The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a novel set in the 1920s that explores the lives of wealthy individuals in the fictional town of West Egg, New York. One of the book's central characters is Tom Buchanan, a rich and arrogant man married to Daisy Buchanan. This essay will examine the first impressions of Tom Buchanan as portrayed in the text and analyze his character through various aspects such as physical appearance, behavior, and dialogue. In this way, we can gain a deeper understanding of Tom's personality and his role in the story. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The first impression of Tom Buchanan is established through his physical appearance. Fitzgerald describes him as a “stout, straw-haired man of thirty, with a rather hard mouth and arrogant manner” (Fitzgerald, 11). This description immediately creates an image of a man who exudes confidence and dominance. His physical attributes, such as his stocky build and the way he carries himself, suggest power and authority. This initial impression is in line with the typical characteristics of the upper class during this time period, where physical appearance played a significant role in determining one's social position. In addition to his physical appearance, Tom's behavior further reinforces the impression of him as arrogant and selfish. -absorbed individual. When she arrives at Nick Carraway's house, she immediately takes control of the conversation and dominates the room with her loud voice and energetic gestures. This behavior is evident when Tom interrupts Nick's narration, saying, "Don't believe everything you hear, Nick" (Fitzgerald, 7). Such actions highlight Tom's need for control and his disregard for the opinions of others. His behavior suggests that he believes his own voice is more important and valid than anyone else's. Additionally, Tom's dialogue reveals his misogynistic and racist tendencies, adding to the negative impression formed upon first meeting him. For example, during a conversation about books, Tom dismissively states, “It is up to us, who are the dominant race, to be careful or these other races will take control of things” (Fitzgerald, 17). This statement not only reflects his racist beliefs, but also his sense of entitlement and superiority. His dialogue portrays him as someone who believes he has the right to dictate the course of society based on his own opinions, regardless of their ethical implications. Tom Buchanan's first impression in The Great Gatsby is in line with the academic convention of analyzing the initial portrayal of a character in a literary work. By examining his physical appearance, his behavior and his dialogue, it becomes evident that he is an arrogant and self-centered individual. However, it is important to note that first impressions can be deceiving, and further exploration of Tom's character may provide a more nuanced understanding of his motivations and actions. In conclusion, the first impression of Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby is one of arrogance and dominance. His physical appearance, his behavior, and his dialogue all contribute to this initial portrayal. However, it is crucial to remember that first impressions may not always accurately represent a character's true nature. By delving into Tom's character, readers can discover the complexities and motivations that drive his actions. This further analysis is necessary to fully understand the role it plays in the novel and the larger themes explored by Fitzgerald. Overall, Tom Buchanan's first impression serves as, 1925.
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