Description of Tom Buchanan: Page Number
Tom Buchanan, a character from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel “The Great Gatsby,” is a complex and intriguing figure. This article delves into the various aspects of his character, providing a detailed analysis of his role in the novel and his significance in the context of the 1920s American society.
Physical Description
On page 17, Fitzgerald describes Tom Buchanan as a tall, handsome man with a strong, confident presence. He has a “massive frame” and a “dull red face,” which suggests his physical strength and robustness. His “blue eyes” are “hard and cold,” reflecting his aloof and unemotional nature. His hair is “wavy and thick,” and his “square jaw” adds to his imposing appearance.
Character Traits
Tom Buchanan is portrayed as a man of wealth and privilege, which is evident in his luxurious lifestyle and his social status. However, his character is not without flaws. He is often depicted as a man of contradictions, with a strong sense of pride and a deep-seated racism. On page 54, Fitzgerald writes, “He was a great sport, and that was why he had been able to do so much damage to people’s lives.” This quote highlights his ability to manipulate and hurt others, often without remorse.
One of the most notable traits of Tom Buchanan is his racism. He is openly hostile towards people of color, particularly when it comes to his affair with Myrtle Wilson, a woman of lower social status. On page 109, Fitzgerald describes Tom’s reaction to the idea of his wife, Daisy, being with a man of African American descent: “He was a brute, a beast!” This quote demonstrates his deep-seated prejudice and his inability to accept the idea of racial equality.
Relationships
Tom Buchanan’s relationships are complex and often strained. His marriage to Daisy Buchanan is characterized by a lack of emotional connection and a deep-seated infidelity. On page 54, Fitzgerald writes, “He had been a great sport, and that was why he had been able to do so much damage to people’s lives.” This quote suggests that Tom’s affair with Myrtle Wilson is a continuation of his pattern of causing pain and destruction in the lives of those around him.
Tom’s relationship with Myrtle Wilson is marked by a power dynamic, with Tom holding the upper hand. On page 109, Fitzgerald describes Myrtle as “a slutty little slut,” which highlights her vulnerability and the control Tom exerts over her. However, Myrtle’s desire for a better life and her affair with Tom’s friend, Jay Gatsby, suggest her own ambition and independence.
Social Status and Influence
Tom Buchanan’s social status is a significant aspect of his character. He is a member of the old money elite, which is evident in his luxurious lifestyle and his connections to influential people. On page 54, Fitzgerald writes, “He was a great sport, and that was why he had been able to do so much damage to people’s lives.” This quote suggests that Tom’s social status allows him to manipulate and control others, often to his own advantage.
However, Tom’s influence is not limited to his social connections. He is also a symbol of the 1920s American society, which is characterized by greed, materialism, and a lack of moral values. On page 109, Fitzgerald writes, “He was a brute, a beast!” This quote reflects the moral decay of the era and the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
Conclusion
Tom Buchanan is a complex and multifaceted character in “The Great Gatsby.” His physical description, character traits, relationships, and social status all contribute to his significance in the novel and the broader context of the 1920s American society. By examining these aspects, we gain a deeper understanding of Tom Buchanan and his role in the story.
| Page Number | Quote |
|---|---|
| 17 | “He was a tall, handsome man with a massive frame and a dull red face.” |
| 54 | “He was a great sport, and that was why he had been
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