Top 10 Inspiring Tom Buchanan Quotes About Love, Power and the American Dream

Tom Buchanan is one of the most intriguing characters in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby. He is wealthy, powerful, and arrogant, with a sense of entitlement that is both impressive and terrifying. Throughout the book, Tom shares several quotes that give us an insight into his personality, values, and beliefs. These quotes are not only fascinating but also thought-provoking, as they reveal the dark side of human nature and the dangers of unchecked privilege. In this article, we will explore some of Tom Buchanan's most memorable quotes and examine their significance in the context of the novel.At the beginning of the book, Tom Buchanan is introduced as a man of great wealth and social status. He is married to Daisy, the beautiful and fragile heroine of the story, and is used to getting whatever he wants. In one of his first quotes, Tom reveals his contempt for people who are not born into privilege: The idea is if we don't look out, the white race will be—will be utterly submerged. It's all scientific stuff; it's been proved. This sentence is shocking and disturbing, as it shows how Tom believes in the superiority of his race and the need to preserve it at all costs. The use of the word scientific adds a sinister tone to the quote, suggesting that Tom is using pseudo-science to justify his racist views.As the story progresses, we see Tom's true colors emerge. He is a philanderer who has an affair with Myrtle Wilson, a working-class woman who is married to George Wilson, a mechanic. In one of his most famous quotes, Tom tries to justify his infidelity by saying, I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife. Well, if that's the idea you can count me out... Nowadays people begin by sneering at family life and family institutions, and next they'll throw everything overboard and have intermarriage between black and white. This quote is a classic example of Tom's arrogance and hypocrisy. He accuses others of being immoral while engaging in immoral behavior himself. The use of the phrase Mr. Nobody from Nowhere is particularly revealing, as it shows how Tom views people who are not part of his social circle as unworthy of respect.Tom's relationship with Daisy is also complicated. Although he loves her, he is possessive and controlling, and he sees her more as an object than a person. In one of his quotes, he expresses his frustration with Daisy's inability to understand his point of view: I've got a nice place here, he said, his eyes flashing about restlessly. Turning me around by one arm, he moved a broad flat hand along the front vista, including in its sweep a sunken Italian garden, a half-acre of deep pungent roses and a snub-nosed motor-boat that bumped the tide offshore. It belonged to Demaine, the oil man. This quote is a perfect example of Tom's materialism and his desire to impress people with his wealth. He uses his possessions as a way to assert his dominance over Daisy and make her feel inferior.As the story reaches its climax, Tom's true nature is exposed. He is revealed to be a violent and cruel man who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his own interests. In one of the book's most chilling quotes, Tom justifies his role in Gatsby's death by saying, I told him the truth...He came to his death trying to get what he had never had. This quote is a sobering reminder of the destructive power of greed and jealousy. It shows how Tom's desire to maintain his status and control ultimately leads to tragedy and loss.In conclusion, Tom Buchanan is a complex and fascinating character who embodies the worst aspects of human nature. His quotes reveal his arrogance, racism, hypocrisy, materialism, and violence, and they serve as a warning about the dangers of unchecked privilege and power. As we read The Great Gatsby, we cannot help but be captivated by Tom's charisma and charm, but we must also remember the darkness that lies beneath his surface.

The Character of Tom Buchanan

Tom Buchanan is one of the most intriguing characters in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby. He is portrayed as a wealthy and powerful man who has a strong personality and a sense of entitlement. Tom comes from old money, and he believes that this gives him the right to do whatever he wants. His quotes reveal a lot about his character and his worldview.

Civilization's Going to Pieces

One of Tom's most famous quotes is Civilization's going to pieces. This statement reflects Tom's belief that society is in decline. He believes that the world is becoming more chaotic and that people are losing their values. Tom sees himself as one of the few people who can keep society on track. This quote shows Tom's arrogance and his belief that he is superior to others.

We're All White here

Another quote that reveals Tom's character is We're all white here. This statement shows Tom's racism and his belief in white supremacy. Tom is dismissive of people of color and sees them as inferior. He does not believe in equality and thinks that white people should have more power and privilege than others. This quote also highlights the fact that Tom is a product of his time and his upbringing.

I've Been Making a Small Investigation of this Fellow

When Tom starts to suspect that Gatsby is not who he claims to be, he says, I've been making a small investigation of this fellow. This quote shows that Tom is suspicious by nature and that he likes to dig into people's backgrounds. He is also threatened by Gatsby's wealth and his relationship with Daisy. Tom sees Gatsby as a threat to his own position and wants to expose him as a fraud.

