Physical Description
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” Tom Buchanan is a character whose physical appearance is as striking as his personality. He is described as a tall, handsome man with a “massive frame” and “a hard mouth.” His eyes are “hard” and “cold,” which reflect his character’s lack of warmth and empathy. His hair is “wavy,” and his “face was broad, and bald at the temples,” suggesting a man who has lived a life of privilege and perhaps a bit of excess.
Character Traits
Tom Buchanan is a complex character, embodying traits that are both admirable and despicable. He is a man of wealth and power, a self-made man who has accumulated his fortune through his work in the coal business. However, his character is marred by his arrogance and sense of entitlement. He is a man who believes he is above the law and above the moral standards of others. This is evident in his affair with Myrtle Wilson, a woman from a lower social class, and his subsequent violent actions towards her husband, George.
| Character Traits | Description |
|---|---|
| Arrogance | Tom believes he is superior to others, especially those from lower social classes. |
| Entitlement | He feels he is owed respect and admiration simply because of his wealth and status. |
| Violence | His physical attack on George Wilson is a clear demonstration of his violent nature. |
| Unfaithfulness | His affair with Myrtle Wilson is a betrayal of his wife, Daisy. |
Social Status and Relationships
Tom Buchanan is a man of high social status, a member of the old money elite. He is married to Daisy Buchanan, a woman from a similar background, and they live in a grand mansion in West Egg, Long Island. Despite their wealth and social standing, their marriage is strained. Daisy is restless and unhappy, and Tom’s affair with Myrtle Wilson only adds to the tension. Their relationship is characterized by a lack of communication and understanding, which ultimately leads to their separation.
Impact on the Novel
Tom Buchanan plays a significant role in “The Great Gatsby.” His presence in the novel serves to highlight the themes of wealth, class, and the American Dream. His character is a symbol of the old money establishment, a group that is out of touch with the changing times and values. His affair with Myrtle Wilson and his subsequent actions towards George Wilson also serve to illustrate the destructive power of wealth and the class divisions that exist in American society.
Conclusion
Tom Buchanan is a complex and intriguing character in “The Great Gatsby.” His physical appearance, character traits, social status, and relationships all contribute to his significance in the novel. He is a man who embodies the contradictions and complexities of the American Dream, and his story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of wealth and the pursuit of materialism.
