Dear AP students:
The narrator of the story--Nick Carraway--immediately establishes Tom Buchanon as a dark or negative character.
What words (diction) or descriptions are used to depict Tom as a bad guy?
P.S. go to the map on the right hand side of this web site to check out the literary map that establishes the setting of this novel. You can check out where East Egg and West Egg were located in Fitzgerald's mind, and where they are located in relation to New York City.
62 comments:
When Tom's character is first introduced, Carraway uses descriptions such as "two shining, arrogant eyes established dominance over his face" to depict Tom as a bad guy. This description shows that Tom is very full of himself, and thinks of himself as superior. Also, the narrator states that Tom conveys an "impression of fractiousness"-meaning he is easily irritated-and that he was deeply hated by men at New Haven. Finally, in chapter 2, there was an argument between Tom and Mrs. Wilson. Tom "broke her nose with his open hand." Any guy that hits a woman is going to be depicted as the bad guy.
Before even personally meeting Tom, Nick describes Tom almost as a threat by declaring that it didn't even occur to him someone was powerful enough to "down a string of polo ponies from Lake Forest" (10). Nick follows through by describing him as "supercilious" with "arrogant eyes".
Near the end of the chapter, readers also find out that Tom has another woman up in New York. This issue seems to not be a big deal considering his wife knows about it already. Not being an issue, a reader can infer that he's too wealthy and powerful to be against with and is intimidating to lower class people and women.
Tom Buchanan is a human testament to the concept that too much power causes corruption. As stated in the novel, Tom's family was "enormously wealthy," and such an upbringing is obviously the reason for Tom's supercilious nature, especially with regards to preserving the White American race.
In continuation, there is also the perception of wasteful and absurd spending. For instance, Tom and his wife, Daisy, "spent a year in France with no particular reason." He even transported "polo ponies from Lake Forest" to his luxurious mansion in East Egg, as he is supposedly "wealthy enough to do that.
However, what struck me the most is the fact that Tom "laid his hands" on his wife, Myrtle, in a callous attempt to silence her act of defiance. Such a scene leaves readers to label his character as dominant, brutal, and demeaning. Tom has no shame in practicing in the art of infidelity, and he obviously has no sense of restraint in resorting to violence as a form of communication.
There is definitely a negative aura cast around Tom Buchanan; words such as arrogant and supercilious pop out. But rather its the way he speaks of him that casts that bad impression. He seems to be a wealthy and arrogant person because he does things for no reason at all: spending time in France and buying polo ponies are two things.
When Nick visits Tom and Daisy, he seems very irritable. Based on the text you get the feeling that Tom can hardly stand being in the same room with his wife when she is speaking.
From a more feminist perspective, Tom does not seem to care for or respect women. He cant stand his wife, he has a mistress, and he brakes Mrs. Wilson's nose. It shows that he puts women a level below him.
From the very first words depicting Tom in the story one can surely make the good judgment of the arrogance and audacity behind him. I can go as far as saying Tom is a believer and follower of the Eugenics movement and ideology behind it , because of how he says that the book titled "The Rise Of The Coloured Empires" has been proven ( by mere pseudoscience obviously ) and how he feels it is the obligation of the white man to conserve its race.
So , due to the arrogance in the story , his audacity , his "Macho-men" attitude and Eugenic ideology one can see Tom being a bad guy.
I felt the beginning towards Tom was as if the narrator had something against Tom by using sarcam and attacking him with indirect and/or contradictory words towards Tom. Words such as arrogant, riding clothes, simbolizing the athleticism, I think it is important to notice these descriptions the narrator addresses Tom because as seen, all of the impressions are turned to be negative as if Tom had pride for himself was a bad thing, which it is, noticing the arrogance glancing in Tom's actions and the narrator wants I think the reader ti notice that this pride is outlined as detestable.
Tom is portrayed a this fella who is the dominant male species of his generation. Knowing that he is married and has another woman on the side only shows how horrid of a man he is. But this is most likely due to lack of communication between the wife, Daisy, and himself. This could foreshadow an event that happens in reality a lot of the time. Meaning that once the two talk out the situations that hold ther relationship down, Tom will later choose to be with his wife or the woman he is secretly seeing; husband or the perfect jerk.
