Understanding Tom’s Perspective on Wealth in The Great Gatsby
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, “The Great Gatsby,” the character of Tom Buchanan offers a unique perspective on wealth. His views on money, power, and social status are complex and multifaceted, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the American Dream and its dark underbelly.
Tom’s Wealth and Social Status
Tom Buchanan is a man of considerable wealth and social status. He is the son of a wealthy copper industrialist and has inherited a substantial fortune. His social standing is evident in his lifestyle, which includes a grand mansion, a luxurious car, and a high-profile social circle. However, Tom’s wealth is not merely a reflection of his material possessions; it is also a symbol of his power and influence over others.
| Tom Buchanan’s Wealth and Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Grand Mansion | A luxurious home in West Egg, New York, showcasing his wealth and status. |
| Luxurious Car | A yellow Rolls-Royce, symbolizing his power and influence. |
| High-Profile Social Circle | Involvement in high-society events and relationships with influential people. |
Tom’s Attitude Towards Wealth
Despite his immense wealth, Tom’s attitude towards money is complex. He seems to view wealth as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. He is not particularly interested in accumulating more money, but he does enjoy the power and influence that comes with it. Tom’s attitude towards wealth is further highlighted by his relationship with his wife, Daisy Buchanan.
Tom’s love for Daisy is conditional, and he uses his wealth to maintain his hold over her. He believes that his wealth is a necessary component of their relationship, and he is willing to manipulate and control her to ensure that he retains his power over her. This aspect of Tom’s character is particularly evident in his treatment of Myrtle Wilson, his affair partner.
Tom’s Influence on Others
Tom’s wealth and social status have a significant impact on the other characters in the novel. He is able to manipulate and control them through his power and influence. For example, he is able to use his wealth to keep Myrtle Wilson in a subservient position, despite her affair with him. He also uses his influence to keep his wife, Daisy, in line, ensuring that she remains loyal to him.
Tom’s influence extends beyond his personal relationships. He is also able to use his wealth and power to affect the lives of others, such as Nick Carraway, the novel’s narrator. Nick is initially enchanted by the world of wealth and privilege that Tom represents, but he eventually becomes disillusioned with the emptiness of this lifestyle.
Tom’s Role in the American Dream
Tom Buchanan’s character serves as a critical commentary on the American Dream. On the one hand, he embodies the American Dream in his pursuit of wealth, power, and social status. However, his character also highlights the dark side of the American Dream, revealing the corruption and greed that can accompany wealth and success.
Tom’s pursuit of wealth and power is ultimately destructive, both for himself and for those around him. His affair with Myrtle Wilson and his violent behavior towards her husband, George Wilson, are examples of the consequences of his pursuit of wealth and power. These actions ultimately lead to tragedy and the destruction of his own marriage.
Conclusion
In “The Great Gatsby,” Tom Buchanan’s character offers a complex and nuanced perspective on wealth. His views on money, power, and social status are both fascinating and disturbing, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the American Dream and its dark underbelly. Through Tom’s character, Fitzgerald challenges readers to question the true value of wealth and the price of pursuing the American Dream.
