Tom Buchanan: Round or Flat Character?

Literary analysis, specifically character assessment, forms a cornerstone of understanding fictional narratives, and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby provides fertile ground for such examination. Character complexity, a crucial element in novelistic construction, directly informs the debate over whether a figure is dynamic and multifaceted or static and two-dimensional, impacting the reader’s interpretation. The concept of "round character," as defined by literary theorists, possesses depth and undergoes development, contrasting sharply with the "flat character," who remains largely unchanged throughout the story, thus raising a central question: is Tom Buchanan a round or flat character? Character arc assessment, a key technique utilized by literary scholars at universities like Princeton, allows for an informed investigation into Buchanan’s motivations, actions, and ultimate role within the context of the Jazz Age critique presented by Fitzgerald.

The Enduring Enigma of Tom Buchanan

Tom Buchanan strides into the narrative of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby as a figure both imposing and unsettling. From his introduction, he dominates the scene, a physical manifestation of old money and entrenched privilege.

His presence permeates the novel, shaping the destinies of those caught in his orbit. This analysis seeks to dissect the complex character of Tom Buchanan, exploring the depths—or lack thereof—that define him.

Is he a fully realized, round character capable of growth and change, or a flat character defined by a few, unchanging traits? Furthermore, does Tom undergo any significant development, making him dynamic, or does he remain stubbornly static, unyielding in his beliefs and behaviors?

Introducing Tom: The Imposing Figure of East Egg

Tom Buchanan is first presented as the epitome of wealth and power. He is a Yale graduate, a former football star, and heir to an immense fortune. His physical stature is emphasized, highlighting his brute strength and imposing presence.

He exudes an air of confidence and entitlement, which stems directly from his privileged background. Tom’s introduction establishes him as a force to be reckoned with, a dominant figure in the social landscape of the Roaring Twenties.

The Question of Character Development: Round or Flat? Static or Dynamic?

This analysis argues that Tom Buchanan, despite his complexities, ultimately functions as a static and relatively flat character within the narrative of The Great Gatsby.

While he exhibits moments of emotional intensity and reveals glimpses of underlying insecurities, he remains fundamentally unchanged throughout the novel. His core beliefs, motivations, and behaviors remain consistent, reinforcing his role as a symbol of the entrenched social order and the destructive nature of unchecked privilege.

This assessment is supported by examining his motivations, his actions, and his interactions with other key characters. These include his tumultuous marriage to Daisy, his volatile rivalry with Jay Gatsby, and his exploitative relationship with Myrtle Wilson.

Through these relationships, Tom’s essential nature is revealed, solidifying his position as a character defined by his unchanging flaws. His actions propel the tragic events of the narrative, further illustrating the destructive power he wields.

Unmasking the Man: Dominant Traits and Underlying Motivations

[The Enduring Enigma of Tom Buchanan
Tom Buchanan strides into the narrative of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby as a figure both imposing and unsettling. From his introduction, he dominates the scene, a physical manifestation of old money and entrenched privilege. His presence permeates the novel, shaping the destinies of those caught in his…]

To truly understand Tom Buchanan, we must dissect the very core of his being. His dominant traits – arrogance, aggression, and an unwavering sense of entitlement – are not merely superficial characteristics. They are deeply ingrained aspects of his personality, shaping his interactions and driving his motivations. Let’s delve into these characteristics.

Deconstructing Tom’s Defining Traits

Tom’s defining personality traits are revealed from his very first appearance.

Arrogance and Entitlement: A Birthright

From the moment Nick Carraway steps into the Buchanan mansion, Tom’s arrogance is palpable. He carries himself with an air of superiority, confident in his social standing and financial power. This is more than mere confidence; it is an unshakeable belief in his inherent right to dominance.

His wealth, inherited and substantial, fuels his sense of entitlement. He expects deference and unquestioning obedience, viewing those around him as existing to serve his desires.

Aggression: A Tool of Control

Beneath the veneer of wealth and social grace lies a current of aggression. Tom’s physical strength is often emphasized, suggesting a readiness to resort to violence when challenged.