Tom is portrayed a this fella who is the dominant male species of his generation. Knowing that he is married and has another woman on the side only shows how horrid of a man he is. But this is most likely due to lack of communication between the wife, Daisy, and himself. This could foreshadow an event that happens in reality a lot of the time. Meaning that once the two talk out the situations that hold ther relationship down, Tom will later choose to be with his wife or the woman he is secretly seeing; husband or the perfect jerk.
As Nick begins to describe Tom, the audience can quickly see that Nick is not too found of Tom. First, he uses words like "supercilious" and "arrogant" to demostrate his "dominance". This shows that something about Tom does not appeal to Nick. As stated, people "hated his guts." Something about him, made the him seem superior to the rest.
Futhermore, Nick's description of Tom's boots as he "strained the top lacing" can reflect Nick's belief that Tom "wanted me to like him with some harsh,defient wistfulness of his own". Tom has a sense in which he can graps someone tightly such as Nick and use them to his advantage. This may also lead to foreshadow later events in which Nick feels captured by Tom. Or in that case, it can also show how this strength can keep Daisy beside him even though he has another woman in New York.
Another way in which the author shows his audience the power Tom beholds, is by showing the foundness he has towards scietific beliefs. As Tom explains to his guest the many theories of science, he wishes to pull them into his beliefs by ignoring what anyone has to say.
And clearly, the fact that Tom is a football player also demonstartes how his body was "capable of enormous leverage-a cruel body" meaning he could get his way with anything.
I like how Nick describes Tom as one with "a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner." Nick also describes his voice as "gruff", and "husky". All these words provide us readers with negative connotations associated with Tom in the early stages of the book. Nick even talks about how there are people in his home town who he liked that "hated his guts". This speaks volume because even his friends don't like him. Maybe Nick could be secretly jealous, or envious of Tom, and is saying these things to make himself feel better about himself.
Graeme Scott
As Tom's character is introduced, his negative aspects immediately emerge through Nicks observations and descriptions. He comes off as a man corrupt by his own wealth and ego. His wealth led him to spend money in ridiculous and pointless fashions while his supercilious ego led him to praise a study of science that cannot be anymore false than it already is which is like what Oscar said- Eugenics. Because of his corrupt state of being wealthy and egotistic, he branches off to being racist, arrogant, authoritative, absurd, selfish, and a cheater. He believes money and materialistic items such as a big house, clothing, and accessories can hide his false actions. He also seems to be one of those individuals who thinks he can solve anything with money.
From the moment Tom Buchanan was introduced, Nick says that him and his family were enormously wealthy. To me, Tom doesnt understand the concept of hard work being that his wealth was passed onto him. He spends his money on uselessness such as ponies just for the amuse of it. Through the diction used, Tom is seen as a negative character having "arrogant eyes", "dominance over his face" and "always leaning agressively forward". The author depicts Tom as being hard headed and self centered, foreshadowing possible complications in the future content. As I read on, I discovered that he is having an affair with a woman from New York and his wife is aware of it but probably is too scared to take control over the situation. Tom also broke his mistress' nose during an arguement because he was irritated with her annoyance of he subject about Daisy. This proves to readers that their assumption was indeed correct about Tom's impressioning "bad guy" role.
Alyssa lagasca
Around the early pages where Nick is in the company of Tom, numerous details are specified down to the very fine print - when dinner is announced, he describes himself as a mere piece in a game. He refers to Tom as the player, manipulative and not one to resist against. Tom speaks out numerous times without apologizing, making it seem that he believes himself higher than others, or in other words, 'holier than thou'.
From another perspective, he can be a manifestation of corruption and power in all its so-called 'glory' from the descriptions he's given, the opinions of others about him from Nick's view. He is rich, successful, he has been around enough to know what works and what doesn't, to the point where it seems that he believes his way is the best. He makes judgments on Nick that the other does not appreciate.
All things like that add to the reader's opinion on Tom, and they're not very positive.
When the narrator describes Tom Buchanan, he describes him using words such as, "supercilious," "arrogant," and "effeminate." These words have a negative connotation. It also gives insight to the character of Tom as feeling superior.
When the narrator describes Tom as being wealthy, I agree with Alyssa Lagasca in that it shows that his wealth was handed down to him. With Tom also being a "national figure" by being football player at New Haven it also shows his superiority. It gives him a characteristic as the "popular, wealthy jock." That he has everything and he didn't really work hard to get it.
