Tom

• Tom’s controlling nature reflects the general patriarchal oppression women felt despite their supposed freedom during the Jazz Age.

  This period was assumed to be a time of fun, hedonism and freedom, but this appears to be a facade which masks the endurance of patriarchal oppression.
• Embodiment of hegemonic masculinity

  Defines himself through his physical strength and prides himself on his superior position within society

  Subscribes to traditional patriarchal gender norms
• Uses marriage to secure wealth and social standing

  Frightened that his wealth and privilege will be taken from him by the working-class Americans

  Represents the status quo and resists the democratic promises of the American Dream
• His desire to maintain the status quo is what makes him the antithesis of Gatsby, the ambitious vessel of the American Dream.
• Tom’s dominance and arrogance extends to the point that he holds no respect for his wife, as he unashamedly parades his mistress around New York. He wants the freedom to keep a mistress openly, violating the Wilsons’ marriage, but is offended when Gatsby does the same.