Quotes About Tom Buchanan Being Arrogant

Tom Buchanan, the imposing and wealthy antagonist of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, is a character synonymous with arrogance. His words, actions, and very presence exude a sense of superiority born from inherited wealth and a privileged position in society. This arrogance, often masked by a veneer of charm, is a defining characteristic that shapes his interactions and ultimately contributes to the tragic events of the novel. Exploring Tom Buchanan quotes reveals the depths of his arrogance and its impact on those around him.

The Foundation of Arrogance: Wealth and Privilege

Tom's arrogance stems from the belief that his wealth and social standing place him above others. He feels entitled to certain behaviors and expects deference from those he considers beneath him. This sense of entitlement is evident in several of his pronouncements.

• "I'm inclined to reserve all judgments..." This opening line, while seemingly humble, is laced with irony. Tom, throughout the novel, is quick to judge and criticize others, revealing the hypocrisy at the core of his arrogant persona. The very act of stating his inclination to reserve judgment subtly positions him as someone of superior moral standing, capable of objective assessment, even though his actions consistently contradict this claim.
• "...Civilization's going to pieces... Have you read 'The Rise of the Coloured Empires' by this man Goddard?" This quote illustrates Tom's fear of losing his privileged position. His anxieties are rooted in the changing social landscape and the perceived threat to the dominance of the white race. His anxieties are masked by his self-assured tone. He brings up a pseudo-scientific book to validate his prejudiced views, showcasing his intellectual arrogance and his willingness to embrace any argument that reinforces his sense of superiority.
• "An Oxford man!...Like hell he is! He wears a pink suit." Tom's dismissive reaction to Gatsby's claim of being an Oxford man highlights his snobbery and his reliance on superficial markers of social status. He judges Gatsby based on his attire, revealing his belief that true belonging to the upper class requires adherence to established norms and traditions. This quote also showcases Tom's insecurity; he feels threatened by Gatsby's attempt to infiltrate his world and resorts to condescending remarks to undermine him.

These quotes showcase the foundation of Tom's arrogance: a deep-seated belief in his own superiority based on wealth, social status, and racial prejudice. He uses these factors to justify his behavior and to maintain his position of power.

Arrogance in Relationships: Control and Domination

Tom's arrogance extends into his personal relationships, particularly his marriage to Daisy. He views her as a possession and expects her to conform to his expectations. His infidelity is a manifestation of his arrogance, as he believes he is entitled to indulge his desires without consequence.

• "I may be old-fashioned in my ideas, but women run around too much these days to suit me. They meet all kinds of crazy fish." This statement reveals Tom's patriarchal views and his desire to control Daisy's behavior. He believes that women should be subservient to men and that their freedom should be limited. His concern is not for Daisy's well-being but for maintaining his dominance in the relationship.
• "She's got an indiscreet voice... It's full of––" I hesitated. "Her voice is full of money," he said suddenly. This observation, while seemingly perceptive, is also tinged with arrogance. Tom recognizes the allure of Daisy's wealth and understands its power. He sees her voice as a reflection of her privileged background, reinforcing his belief that wealth is a defining characteristic of a person's worth.
• "He wasn't even respectful to us." This quote, uttered after Gatsby confronts Tom about his affair with Daisy, reveals Tom's sense of entitlement and his expectation of deference. He believes that Gatsby, as an outsider, should show respect to him and Daisy, regardless of his own behavior. This statement highlights the vast social chasm that separates Tom from Gatsby and underscores Tom's unwavering belief in his own superiority.
• (Referring to his affair) "I hate careless people. That's why I like you." While seemingly a compliment to Nick, this statement is ultimately self-serving. Tom appreciates Nick's discretion and his willingness to overlook his indiscretions. It highlights Tom's arrogance in assuming that he can manipulate and control those around him. He values loyalty and discretion not out of genuine affection but because they serve to protect his reputation and maintain his position.

These quotes illustrate how Tom's arrogance manifests in his relationships as a need for control and domination. He views others as objects to be manipulated and expects them to conform to his desires. His infidelity and his patriarchal views are both expressions of his arrogant belief that he is entitled to special treatment.

Arrogance and Violence: The Dark Side of Power

Tom's arrogance is not merely a matter of social posturing; it has a darker side that manifests in violence and aggression. He is quick to resort to physical force when he feels threatened or challenged, demonstrating the dangerous consequences of unchecked power and privilege.

• (Referring to Gatsby) "I can tell you right now... he's no gentleman." This dismissive remark is more than just a social judgment; it's a prelude to Tom's aggressive attempts to discredit Gatsby. He uses his social standing to undermine Gatsby's reputation and to assert his own dominance. This quote demonstrates how Tom's arrogance can lead to malicious and destructive behavior.
• (After hitting Myrtle) "I told her I'd had enough of her... I thought I might be able to swing her into leaving." This chilling account of violence reveals the extent of Tom's arrogance and his callous disregard for the well-being of others. He views Myrtle as disposable and believes he has the right to treat her with violence. This act of aggression is a direct consequence of his belief that he is above the law and that his wealth and social status protect him from accountability.
• (During the confrontation with Gatsby) "Your wife doesn't love you... She never loved you. She loves me." This cruel and calculated statement is designed to wound Gatsby and to assert Tom's dominance in the love triangle. He uses Daisy as a weapon to attack Gatsby's vulnerabilities and to solidify his own position of power. This quote demonstrates the ruthlessness that underlies Tom's arrogance and his willingness to inflict emotional pain on others.

