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Tom brings up race frequently in The Great Gatsby because he sees it as a way to assert his power and superiority over others, particularly those who are not white.
It's important to note that in "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the character Tom Buchanan frequently makes racist comments and displays discriminatory attitudes. This behavior reflects the attitudes and values of the wealthy elite in the early 20th century, particularly those of white men like Tom who saw themselves as superior to people of other races and ethnicities.
Tom's racism is used by Fitzgerald to critique the moral decay and corruption of the American Dream during the 1920s. By highlighting the racist attitudes of characters like Tom, Fitzgerald is pointing out the hypocrisy and moral emptiness of the wealthy elite, who claim to uphold traditional values but are ultimately consumed by greed and selfishness.
Furthermore, Tom's racist comments also serve to highlight the divisions and tensions within society during this time period, particularly between the white and black communities. Fitzgerald is using Tom's racism to show how these divisions can lead to conflict and injustice, and to call attention to the need for social and political reform.
Overall, Tom's racism is a significant element of "The Great Gatsby" that serves to reveal the flaws and shortcomings of the society in which the novel is set, and to critique the values and attitudes of the wealthy elite.
Why does Tom bring up race so often?. (2023, Jul 01). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/qa/literature/why-does-tom-bring-up-race-so-often
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