F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author of “The Great Gatsby”, portrays Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan in a comparative manner. Jay Gatsby is seen as a man who is humble and gracious, while Tom Buchanan is seen as a man who is haughty and self-centered. Furthermore, Jay Gatsby and Tom come from very contrasting backstories. Jay, as stated in the novel, Jay comes from “New money”, while Tom comes from “Old money”. A similarity is how they both have feelings for Daisy. Jay has stronger feelings than Tom towards Daisy. They have many similarities and differences, some being that they have different characteristics, different backstories, but similar feelings towards Daisy.
Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan have contrasting characteristics. Jay is a respectful and good-hearted man. For instance, “Anyhow he gives large parties”. (49) This quote demonstrates how Gatsby allows strangers to attend his parties which is a courteous act. Tom, on the other hand, is arrogant and thinks of himself as superior. For example,
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Jay Gatsby was born into a family of poor farmers. He learned about the upper-class manners but had no money to back himself up. He then enlisted into WWI. After the war, he attended Oxford University for a short while. Being in a terrible financial situation, Gatsby turns to illegal activity to make his rags to riches story turn true. For example, "Oh, I've been in several things," he corrected himself. "I was in the drug business and then I was in the oil business. But I'm not in either one now."(95) This quote shows his struggle to make money. He also changed his name from Jimmy Gatz to Jay Gatsby. He had a difficult upbringing compared to Tom Buchanan who came from “Old money” or inherited money. Tom was born into a very wealthy family. He also attended the University of Yale where he played football. Having so much money caused Tom to have a lot of freedom. Tom lives a life of luxury, while Jay struggled his way to the