Tom Buchanan, the brutish and wealthy antagonist in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, is a masterclass in arrogant posturing. His pronouncements, often laced with casual cruelty and a profound sense of entitlement, are some of the most memorable lines in American literature. This post delves into some of Tom's most arrogant quotes, analyzing their context and revealing the character's deeply flawed personality. We'll examine how these quotes contribute to his overall portrayal as a symbol of the destructive excesses of the Roaring Twenties.
"I'm powerful," and "I hope she'll be a fool—that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool."
These two quotes, though seemingly disparate, reveal the core of Tom's arrogant worldview. The blunt declaration of "I'm powerful" encapsulates his belief in his inherent superiority, derived solely from his wealth and social standing. He doesn't need to justify his power; it's simply a given. This declaration is not boastful in a playful way; rather, it's a chilling statement of fact, as far as he's concerned. This inherent sense of power is further underscored by his wish for Daisy to remain a "beautiful little fool." This reveals his contempt for intelligence and independence in women, preferring a docile partner who won't challenge his authority. He prefers a wife who is easily controlled and manipulated, reinforcing his own sense of dominance.
"An Oxford man!" (said with sneering contempt)
This seemingly simple phrase, delivered with sneering contempt, highlights Tom's ingrained class prejudice. He doesn't merely dismiss Gatsby's claim of attending Oxford; he actively mocks it. This sneering tone reveals Tom's deep-seated insecurity and need to belittle anyone he perceives as a social inferior, even if the claim is true. The implication is that Gatsby's Oxford education is somehow less legitimate or less valuable than his own, purely based on Tom’s established social standing. This underscores Tom’s reliance on inherited privilege as the measure of a person’s worth.
"I've got a rather good yard here."
This seemingly innocuous remark, made in comparison to Gatsby's lavish parties and estate, is a subtle yet powerful display of arrogance. Tom's casual mention of his "rather good yard" downplays Gatsby's immense wealth and success, implying that his own possessions, though less ostentatious, are superior due to their inherent, established value. The lack of self-awareness is breathtaking, highlighting his ingrained sense of entitlement. He subconsciously assumes that his understated wealth is of a superior class, simply because it has existed for longer within his lineage.
Why does Tom Buchanan say such arrogant things?
Tom’s arrogance stems from a combination of factors: his inherited wealth, his ingrained sense of entitlement, and his deep-seated insecurities. He uses arrogance as a defense mechanism, masking his own vulnerabilities and lack of genuine accomplishment. His boastful pronouncements and condescending remarks are a way to assert his dominance and control over those around him.
How does Tom's arrogance affect the other characters?
Tom’s arrogance has a devastating impact on those around him. Daisy remains trapped in a loveless marriage, bound by social expectations and fear of Tom's power. Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy is ultimately doomed by Tom's actions, fuelled by his arrogance and resentment. Even seemingly minor characters are subject to his casual cruelty and disregard for their feelings.
What is the significance of Tom's arrogance in the novel's overall theme?
Tom Buchanan's arrogance serves as a powerful symbol of the moral decay and social injustice prevalent in the Jazz Age. His unchecked privilege and disregard for others highlight the destructive consequences of unchecked wealth and power, ultimately contributing to the tragic events that unfold in the novel. His arrogance is a key element in Fitzgerald's critique of the American Dream's darker side.
In conclusion, Tom Buchanan's arrogant pronouncements are more than just witty remarks; they are key elements that reveal his character's flaws and underscore the novel's broader themes. They serve as a potent reminder of the corrupting influence of wealth and power and the devastating consequences of unchecked privilege.