You Can't Live Forever

Tom's quote, You can't live forever, reflects his belief that life is short and that people should enjoy themselves while they can. He is a hedonistic character who likes to party and have fun. However, this quote also shows that Tom is aware of his mortality and that he wants to make the most of his time on earth. He is not afraid of death but wants to live life to the fullest.

I Suppose the Latest Thing Is To Sit Back and Let Mr. Nobody From Nowhere Make Love to Your Wife

This quote is one of Tom's most famous lines in the book. He says this after he discovers that Daisy has been having an affair with Gatsby. The quote shows Tom's anger and his sense of betrayal. He feels like his position as Daisy's husband has been undermined, and he is furious that she would choose someone like Gatsby over him. This quote also highlights Tom's possessiveness and his belief that Daisy is his property.

I'm Not a Very Good Host

When Nick visits Tom and Daisy's house for the first time, Tom says, I'm not a very good host. This statement shows that Tom is self-aware and knows that he is not a likable person. He is not interested in making friends or being friendly to others. Tom is more concerned with maintaining his power and status than making a good impression on others.

I Found Out What Your 'Drug-stores' Were

When Tom confronts Gatsby about his wealth, he says, I found out what your 'drug-stores' were. This quote shows that Tom is jealous of Gatsby's wealth and wants to undermine him. He is threatened by Gatsby's success and wants to prove that he is not as wealthy as he claims to be. This quote also highlights Tom's sneaky and manipulative nature.

The Idea Is If We Don't Look Out The White Race Will Be—will Be Utterly Dominated

When Tom talks about his concerns about the decline of society, he says, The idea is if we don't look out the white race will be—will be utterly dominated. This statement shows Tom's racism and his belief in white supremacy. He is worried that people of color will take over society and that white people will lose their power and privilege. This quote also highlights Tom's fear of change and his desire to maintain the status quo.

I've Got a Nice Place Here

When Nick visits Tom and Daisy's house for the first time, Tom says, I've got a nice place here. This statement shows Tom's materialistic nature and his obsession with wealth and status. He is proud of his possessions and wants others to envy him. However, this quote also reveals Tom's insecurity and his need for validation from others.

Conclusion

Tom Buchanan's quotes reveal a lot about his character and his worldview. He is a complex and multifaceted character who is both arrogant and insecure. Tom is a product of his time and his upbringing, but he is also a reflection of the dark side of human nature. His quotes show us the dangers of wealth, power, and privilege, and remind us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and humility.

Introduction:

Tom Buchanan is one of the main characters in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s acclaimed novel, The Great Gatsby. A wealthy and arrogant man, he often speaks in a tone that exudes entitlement and privilege. His quotes throughout the novel provide insight into his character and the themes of the story.

I hate that word hulking. Even in kidding.

In this quote, Tom dismisses his friend Nick’s description of him as “hulking.” It shows Tom’s sensitivity to any criticism of his physical appearance and his desire to maintain his image of power and control. This also reveals his insecurities and his need to be perceived as strong and dominant.

I’ve been everywhere and seen everything and done everything.

Tom’s arrogance and entitlement are on full display in this quote. He sees himself as superior to others and believes that his experiences validate this belief. This quote also reveals his need for constant stimulation and excitement, as he feels that he has exhausted all possibilities for new experiences.

I’m glad it’s a girl. And I hope she’ll be a fool. That’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful fool.

Here, Tom reveals his sexist attitudes towards women, viewing them as objects to be admired for their beauty, but not taken seriously as intellectual equals. This quote is also indicative of his belief that women should be subservient to men and that their primary role is to provide pleasure and entertainment.

Civilization’s going to pieces. I’ve gotten to be a terrible pessimist about things.

Tom’s pessimism reflects the societal changes of the 1920s, including the breakdown of traditional values and the rise of consumerism. He fears that these changes will lead to the decline of Western societies. This quote also reveals his fear of losing his own power and control in a changing world.

I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife. Well, if that’s the idea you can count me out.

This quote reveals Tom’s possessiveness over his wife and his sense of superiority over those he perceives as beneath him. He believes that he has the power to control everything, including Daisy’s feelings. This quote also shows his lack of respect for other people’s autonomy and his belief that he is entitled to dictate their actions.

I married her because I thought she was a fool and would love me for always.

Tom’s callousness towards his own wife is evident in this quote. He sees her as a possession, rather than a partner who deserves his respect and affection. This quote also reveals his belief that women are incapable of making rational decisions and that they are easily manipulated.

Nowadays, people begin by sneering at family life and family institutions, and next they’ll throw everything overboard and have intermarriage between black and white.

Tom’s racist attitudes are revealed in this quote, as well as his fear of change. He believes that any deviation from traditional societal norms will lead to the downfall of civilization. This quote also shows his belief in the superiority of the white race and his fear of racial mixing.