Immediately, there is the assumption that Tom is a bad guy upon Nick's reunion with him in Chicago. Nick notices that Tom's "arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward." That is, Tom manifested his authority by the look in his eyes which were seeping with heavy egotism, an obvious trait of someone with bad characteristics.
Furthermore, Nick asserts that Tom is unspotted by the clothes he wears, "not even the effeminate swank of his riding clothes could hide the enormous power of that body" provoking the idea that Tom is a type of god. A god which can be perceived as ruthlessly powerful no matter what is worn in the exterior.
There is an obvious notion that Tom spends his wealth with no restraint. Nick states that Tom and his wife Daisy, flaunt their financial superiority because they are "wealthy enough to do that".
Finally, Tom established a mentatily of a player. It is conveyed when Jordan and Nick discuss Tom's obvious affair, "Tom's got some woman in New York." Even with his promiscuity cast out in the open, Daisy chooses to stay with him.
LauraLee Johnson
Nick Carraway describes the character if Tom Buchanans as a "bad guy" simply by stating how wealthy he is. Carraway explains how he Tom was a football star stating, "Tom would drift on forever seeking a little wistfully for the dramatic turbulence of some irrecoverable football game." This statement is in a way looking down on Tom and you are able to see the tension between the two characters. Carraway also states, "Two shining, arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward." Then Carraway continues to bash Tom's clothing bluntly showing his feelings towards Tom.
- Ciara Santos
Nick gives readers a negative first impression of Tom Buchanan through describing his personality and manner and creating an image of his appearance.
Tom is described as "one of the most powerful," a "national figure." Coming from an "enormously wealthy" family, he had "his freedom with money." He could do anything without a care because he was so wealthy. Nick only mentions his "physical accomplishments," not any others that gained him his wealth because in agreement with Alyssa and Kelsey, his wealth was handed to him. He didn't really have to work for it.
We can picture Tom's superior manner with Nick's elaboration of his "arrogant eyes," "established dominance over his face," and "appearance of always leaning aggressively." Tom has a "cruel body" and "supercilious manner" because of the way he carries himself and sees himself as more prominent than others.
-Christine De Lara
Carraway depicts Tom as a negative person by using the terms, arrogant, supercilious, and aggressive, when describing his appearance. These terms give you an image of a man who may think highly of himself. Tom is a man "who was hated by men of New Haven" and it may have been because of how his wealth makes him act as if he is superior to others, which causes negative reactions from others who know or see Tom.
-Kelsey Ehm
Tom's character, when first introduced to the audience, was charactized by key diction such as "arrogant eyes," "a cruel body," and "agressively." Tom's arrogant behavior is portrayed through his ignorant belief of "The Rise of the Colored Empires."
Underneath the fake facade of a happy and wealthy family is Tom who is dishonest and racist. He publically is called out for his love affairs and he tries to advance his racist remarks and beliefs towards Nick who purposely ignores them.
Tom's wealth class relates him into being a dark and "arrogant" character. Diction such as supercilious set out a negative effect that he think highly of himself. "Arrogant eyes" shows how he view other people compared to himself.
It is evident that he is arrogant and supercilious when he breaks his wife's nose. Am act like that portrays the character as egotistic, selfish and careless. He is also dependent on his wealth.
Yuji Usami
Throughout this part of the novel, Carraway descibes Tom Buchanon as some sort of a dark, shady guy through the use of diction such as "arrogant eyes", "dominance" and "fractiousness" which are all words that are used to describe someone who is unfriendly and a person that others would not want to be with.
Tom Buchanon is also described as a character who was despised as he was portrayed to be a character that other people would hate, given the statement that people "hated his guts".
When Nick was first introduced, his negative aspects were brought out by his attitude towards people. For example, Tom pays the man for the dogs that his mistress wanted and said "Here's your money" is a disdained tone and follows up by saying "go and buy ten more dogs with it" in a conniving tone. It is also known that Tom has a mistress on the side while being married. He talks to his mistress with a negative attitude for example when he says to her "get on the next train" with a condescending tone tone. The narrator has successfully given the impression that Tom is a negative person through his tone and diction.
James Lee
Nick often portrays Tom as something negative. For example when Nick first encountered Tom he stated, 'two shinning, arrogant eyes...established dominance over his face...gave appearance of always leaning aggressively forward.' This embarks the image that Tom enforces a very high-self esteem. It shows that Tom likes to be the superior one. Also when Nick mentions 'there were men at New Haven who had hated his guts.' New Haven is where Tom had played football and was one of the best. But Nick shows us that Tom was not a popular guy.
