George Wilson's Treatment Of Women In The Great Gatsby

Competition is something humans have by nature. The competition between men trying to get with women can be explained in many different ways, and in many different books. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the characters of George Wilson and Tom Buchanan exhibit vastly different attitudes towards women, and yet both men are united in their use of violence to exert control over others. When faced with the betrayal of their respective partners, Tom and Wilson react with anger and violence, but in different ways. Through the characters of Tom Buchanan and George Wilson, Fitzgerald explores the nature of man, suggesting that men are capable of both cruelty and vulnerability, and that these two aspects of masculinity are closely intertwined.

This is evident in his treatment of his wife Daisy, whom he sees as a trophy to be displayed to others. Tom’s possessiveness and need for control are also evident in his treatment of Myrtle Wilson, whom he keeps as a mistress in a dingy apartment in the city. When Tom discovers Daisy’s affair with Gatsby he reacts with anger and vengefulness, seeking revenge by confronting Gatsby and ultimately causing his death. In chapter two of the novel it says, “Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand.” (Fitzgerald 37). That is a prime example of Tom’s cruelty against others. It also shows how he is controlling of women and makes them conform to his liking by beating them. Another example is, ““You did it, Tom,” she said accusingly. “I know you didn’t mean to, but you did do it.” (Fitzgerald 12). Daisy is exclaiming that Tom bruised her finger, and saying he didn’t mean to. Throughout the book, however, we learn that Tom probably did mean to do it in a manner to control Daisy. Tom’s reaction to cuckoldry is characterized by violence and a desire to exert control over those around him, suggesting that he sees women primarily as objects to be possessed and

Both men use violence to exert control over women, but are ultimately unable to control them. This lack of control leads to feelings of anger and betrayal, which are expressed through violence. However, both men are also shown to be vulnerable to the pain of betrayal, suggesting that men are complex and multifaceted beings. Overall, Fitzgerald seems to be suggesting that the nature of man is both violent and vulnerable, and that these two aspects of masculinity are inextricably linked. In the first chapter Tom says, “I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife.” (Fitzgerald 130). Tom is exposing his jealousy and feelings of betrayal. The sense of betrayal is leading him to be quick to anger. In the novel Tom also says, “I suppose Daisy’ll call too.” (Fitzgerald 70). This once again shows Tom’s vulnerability. It shows how he is prone to betrayal and he wants to keep Daisy to himself. By exploring the complex relationships between men and women, Fitzgerald offers a nuanced and insightful portrait of human nature that remains relevant to this