Quotes from The Great Gatsby About Tom Buchanan: A Detailed Multidimensional Introduction
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, “The Great Gatsby,” the character of Tom Buchanan is a complex and intriguing figure. His role in the story is multifaceted, and his character is portrayed through various quotes that reveal his personality, motivations, and the impact he has on the lives of those around him.
Tom Buchanan’s Social Status and Attitude
Tom Buchanan is a man of wealth and privilege, a self-made man who has accumulated his fortune through business. However, his attitude towards wealth and social status is one of arrogance and superiority. In one of the most memorable quotes from the novel, he says, “I’m a goddamned aristocrat!” (Fitzgerald 102). This quote highlights his belief in his own superiority and his disdain for those who are not of his social standing.
His Relationship with Daisy Buchanan
Tom’s relationship with his wife, Daisy, is another aspect of his character that is revealed through quotes. Daisy is a woman of beauty and grace, but she is also naive and easily influenced. In one quote, Tom tells Gatsby, “She’s got an old, old money… She’s got an old, old money, and she doesn’t know what she’s doing with it” (Fitzgerald 102). This quote suggests that Tom views Daisy as a woman who is out of her depth, both socially and financially, and who is not making the most of her advantages.
His Racial Prejudices
One of the most controversial aspects of Tom Buchanan’s character is his racism. He is openly prejudiced against Jews and other ethnic minorities, and his attitudes are reflected in his quotes. In one particularly disturbing scene, he tells Gatsby, “The very idea that she’d be a party to any such thing just makes me physically sick” (Fitzgerald 123). This quote is in reference to Gatsby’s affair with Daisy, and it reveals Tom’s deep-seated racism and his belief that Daisy is above such behavior.
His Influence on the Other Characters
Tom’s presence in the novel has a significant impact on the other characters. He is a source of tension and conflict, and his actions and attitudes shape the lives of those around him. For example, his affair with Myrtle Wilson, a woman from a lower social class, leads to a tragic outcome. In one quote, Tom tells Gatsby, “I’ve got to get her away from here” (Fitzgerald 145). This quote reveals Tom’s willingness to use violence to maintain his social status and his control over his wife.
Tom Buchanan’s Role in the Tragedy
Ultimately, Tom Buchanan’s character is a major factor in the tragedy that unfolds in “The Great Gatsby.” His actions and attitudes contribute to the breakdown of relationships and the ultimate destruction of Gatsby’s dream. In one of the final quotes from the novel, Tom tells Gatsby, “I hope you’re happy” (Fitzgerald 180). This quote is a poignant reminder of the distance between Tom and Gatsby, and it underscores the tragedy of their relationship.
| Character | Quote | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Buchanan | “I’m a goddamned aristocrat!” | Expressing his belief in his own superiority |
| Tom Buchanan | “She’s got an old, old money… She’s got an old, old money, and she doesn’t know what she’s doing with it” | Reflecting on his wife’s social status and naivety |
| Tom Buchanan | “The very idea that she’d be a party to any such thing just makes me physically sick” | Expressing his racism and disdain for Gatsby’s affair with Daisy |
| Tom Buchanan | “I’ve got to get her away from here” | Desiring to control his wife and maintain his social status |
| Tom Buchanan |