This aggression is not limited to physical displays. It manifests in his controlling behavior, his infidelity, and his willingness to manipulate those around him to maintain his power.

His verbal attacks are just as damaging, designed to belittle and intimidate.

Social Class and its Reinforcement of Tom’s Behavior

It is impossible to analyze Tom Buchanan’s character without acknowledging the profound influence of social class. He embodies the "old money" elite, a world where wealth and privilege are inherited, not earned.

Literary critics, such as Lionel Trilling, have pointed out how Fitzgerald uses characters like Tom to critique the moral decay and social stratification of the Jazz Age. Tom’s behavior reflects the attitudes of a class accustomed to power and immune to consequences.

His actions are not simply individual failings; they are symptomatic of a system that perpetuates inequality and allows the wealthy to exploit those with less power.

Exploring Tom’s Underlying Motivations

Beyond his dominant traits, understanding Tom requires delving into his motivations. What drives his actions, and what insecurities might lie beneath the surface?

The Need for Control

A central motivation for Tom is his insatiable need for control. He seeks to control his environment, his relationships, and the narrative of his own life. This need stems, perhaps, from a fear of losing his privileged position or a deeper insecurity about his own worth.

His affairs, for example, are not simply acts of infidelity but assertions of his dominance. He objectifies women like Myrtle Wilson, using them to satisfy his physical desires and reinforce his sense of power.

The Assertion of Dominance

In his relationship with Daisy, Tom’s need for control manifests as possessiveness and manipulation. He demands her loyalty and obedience, even as he flagrantly disregards the vows of marriage. His confrontation with Gatsby reveals the depths of his insecurity.

Tom is deeply threatened by Gatsby’s wealth and charisma, recognizing that Gatsby’s love for Daisy challenges his control over her. His desperate attempts to discredit Gatsby and expose his illicit dealings stem from a fear of losing his hold on Daisy and his place in society.

Insecurities Beneath the Surface

While Tom projects an image of invulnerability, there are hints of underlying insecurities. His racism and sexism, for instance, can be interpreted as attempts to bolster his own ego by denigrating others.

His anxiety about the changing social landscape, as articulated in his diatribe about "the rise of the colored empires," suggests a fear of losing his privileged status in a society that is becoming more diverse and challenging the old order.

A Web of Relationships: Tom’s Interactions and Their Significance

Tom Buchanan does not exist in a vacuum. His character is perhaps best illuminated through the prism of his interactions with others. These relationships, fraught with power imbalances, emotional complexities, and symbolic weight, paint a comprehensive picture of the man and his place in the decaying landscape of the Jazz Age.

Tom and Daisy: A Marriage of Convenience and Complicity

The marriage between Tom and Daisy Buchanan is a cornerstone of the novel’s critique of the wealthy elite. It is a union built not on love or genuine connection, but on shared social status and a mutual understanding of the transactional nature of their world.

Tom’s infidelity is blatant and unapologetic, a demonstration of his power and disregard for Daisy’s feelings. "I’ve been everywhere and seen everything and done everything," he boasts, a sentiment that extends to his extramarital affairs.

Daisy, in turn, is complicit in this arrangement. She tolerates Tom’s behavior, clinging to the security and social standing that their marriage provides. Her famous line, "That’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool," suggests a calculated acceptance of her limited role in a patriarchal society.

The lack of genuine connection between them is palpable. Their interactions are often superficial, marked by witty banter and an underlying tension. The wealth they possess is a barrier to emotional depth, a substitute for authentic intimacy.

Tom and Gatsby: A Clash of Worlds

The rivalry between Tom and Jay Gatsby is more than a personal feud; it is a symbolic clash between old money and new money, between established privilege and self-made ambition. Tom represents the entrenched aristocracy, confident in his inherited wealth and social standing.

Gatsby, on the other hand, is the outsider, the self-made millionaire who has clawed his way into the upper echelons of society. His attempts to win Daisy back are a direct challenge to Tom’s dominance.

Tom, threatened by Gatsby’s wealth and charisma, resorts to exposing Gatsby’s illicit dealings. This act is not driven by moral outrage but by a desperate need to maintain his position of power.

