Tom Buchanan

• Who is Tom Buchanan in "The Great Gatsby"?

  The antagonist of the novel
• What class does Tom Buchanan represent?

  The 'old money' class
• Where did Tom Buchanan attend university?

  Yale University
• How does Tom's infidelity manifest in the novel?

  He cheats on Daisy with Myrtle
• What significant event did Tom miss in his daughter's life?

  Pammy's birth
• How does Tom define his identity?

  Through physical strength and wealth
• What traditional norms does Tom subscribe to?

  Patriarchal gender norms
• How does Tom's relationship with Daisy reflect his character?

  It shows his control and lack of respect
• What does Tom's nostalgia for his youth signify?

  A sense of loss and dissatisfaction
• How does Tom view marriage?

  As a means to secure wealth and status
• What does Tom's assertion about love reveal about him?

  His stubbornness and mental inflexibility
• How does Tom use intimidation in the novel?

  To assert control over others
• What societal fears does Tom's character represent?

  Fear of losing wealth and privilege
• What does Tom's racist comments indicate?

  His anxiety about social change
• What does the term "The Lost Generation" refer to?

  People disoriented after WWI
• Who coined the term "The Lost Generation"?

  Gertrude Stein
• How did the Lost Generation seek comfort?

  Through material wealth
• How does Tom's life reflect the characteristics of the Lost Generation?

  It lacks purpose and direction
• What does Tom's affair with Myrtle signify?

  His restlessness and lack of commitment
• What does Tom's "restless" behavior indicate?

  His inner turmoil and dissatisfaction
• What does the Immigration Act of 1924 aim to preserve?

  The ideal of U.S. homogeneity
• What was a consequence of the Immigration Act of 1924?

  Increased xenophobia and violence
• How does Tom's character reflect the repercussions of the Immigration Act?

  Through his racist and xenophobic remarks
• What does Tom claim about the white race?

  It will be submerged if not careful
• How does Tom use 'science' in his arguments?

  To support his white supremacist views
• What does Tom's misnaming of thinkers reveal about him?

  His lack of intelligence and understanding
• How does Tom's character serve as a comic figure?

  His stupidity undermines his beliefs
• What does Tom's hatred of people of color represent?

  A larger cultural fear of the 1920s
• How does the telephone symbolize relationships in the 1920s?

  It represents a loss of intimacy
• How do we first learn about Tom's affair?

  Through a phone call from Myrtle
• What does the phrase "some woman" imply about Myrtle?

  Her low social status
• How does Tom's communication with Myrtle reflect class dynamics?

  It bridges but does not solidify class divides
• What does Tom's physical strength symbolize?

  His arrogance and violent nature
• How does Tom's behavior towards women reflect societal norms?

  It shows the limited choices for women
• What does Tom's need for control indicate about his character?

  His insecurity and dominance
• How does Tom's hypocrisy manifest in his relationships?

  He condemns Gatsby for similar actions
• What does Sarah Tripp argue about Tom's hypermasculinity?

  It responds to a crisis of masculinity
• What are the key characteristics of Tom Buchanan?

  • Arrogant and socially superior
  • Physically strong and violent
  • Represents old money and patriarchal norms
  • Engages in infidelity and control
  • Displays racism and xenophobia
• What are the societal implications of Tom's character?

  • Reflects the crisis of masculinity
  • Represents fears of losing class privilege
  • Embodies the restlessness of the Lost Generation
  • Highlights the impact of the Immigration Act of 1924
• How does technology, like the telephone, affect relationships in the novel?

  • Symbolizes loss of intimacy
  • Facilitates Tom's affairs
  • Represents class divides
  • Depersonalizes communication