These quotes reveal the dangerous consequences of Tom's arrogance. His belief in his own superiority leads him to violence and aggression, as he feels entitled to exert his power over others. His actions have tragic consequences, contributing to the deaths of Myrtle Wilson and Jay Gatsby.

The Irony of Arrogance: A Mask for Insecurity

While Tom projects an image of confidence and superiority, his arrogance often masks deep-seated insecurities. He is threatened by Gatsby's wealth and charisma, and he fears losing Daisy to him. His arrogance is, in part, a defense mechanism against these insecurities.

• (Observing Gatsby's party) "I wonder where in the devil he met Daisy. By God, I may be old-fashioned in my ideas, but I don't want my wife to meet 'somebody' who wasn't quite her social equal." This statement reveals Tom's anxiety about Daisy's past and his fear that she might be drawn to someone outside of his social circle. His arrogance is a way of asserting his control over Daisy and of reinforcing his belief that she belongs with him.
• (During the confrontation with Gatsby) "I made a little investigation into your affairs... I'm going to tell you something about myself now." This sudden shift in tone reveals Tom's insecurity and his need to justify his own behavior. He feels compelled to defend his position and to remind everyone of his accomplishments. This quote demonstrates that even someone as arrogant as Tom can be vulnerable and insecure.
• (After Gatsby's death) "That fellow had it coming to him. He ran over Myrtle like you'd run over a dog and never even stopped his car." This statement, while seemingly expressing justice, is also a way for Tom to absolve himself of any responsibility for Gatsby's death. He deflects blame and reinforces his belief that Gatsby was a criminal who deserved his fate. This quote reveals the self-deception that underlies Tom's arrogance and his unwillingness to confront his own complicity in the tragic events of the novel.

These quotes highlight the irony of Tom's arrogance: it is often a mask for insecurity and a defense mechanism against his own vulnerabilities. He uses his wealth and social status to project an image of strength and confidence, but beneath the surface, he is a deeply flawed and insecure individual.

Analyzing Key Themes in Tom Buchanan's Arrogance

Tom Buchanan's arrogance isn't a simple character trait; it is intertwined with several key themes that are central to understanding The Great Gatsby.

• The Decline of the American Dream: Tom embodies the corruption of the American Dream. He inherited his wealth and believes he is entitled to it, unlike Gatsby who worked hard (albeit through questionable means) to achieve his wealth. Tom's arrogance stems from this unearned privilege, highlighting the novel's critique of the decaying values of the American aristocracy.
• Social Class and Inequality: Tom's arrogance is a direct product of the rigid social hierarchy of the Roaring Twenties. He believes in the superiority of the "old money" class and looks down upon those who are not born into it. This reinforces the theme of social inequality and the barriers that prevent individuals from achieving true social mobility.
• The Illusion of the Past: Tom idealizes the past, particularly the "good old days" when the white race was dominant and traditional values were upheld. His arrogance is fueled by this nostalgia and his desire to maintain the status quo. This theme highlights the dangers of romanticizing the past and the need to confront the realities of the present.
• Moral Decay: Tom's arrogance is a symptom of the moral decay that permeates the wealthy elite in The Great Gatsby. He lacks empathy, indulges in infidelity, and is ultimately responsible for the deaths of two characters. His behavior reflects the novel's critique of the moral bankruptcy of the wealthy class and their disregard for the consequences of their actions.

The Enduring Relevance of Tom Buchanan

Despite being a fictional character from a specific historical period, Tom Buchanan remains a relevant figure in contemporary society. His arrogance, rooted in wealth, privilege, and a sense of entitlement, is a characteristic that can be observed in individuals and institutions today.

• Echoes in Contemporary Politics: Tom's fear of the "other" and his desire to maintain the status quo can be seen in contemporary political discourse. His reliance on prejudiced arguments and his attempts to undermine those who challenge his power resonate with certain political figures and ideologies.
• Corporate Greed and Entitlement: Tom's arrogance can be compared to the behavior of some corporate leaders who prioritize profit over ethics and who believe they are above the law. Their sense of entitlement and their disregard for the well-being of others mirror Tom's own moral failings.
• Social Media and Performative Arrogance: In the age of social media, arrogance can take on new forms. Individuals may use social media platforms to project an image of superiority and to assert their opinions without regard for facts or evidence. This performative arrogance can be just as damaging as the more traditional forms of arrogance.
• The Importance of Empathy and Humility: Tom Buchanan serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance. His story reminds us of the importance of empathy, humility, and a willingness to challenge our own biases. By recognizing the potential for arrogance in ourselves and in others, we can strive to create a more just and equitable society.

Conclusion: The Complex Legacy of Tom Buchanan

Tom Buchanan is a complex and multifaceted character whose arrogance is both a defining trait and a window into the themes of The Great Gatsby. His quotes reveal the roots of his arrogance in wealth, privilege, and prejudice, as well as the ways in which it manifests in his relationships and his actions. While Tom's arrogance may seem repellent, it is also a source of fascination, as it reflects the dark side of the American Dream and the enduring challenges of social inequality and moral decay. By understanding Tom Buchanan's arrogance, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of The Great Gatsby and its enduring relevance in contemporary society. He serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of unchecked power, the importance of empathy, and the need to challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality and injustice.