The harmful masculine standards normalized in the twentieth century expected men to conform to three major themes, strength, wealth, and class. Throughout the novel, masculinity is a theme emulated by male characters in the novel. First, beginning with the character of Tom Buchanan, one of the first characters introduced in the novel. Nick initially attributes Tom's physical appearance, “[a]mong various physical accomplishments, had been one of the most powerful ends that ever played football at New Haven”(Fitzgerald 6). In first crediting Tom’s physicality, Nick anticipates the reader to initially question Tom's masculinity when first introduced. Men's physical strength was the first thing to be examined during this time, with those being …show more content…
In Tom’s constantly reminding people of his masculinity proves his acknowledgment of the masculine societal standards of his time. This binary distinction between strong and weak drove American society during this time period. On the contrary, Nick’s sorrowful depiction of Mr. Wilson contradicts his depiction of Tom: "Mr. McKee was a pale, feminine man from the flat below”(Fitzgerald 30). Due to his femininity and lack of masculinity, Nick regards him in a lesser way, while Tom takes advantage of him and entangles himself in an affair with Wilson’s wife Myrtle. Physical prowess in the novel is a driving factor in a mans worth and respectability. Although Nick does not fit into the masculine standard of strength, he pursues it in his relationship with Tom. Nick associating himself with the human embodiment of masculinity secures himself as masculine by association. This security drives his relationship with Tom even when understanding Tom's inhumane decadent lifestyle. Another driving factor in one's masculinity was economic power. Tom’s immense wealth is a driving force in his radiant