Similarities Between Tom Buchanan And The Great Gatsby

In the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and the film The Great Gatsby directed by Baz Luhrmann, there are numerous characters introduced. Three characters introduced into the novel and film are Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, and Daisy Buchanan. Both men loved Daisy, and she loved them also; and this had to do with the fact that they were alike and different in many aspects. Gatsby and Tom had enormous wealth, high status, and shared the fact they were both in love with Daisy, While they both shared the same wealth, Gatsby had to work his way up to get his fortune, while Tom was born into his money. Another difference is that Gatsby did everything for Daisy and stayed loyal, while Tom didn't pay much attention to her and cheated multiple

Gatsby and Tom’s wealth can be shown and portrayed as over the top. In the film, Tom’s house is shown as more of a older mansion, looking more conservative, while Gatsby’s house is a ginormous castle, showing more of a modern look. Despite the difference in their houses, they share the fact that they both show off their wealth. In the novel when Nick talks of Tom’s wealth, he is describing Tom and Daisy’s journey to the East and says, “... and come East in a fashion that rather took your breath away.” For instance, he’d brought down a string of polo ponies from Lake Forest. It was hard to realize that a man in my own generation was wealthy enough to do that” (6). When Nick talks of Gatsby’s wealth, he starts describing a party that Gatsby is throwing and states, “... caterers came down with several hundred feet of canvas and enough colored lights to make a christmas tree of Gatsby’s enormous garden… In the main hall a bar with a real brass rail was set up, and stocked with gin, liquors and with cordials so long forgotten that most of his female quests were too young to know one from another” (40). Nick describing Tom buying his horses and Gatsby throwing a lavish party that contains alcohol helps to display their wealth because many people couldn't afford as much as they could. Aside from their common wealth, they both care deeply about their status. Tom cares of being on top of the social pyramid and Gatsby cares about pleasing everyone. In the

Even though they both loved Daisy, Gatsby had a made up dream of his life with Daisy while Tom was more realistic with their relationship. In the novel Nick and Tom are on their way to New York when Tom makes them get off early. He tells Nick, “We’re getting off, I want you to meet my girl.” (24). Tom was cheating on Daisy, and wasn't afraid to hid it. While Tom was cheating, Gatsby was trying to win Daisy's attention and love. Nick was talking with Jordan when Jordan started to explain Gatsby’s past with Daisy. They used to be in love and now Gatsby was back to try and rekindle it. Jordan explained, “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay.” (78). She also continued to say, “I think he half expected her to wonder into one of his parties, some night, but she never did.” (79). This proves that Gatsby clearly had more respect for Daisy, and even more love than Tom, but this backfired for Gatsby because his dreams with Daisy were to far to reach. Gatsby wanted to go back to how the past was, and run away with Daisy. Tom on the other hand wanted to move on from the situation happening, and be more realistic with life. In the film, when Daisy and Gatsby are alone, Daisy mentions that they should run away and Gatsby takes that into serious consideration. Then he goes to talk to Nick about what had just happened, and mentions that he is going