Nick introduced Tom as a man with a "supercilious manner," "arrogant," and thinks he is the dominant male species in the planet. In the novel, Tom cheated on his wife, Daisy, to this woman he met in a subway train. The way Tom treats his wife is already cruel and rude. And having a reputation of being a cheater is never a yes to everyone.
Tiny Rose Medallo
Nick Carraway introduces Tom Buchanan as a 30-year-old man with a “hard mouth and a supercilious manner” (11). Carraway also adds a “bad” reference to Tom’s “Two shining, arrogant eyes,” indicating that Tom must have a fixed facial expression that comes off as arrogant, or mean (11). Another reference to Tom’s physical appearance is made, as Carraway mentions how the “swank” of Tom’s “riding clothes” could not conceal “the enormous power of that body” (11). This very “cruel,” muscular body of Tom’s, along with his fortune, apparently makes him a very powerful man—these descriptions almost make him sound god-like, with a very undesirable personality (11). Also, Tom has incriminated himself as a bigot, exclaiming that “Civilization’s going to pieces,” and that it is the responsibility of “the dominant [White] race to” be cautious, “or these other races [minorities]” will rise to power (17).
Through Nick's eyes, Tom was an ominous character. To any other naturally rich aristocrat, he was probably seen as a respected man of a high stature. However to Nick (a middle class working man), he was not as great. Nick established his feelings about him in the way described Tom. When he first sees him in the story, Nick describes him of having "two shinning, arrogant eyes". By saying this you can tell that Tom is a stubborn man. Nick continues by saying that he would "lean aggressively forward." This gives the idea that Tom is not only stubborn but also ambitious in a way that hints greed.
Moreover, Nick lets the readers know that he further fits the stereotypical aristocrat by saying that he conveyed an "impression of fractiousness." This meaning that he gets easily agitated. Like most "snobs" they also believe in things that are clearly wrong but they see it as the right logic. The author showed this by allowing Nick describe how Tom described a book he'd admired which talked about the superiority of the white race and how it can be taken away from the other inferior races.
-Eriel Carino
Nick Carraway uses words such as "supercilious", "arrogant" and "dominance" to describe Tom Buchanon, giving the impression that he is in fact a negative, dark person. Carraway states that Buchanan's eyes "established dominance over his face" and that he had a "cruel body". This is all supported when Carraway states that "there were men at New Haven who hated his guts."
-Alex Sonnenberg
When Nick introduces Tom into the story, Nick uses words to describe Tom such as, Two shining, arrogant eyes, and how the effeminate swank of his riding clothes could hide the enormous power of his body. Nick also describes Tom's voice being gruff husky tenor, which adds to the impression of fractiousness he conveyed. This clearly means that he is irritated by the other men at New Haven. Nick gives off the impression that he very much dislikes Tom and doesn't trust him at all.
When Nick first describes Tom Buchanon, he remembers him as being powerful and one of the best football players of New Haven. Nick also mentions men smiliar to Tom, those who reach "such an acute limited excellence," would eventually start haveing a less important and striking future.
Nick's assumptions were right. When he visits his cousin Daisy and her husband Tom, he describes him having a "rather hard mouth" and "supercilious manner." This shows Tom is a serious man with an arrogant and disdainful attitude. Nick also describes him having "arrogant eyes" that made an apperance of him always leaning "aggressively forward" with his "cruel body." Tom's diction also depicts him as a rude character because he tells Nick his opinions aren't final because he is "stronger and more of a man" than him.
Tom's physical appearance described by Nick creates a negative outlook. For example, Nick describes Tom as having a hard mouth, cruel body, arrogant eyes, and more. With an appearance like this Tom seems to be a type pf guy that may be rude and aggressive. Also Nick says even his own friends hate his guts.So readers are left with an idea that Tom is not such a good man. Also in describing Tom this way,Nick may be just the opposite, skinny and weak.
Stephen Davis
Put yourself in the shoes of Nick Carraway. Your beautiful cousin whom you see as fragile and dainty married a man you had never met while you were off fighting in a war where he should have been too. The man comes from inherited money and with a reputation as such – he’s had practice seeing himself elevated above everyone else. There is an example of this when he has Miss Baker – a guest in his house – read the Sunday Post aloud to him. Nick Carraway may feel threatened by Tom Buchanan, which is why he portrays him as such a “bad guy”.