He weaponizes his social status, reminding Daisy—and Gatsby—that Gatsby will never truly belong in their world. This confrontation is a crucial moment in the novel, highlighting the rigid social hierarchies that Gatsby can never fully overcome.

Tom and Myrtle: Exploitation and Disregard

The affair between Tom and Myrtle Wilson is a stark illustration of the power imbalance inherent in their relationship. Tom sees Myrtle as nothing more than a sexual object.

He treats her with a casual cruelty that reveals his deep-seated contempt for those he considers beneath him.

Myrtle, drawn to Tom’s wealth and the promise of a more exciting life, is tragically naive. She mistakes his fleeting attention for genuine affection, failing to recognize the exploitative nature of their connection.

The violent climax of their affair, when Tom breaks Myrtle’s nose, underscores the brutality and disregard that characterize his interactions with those he deems inferior. It is a moment of visceral violence, a consequence of unchecked power and entitlement.

Tom and Nick: Observer and Observed

Nick Carraway serves as an observer and commentator on Tom’s actions. As Daisy’s cousin and Gatsby’s neighbor, he is uniquely positioned to witness the unfolding drama.

Initially, Nick seems somewhat impressed by Tom’s wealth and status.

However, as he observes Tom’s behavior, particularly his treatment of Daisy and Myrtle, Nick’s perception evolves. He becomes increasingly disillusioned with the moral decay of the wealthy elite.

Nick ultimately condemns Tom’s recklessness and lack of empathy. His final judgment of Tom reflects the novel’s broader critique of the American Dream and the corrupting influence of wealth.

Tom and Jordan: A Reflection of Societal Norms

While Tom and Jordan Baker do not engage in a romantic relationship, their interactions offer insights into the social norms and expectations of their circle. Jordan, like Tom, is a product of her privileged background.

She is cynical and detached, accustomed to the superficiality and moral ambiguity that pervade their world.

Their shared understanding of the rules of the game, the unspoken codes of conduct that govern their behavior, highlights the pervasive moral bankruptcy of their social class. Jordan’s commentary, though subtle, reinforces the sense of disillusionment that permeates the novel.

The Unchanging Character: Assessing Tom’s Arc and Role in the Tragedy

Tom Buchanan does not embark on a transformative journey in The Great Gatsby. His character, seemingly set in stone from the outset, presents a stark contrast to the dreams and aspirations of those around him. The question then arises: does this immutability define him, cementing his role in the unfolding tragedy, or does a subtle shift occur beneath the surface?

The Static Nature of Privilege

Tom’s actions, motivations, and worldview remain remarkably consistent throughout the novel. He is defined by a sense of entitlement that is deeply ingrained. This stems from his inherited wealth and social standing.

His arrogance and aggressive tendencies are displayed repeatedly, with little to no indication of introspection or change. This is a defining point for analysis.

Even in the face of profound emotional turmoil, such as Daisy’s fleeting affection for Gatsby, Tom reverts to his established patterns of dominance and control. He reasserts his position through manipulation and the blatant display of his financial superiority.

This is a pattern of static behavior, which does not change at any point in the novel.

Textual Evidence of Immobility

The scene in the Plaza Hotel is particularly telling. Here, Tom confronts Gatsby directly, dismantling his carefully constructed persona and exposing his illicit dealings.

This act is not born of newfound moral conviction, but rather of a desperate need to maintain his grip on Daisy and preserve the established social order that benefits him. It is a selfish act.

"‘I told you I made a mistake when I married you," Daisy says. But Tom merely laughs at that.
“And what’s more, I love Daisy too. Once in a while I go off on a spree and make a fool of myself, but I always come back, and in my heart I love her all the time.’" – The Great Gatsby, Chapter 7.

This quote demonstrates Tom’s unwavering belief in his own actions. His inherent sense of superiority is on display, showing that he believes that he will get away with everything.

His wealth allows him to continue to do so.

Complicity in Tragedy

Tom’s unchanging nature is directly implicated in the tragic events of the novel. His callous disregard for the feelings of others, particularly Daisy and Myrtle, sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately leads to Gatsby’s demise. His lies and manipulations following Myrtle’s death further demonstrate his lack of remorse.

