Character Arc Essay Prompt

Prompt Type: Character Arc

Tom Buchanan's brutality and hypocrisy become increasingly evident throughout the novel. Analyze how Fitzgerald uses Tom's character to critique the arrogance and moral decay of the established upper class. Explain how it contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.

Suggested Quotes

Quote 1

“They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made …”

Chapter 9

Argument

This quote represents Tom's final state, revealing his and Daisy's moral decay and carelessness as they retreat into their wealth, demonstrating the ultimate critique of the established upper class's arrogance.

Quote 2

“Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand.”

Chapter 2

Argument

This quote is a turning point in Tom's character arc, showcasing his physical brutality and dominance over Myrtle, which exposes the hypocrisy of his privileged class.

Quote 3

“Civilization’s going to pieces,” broke out Tom violently. “I’ve gotten to be a terrible pessimist about things. Have you read The Rise of the Colored Empires by this man Goddard?”

Chapter 1

Argument

This quote establishes Tom's early baseline, where his racist and elitist views highlight the arrogance and moral decay of the established upper class, setting the stage for his further hypocrisy.