Though George Willison is ultimately responsible for Jay Gatsby’s death, it was Tom Buchanan who caused this event to unravel. It was the actions and manipulation of Tom that set this into motion. Tom is responsible for Jay Gatsby’s death through infidelity, manipulation, and self-preservation.
Tom Buchanan's affair with Myrtle catalyzes the events that ultimately lead to Jay Gatsby’s death. This affair sets off a chain reaction of emotional turmoil, jealousy, and violence, intersecting fatally with Gatsby’s life. Tom’s affair with Myrtle highlights his hypocritical nature and lack of moral integrity, characteristics that contrast with Gatsby's more idealistic pursuit of love through Daisy. Throughout the novel, Myrtle is trapped in a loveless …show more content…
Tom’s manipulation directs George’s grief and rage towards Gatsby, ultimately leading George to seek revenge. This misinformation not only deflects any potential suspicion from himself and Daisy, who was driving the car, but also eliminates Gatsby as a rival for Daisy’s affection, thereby protecting Tom’s own social and marital status. He tells George “The yellow car I was driving this afternoon wasn’t mine do you hear?” (Fitzgerald 108.). Tom here tries to shift the focus from himself, showing his willingness to do anything to protect his social status, even at the expense of others. Tom cleverly redirects George’s vengeful intentions towards Gatsby, leading him to believe “He murdered her” (Fitzgerald 122). This act of misdirection not only protects Daisy from legal consequences, but also ensures that Tom’s complicity remains undiscovered. By guiding George’s suspicion toward Gatsby and not correcting any misunderstanding about the actual circumstances of the accident, Tom exhibits a profound moral indifference to the potential consequences of his actions, so long as his interests are protected. Furthermore, Tom capitalizes on George’s suspicion by providing details on Gatsby's lifestyle. Portraying him as an outsider further reinforces Wilson's belief that Gatsby is the guilty
Tom Buchanan's affair with Myrtle catalyzes the events that ultimately lead to Jay Gatsby’s death. This affair sets off a chain reaction of emotional turmoil, jealousy, and violence, intersecting fatally with Gatsby’s life. Tom’s affair with Myrtle highlights his hypocritical nature and lack of moral integrity, characteristics that contrast with Gatsby's more idealistic pursuit of love through Daisy. Throughout the novel, Myrtle is trapped in a loveless …show more content…
Tom’s manipulation directs George’s grief and rage towards Gatsby, ultimately leading George to seek revenge. This misinformation not only deflects any potential suspicion from himself and Daisy, who was driving the car, but also eliminates Gatsby as a rival for Daisy’s affection, thereby protecting Tom’s own social and marital status. He tells George “The yellow car I was driving this afternoon wasn’t mine do you hear?” (Fitzgerald 108.). Tom here tries to shift the focus from himself, showing his willingness to do anything to protect his social status, even at the expense of others. Tom cleverly redirects George’s vengeful intentions towards Gatsby, leading him to believe “He murdered her” (Fitzgerald 122). This act of misdirection not only protects Daisy from legal consequences, but also ensures that Tom’s complicity remains undiscovered. By guiding George’s suspicion toward Gatsby and not correcting any misunderstanding about the actual circumstances of the accident, Tom exhibits a profound moral indifference to the potential consequences of his actions, so long as his interests are protected. Furthermore, Tom capitalizes on George’s suspicion by providing details on Gatsby's lifestyle. Portraying him as an outsider further reinforces Wilson's belief that Gatsby is the guilty