as a central conflict in the storyline. Their contrasting personalities and motivations create a dynamic tension that propels the narrative forward. While Gatsby represents the American Dream and the pursuit of love and success, Tom embodies the corruption and moral decay of the wealthy elite. Their clash ultimately leads to a tragic conclusion that highlights the consequences of their actions.

In conclusion, Tom Buchanan is a complex and multifaceted character in "The Great Gatsby" who elicits a range of emotions from readers. While he is often portrayed as a villain due to his arrogance and insensitivity, he also exhibits moments of vulnerability and insecurity that add depth to his character. By analyzing Tom's motivations, relationships, and impact on the storyline, we can gain a better understanding of his role in the novel and the themes it explores.

Tom's wealth and privilege are key factors in shaping his character and behavior throughout the novel. As a member of the old money elite, Tom has grown up with a sense of entitlement that is evident in his interactions with others. According to the novel, Tom is "one of the most powerful ends that ever played football at New Haven – a national figure in a way, one of those men who reach such an acute limited excellence at twenty-one that everything afterward savours of anticlimax." This description highlights Tom's status as a wealthy and influential individual who is used to getting his way.

Moreover, Tom's arrogance and condescension towards others are rooted in his belief in his own superiority. His treatment of Jay Gatsby, whom he sees as a social climber and a threat to his marriage, is a clear example of his disdain for those he views as beneath him. In one scene, Tom dismissively refers to Gatsby as a "common swindler," showcasing his contempt for Gatsby's humble origins and ambitious pursuits.

Despite his outward displays of confidence and power, Tom is not without his vulnerabilities. His insecurities about his relationship with Daisy drive much of his behavior, leading him to seek validation through his extramarital affairs and displays of wealth. Tom's fear of losing Daisy to Gatsby fuels his possessiveness and jealousy, making him a complex and conflicted character who is torn between his desire to control and protect his wife.

Tom's rivalry with Gatsby serves as a central conflict in the novel, highlighting the clash between old money and new money in the Jazz Age. While Gatsby represents the self-made man who aspires to greatness through hard work and determination, Tom embodies the corruption and moral decay of the traditional elite. Their feud over Daisy's affections symbolizes the struggle between idealism and cynicism, innocence and corruption, in a society obsessed with wealth and status.

In the end, Tom Buchanan emerges as a character who is both despicable and pitiable, a man driven by his insecurities and fears as much as his wealth and power. By examining his motivations, relationships, and impact on the storyline, we can gain a deeper insight into the complexities of his character and the themes that Fitzgerald explores in "The Great Gatsby."