Under The Shell: Facing Tom's True Self

Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of a person's facade? In F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," the character Tom Buchanan appears to be a wealthy and powerful man, but beneath his polished exterior lies a complex inner self. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald provides glimpses into Tom's thoughts about his true self, shedding light on his insecurities, desires, and motivations. By examining these insights, we can gain a deeper understanding of Tom's character and the themes of identity and self-deception in the novel.

The Inner Struggles of Tom Buchanan

Tom Buchanan, a wealthy socialite, is introduced to readers as a man of privilege and power. However, as the story progresses, we discover that Tom's outer persona is merely a mask that conceals his inner turmoil. Fitzgerald skillfully portrays Tom's thoughts about his true self, revealing a man who is haunted by his insecurities and consumed by his desires.

One instance where Tom's thoughts about his inner self are exposed is during a conversation with his mistress, Myrtle Wilson. Tom's affair with Myrtle is an escape from the constraints of his unhappy marriage, but even in this illicit relationship, he is unable to find true satisfaction. He reflects on his inner turmoil, thinking, "I wanted to get up and slap her face... I love you now – isn't that enough? I can't help what's past" (Fitzgerald 37). This inner conflict between his desires and his sense of duty underscores the complexity of Tom's character.

Furthermore, Tom's thoughts about his inner self also reveal his deep-seated insecurities. Despite his wealth and social status, he is constantly worried about losing his power and dominance. In one scene, Tom expresses his fear of losing control by proclaiming, "I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife. Well, if that's the idea you can count me out... Nowadays people begin by sneering at family life and family institutions, and next they'll throw everything overboard and have intermarriage between black and white" (Fitzgerald 130). Tom's anxieties about social change and his fear of losing his grip on the world he knows reveal his insecurities about his own self-worth.

The Implications of Tom's Inner Conflict

Tom's inner struggles have significant implications for the novel as a whole. His conflict between desires and duty mirrors the larger theme of identity and self-deception in "The Great Gatsby." The characters in the novel, including Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan, all grapple with the tension between their true selves and the personas they present to the world.

Tom's inner conflict also sheds light on the destructive nature of the pursuit of wealth and power. His desire to maintain control and his fear of losing his privileged position lead him to engage in reckless behavior and hurt those around him. This highlights the corrupting influence of materialism and the emptiness of a life built solely on superficial success.

In Conclusion

Fitzgerald's portrayal of Tom Buchanan's thoughts about his inner self offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of his character. Tom's insecurities, desires, and conflicts contribute to the larger themes of identity and self-deception in "The Great Gatsby." By examining these insights, we gain a deeper understanding of the destructive nature of wealth and power and the consequences of living a life built on superficial success. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to look beyond the surface and confront our true selves.

As we delve into the depths of Tom Buchanan's character, we are reminded that true self-discovery requires us to confront our own inner conflicts and insecurities. Only by facing our true selves can we hope to find fulfillment and authenticity in a world that often values appearances over substance.

Bibliography

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