does tom drink illegal alcohol in the great gatsby,Understanding the Question

Understanding the Question

When diving into the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” one question that often arises is whether Tom Buchanan, one of the novel’s central characters, consumes illegal alcohol. This article aims to explore this question from various angles, providing a detailed analysis based on the text and historical context.

Tom Buchanan’s Character

Tom Buchanan, a wealthy and seemingly perfect man on the surface, is portrayed as a complex character in “The Great Gatsby.” He is a man of wealth, power, and status, but his actions and attitudes reveal a darker side. His affair with Myrtle Wilson, a woman from a lower social class, is one of the central themes of the novel. This affair, along with his treatment of Myrtle and her husband, George, raises questions about his morality and values.

Alcohol in the 1920s

The 1920s, often referred to as the “Roaring Twenties,” was a time of significant social and cultural change in the United States. One of the most notable changes was the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, which had been in effect since 1920. However, during the 1920s, the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol were illegal, leading to the rise of bootlegging and speakeasies.

Tom Buchanan and Illegal Alcohol

While the novel does not explicitly state that Tom Buchanan drinks illegal alcohol, there are several clues that suggest he may have done so. One of the most significant clues comes from the description of his home. In Chapter 3, Nick Carraway, the novel’s narrator, describes Tom’s mansion as follows:

“The room was a large one, and the furniture, though luxurious, was not opulent. It was a room, rather, in which one sat comfortably with a glass of something in one’s hand鈥攁nd it had been Tom’s habit to sit in one corner or another of the room, as if he were not quite sure which chair he preferred.”

This description suggests that Tom was accustomed to sitting with a drink in his hand, which could imply that he consumed alcohol, even if it was illegal. Additionally, the presence of a “speakeasy” in the Buchanan household is hinted at in Chapter 4, when Nick mentions that he had heard rumors about a “little place” where people went to drink.

Tom’s Relationship with Myrtle Wilson

Another clue that suggests Tom may have consumed illegal alcohol is his relationship with Myrtle Wilson. Myrtle, a woman from a lower social class, is desperate to break free from her mundane life and achieve the American Dream. One of her dreams is to have a luxurious lifestyle, which includes drinking alcohol. In Chapter 7, Myrtle expresses her desire to have a “real” party, where she can drink and dance:

“I want to have a real party, Tom. I want to have a lot of people over and get just as drunk as they do. I want to feel beautiful.”

This quote suggests that Myrtle’s desire for a “real” party may be influenced by her exposure to the luxurious lifestyle of the Buchanan family, which could include the consumption of illegal alcohol.

Conclusion

While the novel does not provide a definitive answer to whether Tom Buchanan drinks illegal alcohol, the evidence suggests that it is possible. The description of his home, his relationship with Myrtle Wilson, and the historical context of the 1920s all point to the likelihood that he did. However, it is important to remember that “The Great Gatsby” is a work of fiction, and the author may have left some elements open to interpretation.