Compare and Contrast: George Wilson and Tom Buchanan

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's renowned novel "The Great Gatsby," the characters of George Wilson and Tom Buchanan play significant roles in portraying the themes of social class, wealth, and moral decay. While both characters come from different backgrounds and have contrasting personalities, they share certain similarities that contribute to the overall narrative. This essay will compare and contrast George Wilson and Tom Buchanan, examining their backgrounds, attitudes towards wealth, and their relationships with others in order to shed light on the contrasting values they represent.

Background and Social Class

One of the most prominent differences between George Wilson and Tom Buchanan lies in their social class and background. George Wilson is a working-class man who owns a garage in the Valley of Ashes, a desolate and poverty-stricken area located between West Egg and New York City. In contrast, Tom Buchanan comes from a wealthy and socially elite background, belonging to the old-money aristocracy. His family wealth and privilege afford him a life of luxury and leisure. This stark contrast in social class sets the stage for their differing perspectives on wealth and success.

George Wilson, as a member of the working class, is driven by the desire to attain financial stability and provide for his wife, Myrtle. His humble origins and constant struggle for survival contribute to his desperation and vulnerability. In contrast, Tom Buchanan, born into wealth, takes his privileged position for granted and exhibits a sense of entitlement. He flaunts his wealth and uses it as a means to assert dominance and control over others. Tom's complacency towards his inherited wealth reflects the moral decay and corruption of the upper class.

Attitudes towards Wealth

George Wilson and Tom Buchanan also differ in their attitudes towards wealth. George views wealth as a means to improve his station in life and achieve the American Dream. He believes that accumulating wealth will enable him to provide a better future for his wife, Myrtle, and escape the suffocating poverty of the Valley of Ashes. His pursuit of wealth is driven by a genuine desire to improve his circumstances and seek a better life.

On the other hand, Tom Buchanan's attitude towards wealth is characterized by a sense of entitlement and materialism. He uses his wealth to assert dominance and indulge in extramarital affairs, demonstrating a lack of moral integrity. Tom sees wealth as a tool to satisfy his selfish desires and maintain his social status. His reckless behavior and disregard for the consequences of his actions highlight the moral decay prevalent among the wealthy elite.

Relationships with Others

George Wilson and Tom Buchanan also differ in their relationships with others, particularly in their treatment of women. George Wilson is depicted as a devoted and loyal husband to Myrtle. Despite her affair with Tom Buchanan, George remains unaware of her infidelity and genuinely believes in their love. He is devastated when Myrtle is killed and seeks vengeance, which ultimately leads to his own tragic demise. George's loyalty and commitment to his wife contrast sharply with the callous treatment of women exhibited by Tom.

Tom Buchanan, in contrast, demonstrates a complete disregard for the feelings and well-being of others, particularly women. He engages in an affair with Myrtle Wilson without any consideration for the consequences or the impact it may have on her life. Tom objectifies women and uses them as mere objects of pleasure, reflecting the oppressive and patriarchal attitudes prevalent in the upper class during the 1920s.

Conclusion

In conclusion, George Wilson and Tom Buchanan serve as contrasting characters in "The Great Gatsby," representing different social classes, attitudes towards wealth, and relationships with others. George, a working-class man driven by the desire to improve his circumstances, stands in stark contrast to Tom, a wealthy aristocrat who exploits his privilege and exhibits a lack of moral integrity. Through the comparison and contrast of these characters, Fitzgerald highlights the themes of social class, wealth, and moral decay prevalent in 1920s America. The juxtaposition of George and Tom offers a critical examination of the values and attitudes that underpin the American Dream, ultimately leading to a reflection on the broader implications of societal inequality and the destructive nature of materialism.

Works Cited:

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.