How the Charcters in the Great Gatsby Viewed Jay Gatsby
TOM
Tom thinks of Gatsby as a “home wrecker” and a criminal. He cannot see any of Gatby’s virtues, but rather focuses on and exaggerates his questionable behavior (pursuing Daisy and bootlegging). Nick, on the other hand, sees both Gatsby’s virtues and faults and presents them to the reader from a neutral point of view. “Who is Gatsby anyhow?” demanded Tom suddenly.”Some big bootlegger?” (PG 104)
• This quote reveals Tom’s suspicions of Gatsby’s wealth. Even though Tom doesn’t know that Gatsby is involved in organized crime when he says this, he doubts the fact that he earned his wealth legitimately.
“Self-Control!” repeated Tom incredulously.’ I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife.” (PG.123-124)
• This quote displays Tom’s hypocrisy because he is having an affair with another woman but is outraged when his wife shows a romantic interest in another man. This quote also demonstrates Tom’s condescending attitude towards Gatsby. He mocks the fact that Gatsby is not born rich like himself by calling him a nobody and saying that he came from nowhere.
“The fellow had it coming to him.” (PG 169)
• This quote reveals the fact that Tom has no remorse for informing the deranged Wilson that Gatsby was the one driving the car, which ultimately led to the demise of both characters.
“Their eyes met, and they stared together at each other, alone in space. With an effort she glanced down at the table. ‘You always look so cool,’ she repeated. She had told him that she loved him, and Tom Buchanan saw. He was astounded. His mouth opened a little and he recognized her as someone he knew a long time ago"(PG 125).
• Tom’s reaction to the sudden realization that Daisy and Gatsby are having an affair reveals his jealousy of Gatsby. This piece of knowledge only furthers Tom’s hate towards him. At this point Tom’s hatred of Gatsby is so great that when he is approached by Wilson for the identity of the driver that
Tom thinks of Gatsby as a “home wrecker” and a criminal. He cannot see any of Gatby’s virtues, but rather focuses on and exaggerates his questionable behavior (pursuing Daisy and bootlegging). Nick, on the other hand, sees both Gatsby’s virtues and faults and presents them to the reader from a neutral point of view. “Who is Gatsby anyhow?” demanded Tom suddenly.”Some big bootlegger?” (PG 104)
• This quote reveals Tom’s suspicions of Gatsby’s wealth. Even though Tom doesn’t know that Gatsby is involved in organized crime when he says this, he doubts the fact that he earned his wealth legitimately.
“Self-Control!” repeated Tom incredulously.’ I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife.” (PG.123-124)
• This quote displays Tom’s hypocrisy because he is having an affair with another woman but is outraged when his wife shows a romantic interest in another man. This quote also demonstrates Tom’s condescending attitude towards Gatsby. He mocks the fact that Gatsby is not born rich like himself by calling him a nobody and saying that he came from nowhere.
“The fellow had it coming to him.” (PG 169)
• This quote reveals the fact that Tom has no remorse for informing the deranged Wilson that Gatsby was the one driving the car, which ultimately led to the demise of both characters.
“Their eyes met, and they stared together at each other, alone in space. With an effort she glanced down at the table. ‘You always look so cool,’ she repeated. She had told him that she loved him, and Tom Buchanan saw. He was astounded. His mouth opened a little and he recognized her as someone he knew a long time ago"(PG 125).
• Tom’s reaction to the sudden realization that Daisy and Gatsby are having an affair reveals his jealousy of Gatsby. This piece of knowledge only furthers Tom’s hate towards him. At this point Tom’s hatred of Gatsby is so great that when he is approached by Wilson for the identity of the driver that