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

What is the significance of the character Tom Buchanan in “The Great Gatsby”?

"The Great Gatsby," that quintessential work of literary artistry penned by the enigmatic F. Scott Fitzgerald, a tapestry woven with opulence, desire, and the elusive pursuit of the American Dream. Within this hallowed narrative, the character of Tom Buchanan looms as a figure of profound significance, a complex embodiment of privilege, moral decay, and the corrosive effects of unchecked power. The indelible mark left by Tom Buchanan upon the pages of "The Great Gatsby" is one that reverberates with themes of societal disintegration, the decadence of the Jazz Age, and the stark divide between the haves and the have-nots.

Tom Buchanan, introduced to readers as a man of towering physical stature, exudes an aura of entitlement, cementing his position as a representative of the old money aristocracy. His wealth, inherited and unearned, serves as a symbol of the entrenched social hierarchy that permeates the novel. Tom embodies the upper echelons of society, with his immense material possessions and his indisputable position of privilege acting as tangible manifestations of his power.

The significance of Tom Buchanan resides not only in his portrayal as a symbol of wealth and privilege but also in his role as a catalyst for the exploration of moral decay and societal dissolution. Fitzgerald skillfully portrays Tom as a man consumed by his own hedonistic desires, unburdened by the consequences of his actions, and driven by an insatiable appetite for personal gratification. His extramarital affair with Myrtle Wilson, a lower-class woman, serves as a microcosm of the moral bankruptcy that plagues the upper echelons of society. Tom's flagrant disregard for the sanctity of marriage and his callous treatment of those he deems beneath him expose the underlying rot that festers within the heart of the Jazz Age elite.

Moreover, Tom Buchanan's significance lies in his embodiment of the destructive power of unchecked privilege and toxic masculinity. As a man who perceives himself as superior by birthright, Tom asserts his dominance through physical intimidation and unabashed displays of arrogance. His misogynistic attitudes and his propensity for using his power to manipulate and control those around him highlight the toxic undercurrents that pervade the novel. Tom's treatment of women, particularly his wife Daisy, mirrors the objectification and commodification of individuals that characterizes the moral bankruptcy of the era. Through his character, Fitzgerald delivers a scathing critique of the corrosive effects of unbridled power and the erosion of human values.

Furthermore, Tom Buchanan serves as a thematic foil to the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, the novel's eponymous character and embodiment of the aspirational American Dream. While Gatsby, a self-made man of newfound wealth, seeks to transcend his humble origins and attain social acceptance, Tom represents the old money aristocracy that guards its privilege with a staunch and unwavering grip. The juxtaposition of these characters illuminates the stark contrast between the pursuit of material wealth and the pursuit of self-actualization. Tom's wealth, inherited and devoid of personal merit, stands in stark contrast to Gatsby's relentless ambition and tireless pursuit of social acceptance. Through this juxtaposition, Fitzgerald highlights the inherent flaws of a society that places value solely on material possessions and social standing.

The character of Tom Buchanan in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" assumes a profound significance as a representative of privilege, moral decay, and the pernicious influence of unchecked power. His portrayal as an emblem of the old money aristocracy and his embodiment of toxic masculinity and moral bankruptcy serve as catalysts for the exploration of societal disintegration and the corrosive effects of the pursuit of wealth. Fitzgerald's masterful characterization of Tom exposes the underlying rot that plagues the era and serves as a cautionary tale, a searing indictment of a society that prioritizes material possessions over human values.