The novel, “The Great Gatsby” by Scott Fitzgerald evidently portrays the themes of the American Dream, love and revenge and Power and Authority to compare and contrast the novel’s two protagonists, Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan. In comparison, Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby are very dissimilar and different and share very few similarities. The two characters are contrasted as, Tom Buchanan is descended from ‘old money’ and lives in the wealthier portion of Long Island known as East egg and Jay Gatsby is ‘new money’ who lives in lesser sophisticated West egg and has earned all his wealth himself. In addition to their differences, Tom Buchanan has a very arrogant and rough personality whereas Jay Gatsby is very casual and calm dealing with day-to-day
…show more content…
Tom is seen as an arrogant, rough and tough man whereas Gatsby is looked upon as calm and collective. In the beginning of the novel, Tom is immediately introduced as rough and rude with no regard for anyone else’s feelings, this is seen especially when he accidently bruises Daisy’s knuckle and doesn’t show any remorse for it, “The knuckle was black and blue…You did it, Tom…That’s what I get for marrying a brute of a man” (17). Tom’s personality throughout the novel is static and doesn’t change his attitude towards others is apathetic with little remorse shown for his actions especially when he bruises Daisy’s knuckles. Tom likes showcasing his toughness, to prove his masculinity which relates to the theme of power and authority, as Tom shows no leniency to anyone and acts with authority in any situation. In addition, Gatsby is seen as an underdog compared to Tom because even though he aspires to be of a higher social class and wants to be a part of the East egg community, he keeps a low profile among others and is usually quiet in public, “This is an unusual party, I haven’t seen the host…this man Gatsby sent me an invitation…I’m Gatsby! He said suddenly…I thought you knew, I’m not a very good host” (49). Even though Gatsby holds a party at his own mansion, he doesn’t go around flaunting his status in society and humbly sits alone, getting to know those who approach him, such as Nick. The contrast between Gatsby and Tom Buchanan is clear when it comes to their personalities, Tom displays the theme of power and authority as he always takes charge of every situation, whereas Gatsby is relaxed and respectful, as he looks at everyone in the same way and calmly responds to any situation. Therefore, Tom and Gatsby are contrasted because their personalities are polar opposites, Tom’s personality relates to power and authority as he’s always in control of everything and Gatsby is
Tom is seen as an arrogant, rough and tough man whereas Gatsby is looked upon as calm and collective. In the beginning of the novel, Tom is immediately introduced as rough and rude with no regard for anyone else’s feelings, this is seen especially when he accidently bruises Daisy’s knuckle and doesn’t show any remorse for it, “The knuckle was black and blue…You did it, Tom…That’s what I get for marrying a brute of a man” (17). Tom’s personality throughout the novel is static and doesn’t change his attitude towards others is apathetic with little remorse shown for his actions especially when he bruises Daisy’s knuckles. Tom likes showcasing his toughness, to prove his masculinity which relates to the theme of power and authority, as Tom shows no leniency to anyone and acts with authority in any situation. In addition, Gatsby is seen as an underdog compared to Tom because even though he aspires to be of a higher social class and wants to be a part of the East egg community, he keeps a low profile among others and is usually quiet in public, “This is an unusual party, I haven’t seen the host…this man Gatsby sent me an invitation…I’m Gatsby! He said suddenly…I thought you knew, I’m not a very good host” (49). Even though Gatsby holds a party at his own mansion, he doesn’t go around flaunting his status in society and humbly sits alone, getting to know those who approach him, such as Nick. The contrast between Gatsby and Tom Buchanan is clear when it comes to their personalities, Tom displays the theme of power and authority as he always takes charge of every situation, whereas Gatsby is relaxed and respectful, as he looks at everyone in the same way and calmly responds to any situation. Therefore, Tom and Gatsby are contrasted because their personalities are polar opposites, Tom’s personality relates to power and authority as he’s always in control of everything and Gatsby is