Character Analysis of Tom Buchanan

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Questions and Answers

What does 'acute limited excellence at twenty' refer to?

A form of artistic expression

Privilege of upper class members of society (correct)

A type of academic achievement

Physical fitness at a young age

What does 'string of polo ponies' signify?

A hobby of the wealthy

Extravagance displayed in a vulgar manner (correct)

A sense of responsibility

A symbol of hard work

What is indicated by the phrase 'drift on forever seeking'?

Moral clarity

Immoral restlessness in search of improvement (correct)

A journey towards knowledge

Contentment with life

What does 'it was a body capable of enormous leverage' suggest?

Pain and hardship caused to others Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by 'compelled me from the room'?

Manipulation towards those below him Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the rise of the coloured empires' reflect?

Fear of losing wealth and status Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Tom's got some woman in New York' imply?

Immoral restlessness and dissatisfaction Signup and view all the answers

What does 'she was less than an hour old and Tom was God knows where' highlight?

Disregard for Daisy's feelings Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by 'we're getting off. He insisted. I want you to meet my girl'?

Tom's pride in his actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'get on the next train'?

Assertive and authoritative nature Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Georgian Colonial mansion' represent?

Luxury and old societal values Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Italian Garden, half acre of deep, pungent roses' symbolize?

Symbol of success during the economic boom Signup and view all the answers

What do the words 'women run around too much these days to suit me' signify?

Patriarchal views and suspicion of Gatsby Signup and view all the answers

What does 'perhaps his presence gave the evening its peculiar quality of oppressiveness' suggest?

Tom's influence on the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What does 'a lot of these newly rich people are just big bootleggers' imply?

Criticism of 'new money' members of society Signup and view all the answers

What does 'making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand' reveal?

Domestic violence and aggression Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Mr nobody from knowwhere' signify?

Tom's attempt to diminish Gatsby's status Signup and view all the answers

What does 'certainly not for a common swindler who'd have to steal the ring he put on her finger' imply?

Undermining Gatsby's achievements Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Tom - motionless' imply?

Restlessness Signup and view all the answers

What do 'natural intimacy' and 'conspiring together' suggest?

Isolation due to wealth Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tom Buchanan's Character Insights

Represents the privilege and entitlement of the upper class through his phrases, highlighting a narrow view of societal excellence.
Showcases vulgarity in his lifestyle, particularly through extravagant possessions like polo ponies, symbolizing a sense of moral decay.
Exhibits immoral restlessness, consistently seeking to enhance his status and demonstrating dissatisfaction with his life.

Interactions and Behaviors

Described as cruel and physically powerful, his body symbolizes the pain he inflicts on others, particularly Daisy, emphasizing his entitlement.
Manipulative towards those he considers inferior, illustrated by his actions that reflect a lack of respect and superiority mentality.
Displays a toxic concern regarding the power dynamics of race, fearing a loss of wealth and status if oppressed groups gain prominence.

Engages in infidelity, revealing his inability to commit, embodying restlessness and a pursuit of instant gratification.
Shows dismissiveness towards Daisy’s struggles, indicating a lack of emotional support and a focus solely on his desires.
Takes pride in his romantic conquests, believing social status absolves him of responsibility for his actions.

Symbolism and Setting

Lives in a Georgian Colonial mansion, a representation of old American wealth and privilege ensuring societal dominance.
The Italian garden he owns symbolizes the success of affluent businessmen thriving during economic prosperity.

Views on Society

Exhibits patriarchal and prejudiced views, particularly towards women and those of new wealth, reflecting an elitist mindset.
Characterizes the newly rich as corrupt, showing disdain for those who did not inherit their wealth, particularly in reference to Gatsby.

Instances of Violence and Belittling

His violent actions, such as breaking Myrtle’s nose, expose his brutishness when provoked, demonstrating his lack of respect for women.
Dismisses Gatsby as "Mr nobody from knowwhere," highlighting snobbery related to social standing and wealth origins.

Conclusiveness and Insulation

His presence is consistently oppressive, acting as a barrier to any potential relationship between Daisy and Gatsby.
Tom’s need for intimacy with those of similar status indicates a retreat into a world insulated by wealth and privilege.

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Description

Explore the complex character of Tom Buchanan from 'The Great Gatsby'. This quiz delves into his privileged background, moral decay, and toxic behavior patterns that reveal his entitlement and manipulation of others. Analyze his relationships and social dynamics in the context of 1920s America.