Tom is willing to let Gatsby take the blame. He ensures that his own social standing is protected.

His decision to reveal Gatsby’s affair to George Wilson is arguably the catalyst for the final, devastating act of violence. In this sense, Tom acts as an agent of destruction.

Protagonist or Antagonist?

While Nick Carraway serves as the narrator and moral compass, Tom Buchanan occupies a more ambiguous role. He is neither a traditional hero nor a purely villainous figure.

Instead, Tom embodies the moral bankruptcy of the wealthy elite. He is the representation of the destructive aspects of the American Dream.

His actions drive the plot forward, creating conflict and ultimately contributing to the story’s tragic resolution. In this sense, he functions as a primary antagonist, representing the forces that ultimately crush Gatsby’s idealistic vision. He is a force of nature.

[The Unchanging Character: Assessing Tom’s Arc and Role in the Tragedy

Tom Buchanan does not embark on a transformative journey in The Great Gatsby. His character, seemingly set in stone from the outset, presents a stark contrast to the dreams and aspirations of those around him. The question then arises: does this immutability define him, cementing…]

Tom Buchanan as a Symbol: Embodiment of Decadence and Social Decay

Tom Buchanan, more than just a character, functions as a potent symbol within the intricate tapestry of The Great Gatsby. He embodies the moral decay, the shattered illusion of the American Dream, and the corrosive influence of unchecked wealth and privilege that permeate the Roaring Twenties.

Moral Decay and the Hollow Core of the Elite

Tom represents the moral vacuum at the heart of the established elite. His infidelity, his casual cruelty, and his utter lack of remorse paint a portrait of a man devoid of genuine empathy or ethical grounding.

He sees himself as above the rules, a consequence of his inherited wealth and social standing.

His actions reveal a profound disregard for the consequences of his behavior, both on himself and on those around him.

The American Dream: A Perversion of Ideals

Tom’s existence is a perversion of the American Dream. He inherited his wealth, bypassing the promise of upward mobility through hard work and merit.

His life is one of leisure and entitlement, a stark contrast to Gatsby’s self-made fortune and the striving spirit of the era.

The dream, in Tom’s hands, becomes a tool for maintaining his privileged position, further isolating him from the genuine values it originally espoused.

The Destructive Nature of Wealth and Privilege

The novel illustrates the corrupting influence of wealth. Tom’s money shields him from accountability and fosters a sense of invincibility.

This unchecked power allows him to manipulate and exploit those around him, solidifying his position at the top of the social hierarchy.

His wealth enables his destructive behavior, as he is never truly held responsible for his actions.

Masculinity and Dominance

Tom embodies a toxic form of masculinity that is both destructive and pervasive. He asserts his dominance through physical aggression, emotional manipulation, and the objectification of women.

His need to control others is a manifestation of his insecurity and a reflection of the patriarchal structures that reinforce his power.

Sexism and Objectification

Tom’s treatment of women, particularly Daisy and Myrtle, reveals a deeply ingrained sexism. He views them as possessions, objects to be controlled and discarded at his whim.

His affair with Myrtle is a blatant display of his disregard for Daisy’s feelings and her position as his wife.

His actions demonstrate a profound lack of respect for women as individuals, reinforcing his image as a callous and self-centered character.

Racism and the Preservation of Power

Tom’s racist outburst during a dinner conversation reveals a deeper, more insidious aspect of his character. His casual espousal of white supremacist ideologies reflects a desperate attempt to preserve the existing power structures and maintain his social dominance.

His racism underscores the connection between wealth, privilege, and the perpetuation of inequality. His views are not merely personal prejudices but a defense of his position in a society built on injustice.

So, is Tom Buchanan a round or flat character? Honestly, it’s complicated. He’s definitely not simple, showing glimpses of vulnerability and insecurity beneath that brutish exterior. Whether those glimpses are enough to truly round him out, making him more than just the embodiment of toxic wealth and privilege, is really up to each reader to decide, isn’t it? Food for thought, for sure.