Understanding Tom Buchanan’s Role in The Great Gatsby
Tom Buchanan, one of the central figures in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, represents the darker side of American wealth, privilege, and power. As a member of the old-money elite, Tom embodies a specific type of hypermasculine persona—one that is aggressive, controlling, entitled, and emotionally detached. Fitzgerald uses Tom’s character not only to critique the moral emptiness of the upper class but also to explore the deeply rooted theme of toxic masculinity that pervades the social world of the novel. Tom’s actions, language, and relationships all reflect the dangers of unchecked male dominance and patriarchal privilege.
The Hallmarks of Toxic Masculinity in Tom Buchanan’s Character
Aggression and Physical Intimidation
From the outset, Tom Buchanan is depicted as a physically imposing and domineering man. Fitzgerald describes him as having a “cruel body” capable of great force, and his presence is felt as soon as he enters a room. His need to assert dominance often manifests through physical intimidation, as seen when he strikes Myrtle Wilson during a party. This moment is more than just an act of violence—it’s a display of ownership and entitlement, reinforcing his belief that women, especially those of lower social status, are objects to be controlled. Tom’s physical aggression is a key indicator of toxic masculinity, where violence is used as a tool to maintain power.
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Entitlement and Patriarchal Privilege
Tom is the epitome of entitled masculinity. Born into wealth and prestige, he believes the world revolves around him and that others, especially women, exist to serve his needs. His affair with Myrtle Wilson is not a romantic escape but rather a manifestation of his belief that he can do as he pleases without consequence. He never considers Myrtle’s emotional or physical well-being, and his interactions with her reveal a transactional view of women. Similarly, despite his own infidelity, Tom becomes enraged by Daisy’s feelings for Gatsby, showcasing the double standard that allows men to stray while demanding absolute loyalty from women.
Control and Domination in Relationships
Tom’s relationships are structured entirely around control. With Daisy, he maintains dominance through emotional manipulation and social pressure. He uses their shared history and their daughter as leverage to keep her in his grasp, even as their marriage deteriorates. Tom’s need for control is rooted in fear—fear of losing status, power, and the traditional gender roles that affirm his superiority. He views Gatsby not only as a romantic rival but as a social threat who challenges his supremacy. In confronting Gatsby, Tom relies not on reason or moral high ground but on condescension, classism, and intimidation to maintain dominance.
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Toxic Masculinity and Social Hierarchy
Old Money Versus New Money Masculinity
Tom Buchanan’s masculinity is deeply intertwined with his status as “old money.” He is not just threatened by Gatsby because of Daisy; he is threatened because Gatsby represents a disruption in the social order. Tom’s disdain for Gatsby is classist, but it also speaks to a fear of losing male superiority to someone who hasn’t earned it through lineage. In this light, Tom’s toxic masculinity is not just about gender—it is also about maintaining the hierarchy of privilege and wealth. He uses masculinity as a gatekeeping tool, defending the old elite against outsiders who dare to challenge the norms.
Racism and Xenophobia as Extensions of Masculine Control
Tom’s embrace of pseudo-scientific racism and white supremacist ideology is another extension of his need for control. He reads books like The Rise of the Colored Empires and parrots bigoted views that reflect a desire to maintain racial and cultural dominance. His toxic masculinity is thus intersectional—it’s not only misogynistic but also racist and xenophobic. This belief system allows Tom to justify his actions and preserve his superiority in a world he sees as increasingly chaotic and threatening. His masculinity is built on exclusion, fear, and the need to dominate others who are different.
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The Consequences of Tom Buchanan’s Toxic Masculinity
The Destruction of Others
Tom’s toxic masculinity leaves a trail of destruction throughout The Great Gatsby. His manipulation leads to the death of Myrtle, the unraveling of Daisy and Gatsby’s love, and ultimately, Gatsby’s murder. Yet Tom faces no consequences. He retreats into the safety of his wealth and social status, insulated from the damage he causes. Fitzgerald makes it clear that toxic masculinity, when coupled with privilege, creates a dangerous force that harms everyone in its path while protecting the perpetrator.
Moral Emptiness and Lack of Accountability
Perhaps the most chilling aspect of Tom Buchanan is his lack of remorse. After all the chaos and tragedy, Tom remains unchanged. He justifies his actions with the cold pragmatism of someone who has never been held accountable. This moral emptiness underscores Fitzgerald’s critique of the American elite, where toxic masculinity is not only tolerated but normalized. Tom is not portrayed as a villain in the traditional sense—he is worse. He is the kind of man society rewards for his cruelty and control.
Conclusion: Tom Buchanan as a Symbol of Masculine Decay
Tom Buchanan stands as a powerful symbol of toxic masculinity in The Great Gatsby. Through his aggressive behavior, entitlement, racism, and lack of empathy, he exemplifies the destructive potential of patriarchal dominance. Fitzgerald uses Tom not just to expose the flaws of an individual, but to critique a broader cultural system that enables and perpetuates male toxicity. In a world obsessed with appearances and power, Tom’s masculinity is a hollow performance—dangerous, corrupt, and ultimately tragic for those around him. His character serves as a warning: when masculinity becomes a tool for control rather than connection, it corrodes everything it touches.
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