From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023

How does the character of Tom Buchanan embody the themes of wealth, privilege, and the decay of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”?

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's magnum opus, "The Great Gatsby," the character of Tom Buchanan assumes a prominent role in embodying the pervasive themes of wealth, privilege, and the erosion of the American Dream. Tom, a wealthy and aristocratic socialite, personifies the decadence and moral bankruptcy that permeates the glittering world of the 1920s elite. His character serves as a stark contrast to the pursuit of the American Dream, revealing its hollow promises and the corrosive effects of unchecked privilege.

First and foremost, Tom Buchanan's immense wealth and social status define his character and underscore the theme of wealth in the novel. He is a member of the established upper class, born into affluence and accustomed to a life of opulence and excess. Tom's material wealth is manifested through his sprawling estate, his fleet of cars, and his lavish lifestyle. This overwhelming abundance not only sets him apart from the novel's other characters but also establishes the stark divide between the haves and the have-nots, highlighting the stark disparities of wealth that were rampant during the Jazz Age.

Furthermore, Tom's privilege is not limited to his financial standing but extends to his sense of entitlement and superiority. He is a man who believes himself to be intellectually superior to others, using his education and social standing to assert dominance over those he deems beneath him. Tom's actions and attitudes display a sense of entitlement rooted in his belief in the inherent superiority of his social class. This entitlement grants him a certain immunity from the consequences of his actions, enabling him to engage in reckless behavior and pursue his own desires without concern for the impact on others.

Tom's character also embodies the decay of the American Dream, a central theme in the novel. Despite his privileged position, he is disillusioned and discontented. He exemplifies the emptiness and futility of the pursuit of wealth and material success. Tom's wealth and status have failed to bring him fulfillment or happiness, leading him to seek fulfillment in extramarital affairs and engage in reckless behavior. His character serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating that the attainment of wealth and privilege does not guarantee personal satisfaction or a meaningful existence.

Moreover, Tom Buchanan's character serves as a reflection of the moral corruption that accompanies wealth and privilege. His actions are marked by a lack of integrity, empathy, and moral conscience. Tom engages in affairs and demonstrates a blatant disregard for the sanctity of marriage. His treatment of others, particularly his wife Daisy and her lover Jay Gatsby, is callous and exploitative. Tom's moral bankruptcy and lack of personal accountability serve as a critique of the values and ethics of the wealthy class, exposing the moral decay that often accompanies wealth and privilege.

Through the character of Tom Buchanan, Fitzgerald masterfully explores the interplay of wealth, privilege, and the deterioration of the American Dream. Tom's character embodies the excesses and moral bankruptcy of the elite class, illuminating the hollowness of material wealth and the corrosive effects of unchecked privilege. By depicting the decay of the American Dream through Tom's character, Fitzgerald invites readers to critically examine the values and aspirations that underpin the pursuit of wealth and success in American society.

Tom Buchanan's character in "The Great Gatsby" encapsulates the themes of wealth, privilege, and the erosion of the American Dream. His immense wealth and social standing highlight the disparities of wealth in the Jazz Age. Tom's sense of entitlement and superiority exemplify the privileges afforded by his position. Furthermore, his character reflects the decay of the American Dream, as his wealth fails to bring him fulfillment or happiness. Lastly, Tom's moral corruption exposes the destructive nature of unchecked privilege. Fitzgerald's portrayal of Tom Buchanan serves as a scathing critique of the excesses and moral bankruptcy that often accompany wealth and privilege, prompting readers to question the true meaning and attainability of the American Dream.