Erika King
nicks negative tone when describing tom seemed very condescending. tom comes from an immensely wealthy Midwestern family, just like Daisy. nick describes him to be conceited as he "would drift on forever seeking a little wistfully for the dramatic turbulence of some irrecoverable football game." He uses his physique to bully and intimidate other men and women. nick despises how he treats women through the story
Tom Buchanon is definately described as an unlikable and unapproachable character, though I pictured him as intimidating rather than negative. Nick describes him as having "arrogant eyes" and a "cruel body". He also explains that Tom always seemed to be 'leaning aggressively forward'. For me, 'negative' implies some kind of active communication with others. However, based on appearance alone, Tom seems to be uninterested in those around him, and concentrated on himself.
Nick initially introduces Tom as having "a supercilious manner". This negative description of Tom is carried on throughout the passage with Nick describing him with "two shining, arrogant eyes", and portraying him condescending. As the novel goes on, we also find out that he is disrespectful towards women, as shown when Daisy accuses him of hurting her "little finger", through his affair with Mrs. Wilson, and when he breaks Mrs. Wilson's nose. This automatically casts Tom in a negative light.
-Kimberly Parra
The words that were used to depict Tom as a bad guy were shown right away when he was introdiced, because it was done as "two shining, arrogant eyes established dominance over his face". This shows that he is in a way self centered and focused on merley only himself. The fact that this man is not only married but also has another female on the side dipicts what a non-trusting 'bad guy'. In the second chapter of the book Tom had broke Mrs. Wilson's nose, immideiately giving the picture that he is a bad guy, because he hit a woman.
-SASHA M. SANCHEZ
The character Tom Buchanan is depicted as a negative figure as soon as he was introduced and certain words that were mentioned by my classmates, had definite negative connotation. Also it seems to me that he acts as if he is better then others, as if he is somewhat racist, or a little sexist. Also on top of all of these negative aspects, he is also cheating on his wife Daisy with Myrtle.
The way Nick describes Tom before even he comes into the story is already in negative ways. then when he sees him he has "two shining, arrogant eyes" and he always seem to be " leaning aggressively forward". In Toms background he's been rich, "one of the most powerful ends that ever played football"and throughout the story he's depicted in negative ways, like how he treats women for instance.
Kevin Mendoza
At first Nick explains Tom as being a rich and wealthy. He also has fame being a football player. At first he seems to be fond of Tom. But when Nick sees Tom he xplains him with "two arrogant eyes" and he was "always leaning agggresively forward". NIck talks about how strong and cruel Tom looks. Nick sees just how horrible a person Tom is.
The descriptions used to point out that he is a bad guy; tool, are that he is very aggressive, knows everyone knows him, has a stuck-up attitude, and doesn't appreciate his wife; Daisy. Tom has been in the same town since he was young and was known as the bully, but very funny, yet again in rude ways. It seems as if Tom, as a kid, was never understood or had a lack of communication between him and his parents which could affect youngsters so little, basically have them tramatized, but Tom is keeping his emotions bottled up, which is not healthy.
Daisy calls her own husband "a great big hulking physical specimen," which exemplifies how he is as a whole. He is a nativist, and uses his riches as a means of intimidation. His nativism is most evident when he mentions the book The Rise of the Coloured Empires which asserts that non-whites are going to take over some day.
His earliest and most blalant acts of evil in this novel directly involve Myrtle Wilson, the mistress. He says this about her husband: "Wilson? He thinks she goes to see her sister in New York. He's so dumb he doesn't know he's alive." On top of that, he breaks her nose and leaves her immensely bloody at the end of a little gathering they have with neighbors and friends in their apartment. He is all part of the Catch-22 of a situation in the story. Everyone gets to where they are through unjust means, which can be described as the hubris of each individual character.
Tom is hated by many men in New Haven. Why? It is because Tom's character is conceded and he thinks he's better than everyone else. He seems to be a very charismatic type of guy. After reading a whole paragraph about his smile, his "two shining, arrogant eyes" I thought of that one character from beauty and the beast. I can't recall the name of the character. Its on the tip of my tongue... Hmmmm.
