Tom Buchanan
Having everything costed him to loose everything.
Briana Martinez
Who is Tom Buchanan?
Control: "Tom Buchanan compelled me from the room as though he were moving a checker to another square" (Fitzgerald, 11) This shows the reader that tom has a way of controlling people to where they know that he is the boss. It shows how his character is one that should not be messed with.
Arrogant: "Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward." (Fitzgerald, 7) Fitzgerald describes Tom in this way to show that reader that Tom is a man that knows what he wants, ad wants to make sure he can get what he wants no matter what it takes. In other words, Tom has a way to make people frightened just by looking at him. Fitzgerald also shows the arrogance behind tom by stating that
"His speaking voice, a gruff husky tenor, added to the impression of fractiousness he conveyed" (Fitzgerald, 7) This shows the reader that Tom has a stern voice and that he can argue for the things that he desires without any competition from other men or women.
His Dream
"I've got a nice place here,' he said. his eyes flashing about restlessly." (Fitzgerald, 7) This shows the reader that Tom knows that he is one of the wealthiest people out there and knowing this gives him a great reassuring feeling. to put another way, Tom wants to make sure that he stays wealthy ad successful so that he can stay the Alpha Male.
"I waited, and sure enough, in a movement she looked at me with an absolute smirk on her lovely face, as if she had asserted her membership in a rather distinguished secret society to which she and Tom belonged." (Fitzgerald 17) By stating this Fitzgerald urges the reader to understand the social class The Buchanan's are in and without that class ranking they would just be regular people which is something Tom does not want.
Symbol: Lion
"...he seemed to say, 'Just because I'm stronger and more of a man than you are." (Fitzgerald, 7) Tom shows us that he knows he is the best out thee and just wants everybody else to realize who they are messing with. "For Mrs. Wilson sat discreetly in another car. Tom deferred that much to the sensibilities of those East Eggers who might be on the train." (Fitzgerald, 26) This shows the reader that Tom is a sneaky guy and really only does these things to fulfill his needs.
Color: Navy Blue
Coldness: "Making a short defect movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand" (Fitzgerald, 37) Tom is a guy who no one wants to mess with, and having to injure Myrtle just to get her to shut up show much of a cold man he really is.
Lack of Emotion: "I want to see you,' said Tom intently. 'get on the next train.' 'All right,' 'Ill meet you by the news stand on the lower level." (Fitzgerald, 26) This shows that Tom doesn't care about his relationship with Daisy and only wants to do things that satisfy him, he really doesn't worry about how other people feel.
Unfriendliness: "Its up to us, who are the dominate race, to watch out or these other races will have control of things." (Fitzgerald, 13) Fitzgerald shows the reader that Tom is a raciest man when he talks about the type of book he would like the others to read,
Tom's Dream costed him to loose everything he had.
Fitzgerald shows the difficulties Tom had to face because of his dream, "I want to know what Mr. Gatsby has to tell me.' ' your wife doesn't love you,' said Gatsby. 'She's never loved you. she loves me." (Fitzgerald, 130) This shows the reader that Gatsby knows more about Daisy then Tom does when he tell Tom about her love of Gatsby, in other words Tom has been denied of her love.
"Daisy's leaving you.' 'Nonsense.' 'I am, though,' she said with a visible effort." (Fitzgerald, 133) This also shows the reader that because of the way Tom is Daisy doesn't not want to be with him anymore, the type of man that Tom is has faded off of Daisy.
"And if you think i didn't have my share of suffering - look here, when i went to give up that flat and saw that damn box of dog biscuits sitting there on the sideboard, I at down and cried like a baby. By God it was awful_____" (Fitzgerald, 179) Fitzgerald uses this last quote to show the reader how Tom felt when he realized Myrtle was gone. This has crushed Tom to pieces knowing that he shall never be with Myrtle again.
Works Cited
Fitzgerald, F. Scott, and Matthew J. Bruccoli. The Great Gatsby. New York, NY: Scribner, 1996. Print.
Pictures: http://tinyurl.com/c5uor7q