Tom Buchanan and the Aristocratic Society in 1920s

Tom Buchanan and the Aristocratic Society in the 1920s

There were three distinct social classes in Tom Buchanan's 1920 society. These classes included people with old money, new money, and no money. F Scott Fitzgerald portrays Tom Buchanan in "The Great Gatsby" as a symbol of old money, jealously regarding others, such as Jay Gatsby, because he recently acquired his wealth. Tom Buchanan views himself as superior to people outside his small, "old money" group. Buchanan's competition with Jay Gatsby over Daisy illustrates his use of power and leverage to get what he wants. Fitzgerald portrays the elitism that existed in the wealthy class in 1920 in the way Buchanan is both cruel and obnoxious in the way he treats people, his wife, his mistress, his friends, and eventually Jay Gatsby, who he sets up for taking the blame for his mistress's death. Tom's aristocratic background and immense wealth give him substantial power and influence in his 1920 society, enabling him to exploit family and friends.

Tom Buchanan's jealousy and competition with Jay Gatsby over Daisy illustrates the tension between the old money aristocracy and the newly wealthy in the 1920's social hierarchy. Jay Gatsby is part of the "new money" social class, having recently earned his wealth during his young life. In contrast, Buchanan was born into aristocratic wealth that had been in his family for generations. The 1920s was a time of post-WWI economic growth, where substantial fortunes were made. While Fitzgerald had no ability to predict the stock market crash of 1929, the frenzy of the 1920s society appears headed for disaster. The elite social class in the 1920s, as depicted by F. Scott Fitzgerald, are harsh, cruel people that are quick to judge and very superficial. These social elite fail to look at the essence of their friends, colleagues, family, and even themselves. Instead, Fitzgerald portrays that the social elite conduct themselves in ways that perpetuate their sense of superiority, even if that reality is not true. Throughout "The Great Gatsby," Tom Buchanan is an excellent representation of the superficial and insecure social elite who neglect compassion for others and act to reinforce their own superiority. There are several instances where Tom acts carelessly and without compassion for others. For example, while Buchanan is having a marital affair with George Wilson's wife, Myrtle, he taunts George about selling a car to him, and then orders Myrtle to follow him to the train. Later in the novel, Tom and breaks Myrtle's nose when she refuses to obey his demand that she not mention his wife's name. Tom's great wealth, past history as a star athlete in college, and dominating physical presence all contribute to his behavior that he can act without much concern for others.

Tom's hypocrisy is also made clear by his reaction to Jay Gatsby seeking out his wife, Daisy, to leave Tom and join Gatsby in a future life together. Initially, Tom is concerned by Daisy and Gatsby's interactions. When Tom comes to believe that Daisy and Gatsby love each other, he fails to address the matter in a civilized way. Rather, he seeks out a confrontation with Gatsby to expose the budding romance and reassert his dominance and control over Daisy. It appears that Tom's desire to save his marriage to Daisy is less about his love for her, and more about not allowing another man to embarrass him by taking away his wife.

Tom's arrogance makes him act in a cruel and violent way towards Gatsby. Gatsby purposely bought his house across from Daisy's to be near her and repeat the past. Nick reminds Gatsby that "you can't repeat the past," but Gatsby thinks otherwise. (Fitzgerald 110). While Gatsby tries to interest Daisy to love him, Tom does some background investigation. In the film, Tom hires a private investigator to find out who Gatsby is and what he does for a living. Tom will not give up until he can disgrace Jay Gatsby's name. He believes that if he can destroy Gatsby's reputation and wealth, he will have the upper hand over his relationship with Daisy. As Tom accuses Gatsby of being a bootlegger, Daisy retracts herself back towards Tom, who has secure business and wealth. Tom, the hypocrite, accuses Daisy of her affair with Jay Gatsby while he is having his own affair with Myrtle Wilson. Tom questions Nick and Jordan about Gatsby's and Daisy's behavior, but figures out they have known all along. Tom says "you think I'm pretty dumb...I have a--almost a second sight, sometimes, that tells me what to do." (Fitzgerald 121). Now, Tom realizes how