Anyways, the guy is an idiot. Never hit a woman! Of course he's a bad guy, he broke her nose!
Tom's character when introduced at the dinner, is that he makes himself to be higher then others, superior. He sees women on a level that is below him, seeing as he broke Mrs. Wilson's nose. He seems to have no respect for them. Due to his wealth and supercilious, arrogant attitude, he gives off the a sense of corruption.
When Tom Buchanan is first introduced the author is able to directly directly send the message that Tom Buchanan is a more rustic and "bad" character. For example his diction says it all like when it says "His body was capable of enormous leverage-a cruel body" keyword cruel; or when saying, "A GRUFF HUSKY tenor, added to the impression of fractiousness he conveyed."
As even his own wife describes him to be a "brute of a man, a great, big, hulking physical specimen...", it seems quite apparent that 1) this relationship is definitely strained (later to find out extramarital affairs) and 2)Tom is quire arrogant and dishonest in his mannerisms.
Already, Tom seems to be a character we can not trust. Within his racist remarks and brief lecture on white supremacy, within his absence of dinner to take a call from the women of his affair, we start to unravel this brooding character who uses money to envelope the sake of his own happiness, his own possessions and wealth.
Here, Fitzgerald gives us a first glance at this motif of the environment to its inhabitants: just as the East Egg represents the old aristocracy with breeding and leisure, it directly corresponds to not only their wealth and material possessions, but their defining moralistic attitudes, so to speak.
Words that describe Tom as a "bad guy" are the descriptions of him being "arrogant" "established dominance". This shows that Tom in very self absorbed and full of himself. Due to this he is also seen as thinking that he is superior to others which encourages the reader to think that he is somebody that others would prefer to not associate with. Also Tom is seen as a man with a short temper which probably leads to his act of breaking Mrs. Wilson's nose. Being a young lady myself I think that any man who lays a hurting hand on a lady is automatically the bad guy.
Jillian Buenviaje
Nick Carraway makes Tom Buchanan seem like a negative, drk character in the story by his diction he uses to describe him. he uses the description "two shining, arrogaant eyes" to make tom seem that he is mean and arrogant.he tlls how tom was deeply hated at new haven and he also hit a women like it was nothing so of course, a guy who hits a women is evil. he also uses the word supercilious to describe tom.
Not only does the diction used to introduce Tom depict him as a negative or character or or even a possible antagonist, but the morals that he lives his life by. Nick Carraway mentions how nearly everyone in Tom's social circle knows of the existance of his mistress, and not only do they know, but he likes to show her around. Also, when Myrtle (his mistress) repeats Daisy's name, he hits her. At first I was confused by his reaction, but then I realized that he only cares about women as possesions, and Daisy is certainly one of the important ones and he would not let anyone-not even Myrtle talk wrongly about his things.
Another belief that Carrway looks at negatively is Tom's belief in the white race being dominant, and having to protect it.
From the beginning of the novel Tom is portrayed as rich and arrogant. He is the epitome of wealthy arrogance. He is arrogant because he has never worked fro his money he simply inherited it. He is also shown as an evil person because he openly cheat's on his wife with another mans wife. He spends more time with his mistress and then when they go to a hotel room he beats his mistress and breaks her nose. Then he cannot accept others; he is over skeptical of Gatsby and is a very dark person. He hates Gatsby before he finds out about his affair with Daisy. Finally is a hypocrite because he feels he can cheat but Daisy can not be friends with other men. Throughout the novel Tom is depicted as a dark and bad person
Throughout the story, Nick portrays Tom as being "hated by men of New Haven", depicting that Tom is a man that is not liked by many. He also Despribes Tom as "Two shinning, arrogant eyes" and "cruel body", these words giving Tom a sort of authoritative figure, thinking himself to be above all else.
tom was shown as a "arrogant" male in the story. he was depicted as the supreme male with no shame he cheated on daisy his wife to a women he barely knows he is labeled as cruel and rude which dosent play well of others
Imran S. Hoque
My first impression of Daisy's husband, Tom Buchanan, as I read in the first couple pages of the novel was that he may have been a respectable individual or at the least a man with the potential to become truly successful in life, but as I read on, he was simply an arrogant and selfish man consumed by power. Tom is given the description of having "Two shining, arrogant eyes" and a "cruel body". Through his eyes as depicted, he seems to be someone who is driven by the idea that he should have a dominating presence over others and this is backed up by his physical appearance which added up to his "fractiousness".
