Tom Buchanan, the brutish antagonist in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, is a masterclass in portraying toxic masculinity and unchecked privilege. His arrogance isn't subtly hinted at; it's a roaring, unrepentant force that permeates every scene he graces. This isn't simply about being wealthy; it's a deep-seated belief in his own superiority, a conviction that allows him to treat others with disdain and disregard. Let's delve into some of the most revealing quotes that showcase Tom Buchanan's breathtaking arrogance.
"I'm inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores."
This quote, ironically spoken by Tom, is a blatant display of his self-delusion. He presents himself as open-minded and tolerant, yet his actions throughout the novel directly contradict this claim. He’s not open to curious natures; he's open to those who reinforce his own worldview and social standing. The "veteran bores" he claims to suffer are likely those who challenge his authority or expose his hypocrisy. The irony, coupled with the blatant self-aggrandizement, perfectly encapsulates Tom's arrogant self-perception.
"And I hope she'll be a fool—that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool."
This quote, directed at Daisy about their daughter, reveals a chilling disregard for women's intelligence and autonomy. Tom sees women as decorative objects, their value solely dependent on their beauty and subservience. His desire for Daisy to remain a "fool" underscores his own intellectual vanity; he prefers a partner who won't challenge his dominance or expose his flaws. This statement isn't simply misogynistic; it's a reflection of Tom's arrogant belief in his own superior intellect and judgment.
"I've got a nice place here," said Tom, his eyes flashing about restlessly. "Suppose we'd better go."
This seemingly innocuous statement, delivered casually, reveals a subtle yet potent arrogance. Tom’s nonchalant mention of his “nice place” serves as a reminder of his wealth and status, subtly asserting his superiority over others. The "we'd better go" part adds a layer of condescending control, highlighting his unwillingness to linger or engage with those he deems beneath him. It's an assertion of dominance, wrapped in a veneer of casual indifference.
What makes Tom Buchanan so arrogant?
Tom's arrogance stems from a confluence of factors: his immense wealth, his athletic prowess, and his ingrained sense of entitlement. He's been raised within a system that reinforces his beliefs, never having faced significant consequences for his actions. This lack of accountability only fuels his arrogance, allowing it to fester and manifest in increasingly destructive ways. His privilege allows him to operate outside the constraints of social norms and moral expectations.
Is Tom Buchanan a sociopath?
While not explicitly diagnosed in the novel, many readers and critics interpret Tom's behavior as indicative of sociopathic tendencies. His lack of empathy, disregard for others' feelings, manipulative behavior, and history of violence all align with common characteristics associated with sociopathy. His complete disregard for Daisy’s feelings in pursuing other women and his callous dismissal of Myrtle Wilson’s life after he kills her are prime examples of this.
Why is Tom Buchanan so disliked by readers?
Tom Buchanan is disliked due to his blatant displays of arrogance, his cruel treatment of others, and his morally reprehensible behavior. He embodies the worst aspects of the wealthy elite, exploiting his privilege and wielding power with callous disregard. His complete lack of remorse for his actions only serves to amplify the negative feelings readers have towards him. His actions highlight the moral decay at the heart of the Roaring Twenties, serving as a powerful critique of societal structures that allow such behavior to flourish.
Through his words and actions, Tom Buchanan becomes a powerful symbol of unchecked privilege and the devastating consequences of arrogance. Fitzgerald masterfully crafts a character whose arrogance isn't just a personality trait, but a driving force that ultimately contributes to the tragic downfall of those around him.
