The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald portrayed various characters, each with unique characteristics and behaviors. Notably, Tom stood out as an intriguing character.
Tom displays his arrogance and self-serving nature through various actions, such as frequently expressing white supremacist beliefs that suggest the superiority of whites in creating civilization. He also enjoys demeaning others, as demonstrated by his affair with Myrtle and subsequent mockery of her spouse. In a bid to protect himself, Tom manipulates a grieving George Wilson into attacking Gatsby. Furthermore, in chapter one, Tom's conceitedness is evident when he proclaims that scientific evidence suggests the danger of the white race being completely submerged.
Tom's belief in white superiority exposes his arrogance and suggests that he views himself as superior to other races. This is evident in
...his condescending attitude towards Myrtle's husband, whom he considers unintelligent for believing that Myrtle is visiting her sister in New York. This instance serves as another example of Tom's arrogant behavior.
Essentially, Tom ridicules George Wilson in a manner that resembles a bully, highlighting his arrogance and propensity to criticize others without introspection. It should be noted that Tom himself is the one engaging in an extramarital affair, not George. This characteristic is exemplified when Tom manipulates a distressed George Wilson to confront Gatsby. On page 187, he confesses this action to Nick, saying, "I told him the truth... He came to the door while we were getting ready to leave and when I sent down word that we weren't in he tried to force his way upstairs."
Tom had his hand on a revolver in his pocket the entire time he was in the house and wa
crazy enough to kill the speaker if he did not disclose the car owner. The speaker contemplates telling him and believes the culprit should face justice. Tom tries to shift the blame onto Gatsby, claiming he ran over Myrtle and threw dust into their eyes like he did with Daisy. Without verifying Gatsby's guilt, Tom impulsively puts a target on his back.
Tom is depicted as a conceited and self-centered individual who is ready to sacrifice someone else to safeguard himself. His relationship with Myrtle, while ridiculing her spouse, illustrates his timidity. Additionally, he holds the belief that his ethnicity is better than others'. Ultimately, he puts the responsibility on Gatsby in order to protect himself from George Wilson's rage. All of these actions demonstrate Tom's extreme egoism and arrogance.
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