Analysis Of Tom Buchanan In The Great Gatsby

Differing economic and financial origins shape individuals and determine their lifestyle depending on how the individual decides to navigate opportunities. Born into a poor family, Gatsby works hard to climb the social ladder and make something of himself. However, despite his best efforts, Fitgerald determines he is never able to escape the stigma of his humble beginnings and ultimately pays for this pressure to contend with those around him, with his life. This is elucidated where Tom Buchanan expresses that “the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife.” depicting how despite his wealth and success, Gatsby is never truly accepted by the ‘elite’ society he wants to be a part of. On the contrary, I’ve

However, through his own will and passion, he was able to develop the theory of relativity and prove everyone wrong. The character of Tom Buchanan, who is born into a wealthy family and has never had to work for anything in his life further explores how individuals may not grow from their origins. The statement reflects Tom’s superiority complex as he patronises Gatsby for being in love with Daisy, despite him having an affair himself. Often people who have not worked for their position and status lack an understanding of Tom uses his position of privilege to torment and manipulate those around him, finding comfort in knowing that he will never have to face any consequences for his actions. Contrastingly, Nick Carraway's financial situation is one of relative comfort, with his “grandfather’s brother … , and started a wholesale hardware business that [his] father carries on today”, Nick’s line of money comes from hard work and holds him accountable to make a name and living for himself. His humble beginnings additionally allows him to understand and “reserve all judgements'' despite having a limit to his tolerance. I find my life similar to

I’ve observed individuals who come from old money, similar to Tom, those who come from families who have worked hard to reach where they are, similar to Nick Carraway, and those who were born into poverty, like Jay Gatsby. The disparity between each financial situation is extensive, where the people at the top were already at an advantage with opportunities and resources such as education, and pathways from the onset, whereas those at the bottom would have to work to even be able to access those opportunities. I was friends with this boy who was born into a family of the lower class and with parents who had struggled with substance abuse. He had tried working his way out of the situation, but due to the preconceptions and stereotypes created by his origins, he was unable to access opportunities. Conducive to a spiral downwards in his pre-teens, but thankfully he had an amazing group of friends and support which has helped guide him to the right