Examples Of Prejudice In The Great Gatsby

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Throughout The Great Gatsby social prejudices and entitlement are made apparent through the dialogue and actions of characters. After spending most of the day outside, Tom, Nick, Daisy, Jordan, and Gatsby decide to rest and have some drinks in a hotel room. While they are resting an argument occurs between Tom and Gatbsy, in which Tom reveals how he feels he is entitled to Daisy’s love and focus, and comments negatively on intermarriage. Whilst in the middle of the argument, Tom states, “I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr.Nobody from Nowhere make love your wife.” (Fitzgerald 130), and, “Well if that’s the idea you can count me out . . .” (Fitzgerald 130), and lastly, “... and next they’ll throw everything overboard and have …show more content…

Nobody from Nowhere” because even though Gatsby has become rich from a poor background, Tom still feels like Gatbsy is still not anybody important. Tom feels that Gatsby does not deserve Daisy, and instead feels that he is entitled to being the only person who Daisy loves and spends time with. Even though Tom is having multiple affairs, he still feels that Daisy should belong to only him, which shows how he is affected by his wealth and reputation. Tom feels entitled to Daisy even though his reasoning is hypocritical, as he is being the “Mr.Nobody” with Myrtle, having an affair while George is unaware and powerless to stop it. This furthermore shows Tom’s entitlement, as he feels that even he is above even what he preaches to Gatsby. Tom’s statement about intermarriage reflects the social prejudices, as he believes white people are superior, and that any intermarriage would taint the purity of the white people. This fear of mixing races further contributes to Tom’s sense of superiority, as he feels he is superior to a whole race of people, only due to the color of his skin. Intermarriage being frowned upon shows social prejudice because it shows how everyday people will discriminate and look down upon people for no