I told that boy about the ice. These people you have to keep them pushing.

In this quote, Tom reveals his classist attitudes towards those who work for him. He sees them as interchangeable and expendable, with no value beyond their ability to serve him. This quote also reveals his belief in the social hierarchy and his sense of entitlement over those who are perceived as lower class.

An Oxford man! Like hell he is! He wears a pink suit.

This quote shows Tom’s elitism and his belief that one’s worth is determined by their education and social status. He dismisses Gatsby’s accomplishments and education because they do not fit his narrow definition of success. This quote also reveals his insecurity about his own education and his need to belittle others to feel superior.

Conclusion:

Tom Buchanan’s quotes throughout The Great Gatsby provide insight into his character and the themes of the novel. His arrogance, entitlement, sexism, racism, and classism reveal the societal changes and values of the 1920s, as well as his own insecurities and fears. Fitzgerald uses Tom’s character to critique the excesses and moral decay of the Jazz Age, and to show the consequences of unchecked privilege and power.

The Arrogance of Tom Buchanan: A Storytelling on Tom Buchanan Quotes

A Brief Introduction to Tom Buchanan

Tom Buchanan is one of the central characters in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby. He is a wealthy man who comes from an old, established family in the East Coast. Tom is arrogant, aggressive, and self-centered, with little regard for anyone who is not part of his social class.

Tom Buchanan Quotes

Tom Buchanan's quotes are often pointed, blunt, and reveal a lot about his character. Here are some of his most memorable lines:

Civilization's going to pieces. I've gotten to be a terrible pessimist about things... The idea is if we don't look out the white race will be - will be utterly submerged.
I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife. Well, if that's the idea you can count me out... Nowadays people begin by sneering at family life and family institutions, and next they'll throw everything overboard and have intermarriage between black and white.
What if I did tell him? That fellow had it coming to him. He threw dust into your eyes just like he did in Daisy's, but he was a tough one. He ran over Myrtle like you'd run over a dog and never even stopped his car.
I hate careless people. That's why I like you.

Point of View on Tom Buchanan Quotes

Tom Buchanan's quotes speak volumes about his character and personality. They reveal his arrogance, racism, and misogyny. He sees himself as superior to others, especially those who are not part of his social class. His quotes show a complete lack of empathy towards others and a willingness to use his power and influence to get what he wants.

Tom's views on race are particularly disturbing. He believes that the white race is superior and that intermarriage between black and white is unacceptable. His quotes demonstrate a complete lack of understanding or sympathy for those who are different from him.

Tom's relationship with women is also problematic. He sees them as objects to be possessed and controlled. His quote about careless people is particularly telling, as he seems to enjoy the power he has over others.

Voice and Tone

The tone of this storytelling is critical of Tom Buchanan's views and behavior. The narrator's voice is objective but unsympathetic towards Tom's arrogance and bigotry. The quotes are presented without commentary, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions about Tom's character.

Table Information about Keywords

Keyword	Definition
Arrogant	Having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities
Misogyny	Dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women
Empathy	The ability to understand and share the feelings of another
Bigotry	Intolerance towards those who hold different opinions from oneself

Closing Message for Visitors on Tom Buchanan Quotes

As we come to the end of this article on Tom Buchanan quotes, we hope that you have found it insightful and informative. By examining some of the most memorable quotes from F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, we have gained a better understanding of the character of Tom Buchanan and the themes of the novel as a whole.

Throughout the article, we have explored how Tom's quotes reveal his arrogance, racism, and sense of entitlement. We have also seen how he embodies the corruption and decay of the Roaring Twenties, a time of excess and moral decay.

Using a formal and objective tone, we have analyzed each quote in detail, considering its context, language, and implications. We have also provided our own interpretation of what each quote reveals about Tom's character and the larger themes of the novel.

One of the key takeaways from this article is that Tom Buchanan is a complex and flawed character who represents the worst aspects of the American Dream. He is a wealthy and powerful man who uses his privilege to dominate those around him and maintain his status quo.

Another important theme that emerges from this analysis is the idea that appearances can be deceiving. On the surface, Tom seems like the quintessential American success story: rich, handsome, and married to a beautiful woman. However, beneath the surface, he is a deeply flawed and immoral person who lacks empathy and compassion for others.

As we conclude this article, we encourage you to reflect on the quotes and themes we have discussed. What insights have you gained into the character of Tom Buchanan and the larger context of The Great Gatsby? How do these ideas relate to your own life and experiences?

We hope that this article has sparked your curiosity and inspired you to read or revisit F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece. By engaging with the novel and its characters, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Thank you for reading this article on Tom Buchanan quotes. We hope that you have enjoyed it and learned something new. Please feel free to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below. We look forward to hearing from you!