F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby chronicles the conflict between protagonist Jay Gatsby and his rival Tom Buchanan, and the backdrop is one of wealth, social status, and class. While Gatsby is a self-made man with a past shrouded in mystery and illegal activities, Tom is a wealthy beneficiary of old money, who believes his wealth and social status automatically make him superior. The feud fuels around Gatsby’s attempt to win over Tom’s wife, Daisy, which leads to a tragic end for all. The novel critiques the American Dream, the cost of wealth and status obsession, and the failure to acknowledge that success can be limited, with devastating consequences.
Jay Gatsby vs. Tom Buchanan: A Feud of Wealth and Class
Introduction
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby is a masterpiece of American literature that explores the themes of wealth, class, and social status. The story revolves around the protagonist Jay Gatsby and his feud with Tom Buchanan, his rival for the love of Daisy Buchanan.
Background
Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan come from different backgrounds. Gatsby is a self-made millionaire who rose from poverty to fame, while Tom is a member of the wealthy and influential Buchanan family.
Jay Gatsby
Jay Gatsby’s real name is James Gatz. He came from a humble background and worked hard to make a fortune. Gatsby made his wealth through illegal activities such as bootlegging and gambling. He is a man of mystery who throws lavish parties in his mansion to impress people, especially Daisy.
Tom Buchanan
Tom Buchanan is a wealthy and powerful man from the Buchanan family. He inherited his wealth from his family and is a former football player. Tom is a racist, sexist, and ignorant man who thinks that he is superior to others because of his wealth and social status.
Feud of Wealth and Class
The feud between Gatsby and Tom is a clash of wealth and class. Gatsby represents the new money, while Tom represents the old money. Gatsby’s wealth is acquired through illegal means, while Tom’s wealth is inherited from his family.
Gatsby’s Pursuit of Daisy
Jay Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy Buchanan drives the conflict between him and Tom. Gatsby believes that he can win Daisy’s love if he can show her that he is wealthy and powerful. Gatsby throws lavish parties in his mansion to impress Daisy, but his efforts are in vain. Daisy is torn between her love for Gatsby and her loyalty to Tom.
Tom’s Wealth and Arrogance
Tom Buchanan’s arrogance and sense of superiority add fuel to the feud with Gatsby. Tom’s wealth and social status make him believe that he is entitled to everything, including Daisy’s love. Tom tries to break up Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship by exposing Gatsby’s illegal activities to the authorities.
The Tragic End
The feud between Gatsby and Tom ends tragically. Gatsby is killed by Wilson, a man who believes that Gatsby had an affair with his wife. Tom and Daisy leave the town and start a new life together, leaving behind the ruins of Gatsby’s dreams.
The Failure of the American Dream
The Great Gatsby is a critique of the American Dream, the belief that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth and love is a failure, and his tragic end shows that the American Dream is an illusion.
The Cost of Wealth and Class
The novel also shows the cost of wealth and class in American society. The characters in the novel are obsessed with wealth and social status, and their actions have devastating consequences. The rivalry between Gatsby and Tom is a reflection of the conflict between the old and new money.
Conclusion
The feud between Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan is a classic example of the clash between wealth and class in American society. The novel shows the cost of the American Dream and the dangers of pursuing wealth and social status at any cost. The tragic end of Gatsby and the failure of his dreams show the limitations of the human desire for success and happiness.