Tom Buchanan, the brutish and wealthy antagonist in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, is a masterclass in portraying toxic masculinity and unchecked privilege. His arrogance isn't merely a character trait; it's the very foundation of his being, permeating his actions and words, ultimately shaping the tragic events of the novel. While Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream is the central plot, Tom's pervasive arrogance serves as a potent counterpoint, highlighting the corrosive effects of wealth and power. This exploration delves into specific quotes that reveal the depths of Tom Buchanan's arrogance, analyzing their impact on the narrative and offering insights into his character.
Tom's Casual Cruelty: "I've got a nice place here."
This seemingly innocuous statement, uttered early in the novel, subtly reveals Tom's arrogance. He doesn't simply have a nice place; he possesses it with a sense of entitlement, a casual display of wealth that belittles those who don't share his privilege. It's not about the house itself, but the inherent superiority he projects through its ownership. This casual flaunting of his wealth sets the stage for his subsequent actions, demonstrating his complete disregard for others' feelings or circumstances.
The Power of His Voice: "I'm stronger than you are."
This blatant assertion of physical and social dominance underscores Tom's deeply ingrained belief in his superiority. It's not just a threat; it's a declaration of his inherent right to control and dominate. This quote encapsulates his patriarchal worldview, where strength equates to power and justifies his actions, regardless of their ethical implications. He uses his physical size and social standing to intimidate and silence those who oppose him, reinforcing his position of dominance.
His Disregard for Morality: "It's up to us, who are the dominant race, to watch out or these other races will have control of things."
This chilling statement exposes Tom's racist beliefs and his profound sense of entitlement. He believes his race inherently grants him superiority and the right to dictate the social order. This displays a level of arrogance that transcends mere personal pride; it's a belief in his inherent right to control and oppress others based solely on their race. This quote showcases the dangerous intersection of arrogance and prejudice.
His Unwavering Self-Belief: "I'm one of the few honest people that I know."
This ironic statement reveals Tom's profound self-deception. His actions throughout the novel consistently contradict his claim to honesty. The arrogance here is not just in his declaration but in his inability to see his own flaws and hypocrisy. This self-delusion allows him to rationalize his behavior, further solidifying his sense of superiority and entitlement. It highlights the blinding effect of unchecked privilege.
His Treatment of Daisy: "I hate careless people. That's why I like you."
While seemingly a compliment to Daisy, this quote is deeply revealing about Tom's arrogance and control. He chooses Daisy not for her inherent qualities but because she represents a level of careless ease that reflects his own sense of entitlement. He sees her carelessness as a reflection of her social standing and implicitly accepts it in his superior position. His "liking" her stems not from genuine affection but from a sense of shared privilege and disregard for consequences.
Why is Tom Buchanan so arrogant?
Tom's arrogance stems from a combination of factors: his immense wealth, his physical strength, and the societal structures that uphold his privileged position. He's never faced consequences for his actions, leading to an unshakeable belief in his own invincibility and right to control others. His upbringing instilled in him a sense of entitlement, and he uses his wealth and power to maintain this illusion of superiority.
How does Tom Buchanan's arrogance affect the other characters?
Tom's arrogance has a devastating impact on the other characters in the novel. It fuels his infidelity, causing immense pain to Daisy. His bullying tactics intimidate and control those around him, including his wife and Myrtle Wilson. His casual racism perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces social inequalities. Ultimately, his arrogance contributes to the tragic downfall of several characters, highlighting the destructive consequences of unchecked power and entitlement.
Tom Buchanan's arrogance is not simply a personality quirk; it's a central theme that underscores the novel's critique of the American Dream and the corrupting influence of wealth and power. Through these carefully chosen words, Fitzgerald paints a chilling portrait of a man whose self-belief is completely divorced from reality, ultimately leading to tragedy for himself and those around him.