Particular words that depict Tom as a dark or negative character are "hard mouth" and "supercilious manner." Nick described Tom's eyes to be "two shining, arrogant eyes." Tom is conceited in himself and sees him as superior to everyone else. He's always offensive and pretentious towards others. Before learning of his Daisy's relationship with Gatsby, he always attacked Gatsby and made false accusations against him. Tom's action in punching Myrtle in the nose clearly supports that Tom is indeed a bad guy.
When the narrator describes his first encounter with Tom, the diction used cuts into his character. He says taht he had "paternal contempt" and he conveyed "an impression of fractiousness." Things don't get much better as the encounter drags on as he is seen as distant and condescending. Tom is then portrayed as abusive, hitting Mrs. Wilson in the face, drawing blood and ending the party.
Before they even have an encounter, Nick describes him as arrogant and supercilious, really setting the tone for their relationship.
When the narrator describes his first encounter with Tom, the diction used cuts into his character. He says taht he had "paternal contempt" and he conveyed "an impression of fractiousness." Things don't get much better as the encounter drags on as he is seen as distant and condescending. Tom is then portrayed as abusive, hitting Mrs. Wilson in the face, drawing blood and ending the party.
Before they even have an encounter, Nick describes him as arrogant and supercilious, really setting the tone for their relationship.
Josh Rodriguez
Nick describes Tom with a negative manner he is portrayed as arrogant. He treats women bad and hates Gatsby because of him and daisy. He is a horrible man and throughout the book proves that.
Nick describes Tom has having "dominace over his face" and as having a "cruel body." His vocie was ruff and he was described as beeing hated by other men in New Heaven. Tom considers himself to be better then others beacuse he reads a lot and knows a lot about ceratin subjects. He is having an affiar in his marraige and feels he is in the right yet he is not secure with his family. Tom feels threathened by the character of Gatsby and wants to get him out of their lives. The decsribitions and actions of Tom show him to be a man who is only concerned with his life and feels he is superior to all.
Words such as "arrogance", "dominance", "supercillious" and "gruff" all have a negative connotation. Why the hostility? If I didn't know Daisy and Nick were cousins I would take this as a hint of jealousy. Or maybe because Daisy and Nick are family, Nick feels Tom isn't good enough for his cousin. Or maybe Nick just does not respect that Tom has had everthing handed to him in life.
The words "arrogant" and "dominance" both have a dark sound. He also "laid hands on" his wife, and in this day if you hit a woman you are a bad person. He is also known to cheat, not a heroic quality. He seems to be a prime example of unrestrained human ambition.
Tom Buchanon is a really negative character. His actions all pretty much prove it. Phrases such as "arrogant eyes", "leaning aggressively forward" and "a cruel body" all give the picture of a big, tough man that as capable of crushing and getting things out of his way easily. Also the phrase "paternal contempt" backs up the fact that he's arrogant and shows that he thinks that he's above everyone else, including people that he likes, according to Carroway. Further support is listed right after saying that there were people in New Haven who "hated his guts."
-Dominique Rillo
Tom Buchanon is introduced as and remains a negative character throughout the duration of the text. This can be seen due to the way he talks down in regards to individuals of other races. His relationship with another female other than his wife also shows how he looks down upon women. He also looks down upon others due to his elevated status as a result of the money he inherited.
Jesse Montes
I believe a good example of how Tom is protrayed is by how he treats the women in the book. Always talking down to Daisy or it seems like he is talking over her or disregarding what she has to say. Also, Tom cheating on Daisy is again disregarding her feelings and absolutely disrespecting her being. But Daisy is not the only one, even his mistress gets the unpleasent side of Tom.
Alexandra Daigle
Being the idiotic, dominant brute Tom Buchanan is, Nick establishes this through the contextual evidence supplied, such as the story about preserving the white race, or talking about global warming later on in the story completely and utterly wrong. Given that preserving the white race and global warming were topics only really spoken about in depth after World War II, we see that Tom likes to appear to be brilliant when in reality he is not. His brutality is shown when he hits Myrtle for defying him when she repeatedly said Daisy’s name after he told her not to, ending with her having a broken nose, Wilson worried and onto something, and Tom with a hurt conscience. He strikes the impression that “I’m better than you” onto everyone, including Nick when they first meet.
Post a Comment