74 Tom Quotes From the Great Gatsby That Show His Character

Tom Buchanan, a central figure in The Great Gatsby, is a character whose arrogance, wealth, and entitlement define much of the novel’s tension. Through his words, we see a man steeped in privilege, grappling with insecurity, and unapologetically clinging to outdated ideals.

His quotes reveal not just his character but also the larger themes of moral decay and societal divides in the Jazz Age. In this article, we’ll explore the most striking Tom quotes from The Great Gatsby, analyzing how they shed light on his complex personality and the world Fitzgerald so vividly critiques.

Tom Buchanan’s Quotes About Wealth and Privilege

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Tom Buchanan’s sense of entitlement and superiority is rooted in his wealth and privileged background. These quotes reveal his arrogance and the way he views the world through a lens of power and class distinction. They highlight not only his character but also Fitzgerald’s critique of the elite in the Jazz Age.

1. “I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife.”
2. “I’ve got a nice place here.”
3. “If we don’t look out, the white race will be—will be utterly submerged.”
4. “I’m stronger and more of a man than Gatsby ever will be.”
5. “This is a nice house, isn’t it? I think we all agree.”
6. “We’re all different from each other.”
7. “I’ve made a study of it—what happened to civilization.”
8. “I suppose you think I’m strong, don’t you?”
9. “This family runs things now.”
10. “The way they act is different.”
11. “We were born different from the others.”
12. “The world is full of fools, but I know who I am.”
13. “I worked hard for what I have.”
14. “I don’t want to see society go to ruin.”
15. “I’m an old-fashioned kind of man.”
16. “We’ve been here for generations; that matters.”

Tom Buchanan’s Quotes About Daisy and Relationships

Tom’s relationship with Daisy is complex, marked by love, control, and hypocrisy. These quotes expose his possessive nature and his attempts to maintain dominance in their marriage, even as he struggles with his own insecurities. They offer a glimpse into the dynamics of their toxic relationship.

1. “She’s not leaving me!”
2. “Daisy loved me when she married me and she loves me now.”
3. “Daisy, Daisy, Daisy!”
4. “I love Daisy, and in my heart, I always will.”
5. “You can’t live forever.”
6. “I suppose I’m tough about it.”
7. “She’s my wife, and that’s that.”
8. “You think you can fool her?”
9. “I’ll take care of my wife, thanks.”
10. “Daisy, come back!”
11. “Our love is not so simple.”
12. “She belongs to me.”
13. “We’re bound together by something stronger than you know.”
14. “Don’t you see what’s happening?”
15. “You’re not taking her away from me.”
16. “Daisy and I understand each other.”
17. “I’ve made mistakes, but we’ve always had each other.”
18. “Daisy isn’t going anywhere.”
19. “I can’t help the way I feel about her.”
20. “My love for Daisy is real.”

Tom Buchanan’s Quotes About Gatsby

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Tom’s feelings toward Gatsby range from disdain to outright hostility. These quotes showcase his jealousy, condescension, and suspicion, as he views Gatsby as a threat to his status and marriage. His words also reflect the clash between old money and new money in the novel.

1. “I suppose he’s the kind of man you’d like to take home.”
2. “Who is this Gatsby anyhow?”
3. “I’d like to know who he is and what he does.”
4. “He threw dust into your eyes just like he did in Daisy’s.”
5. “Mr. Gatsby, that’s your car outside.”
6. “You can’t repeat the past!”
7. “He’s a fraud, don’t you see?”
8. “He’s a bootlegger.”
9. “You think he’s such a big shot?”
10. “I’ve been doing some research on you, Mr. Gatsby.”
11. “You’re nothing more than a pretender.”
12. “You think you can buy your way into everything?”
13. “He’s not who you think he is.”
14. “You’re out of your league, Gatsby.”
15. “He doesn’t belong in this world.”
16. “You’ll never be one of us.”
17. “He’s not as great as you think he is.”
18. “You’ll never understand, will you?”
19. “I know men like Gatsby, and they don’t last.”

Tom Buchanan’s Quotes Reflecting His Morality and Worldview

Tom’s worldview is steeped in outdated beliefs, prejudice, and moral contradictions. These quotes reveal his narrow-mindedness and provide insight into the societal attitudes of the time. They also underscore the themes of racism, privilege, and moral decay that permeate the novel.

1. “The idea is that we’re Nordics.”
2. “Civilization’s going to pieces.”
3. “Nowadays people begin by sneering at family life and family institutions.”
4. “The world’s full of fools who don’t know better.”
5. “I believe in old-fashioned values.”
6. “We were born to be leaders.”
7. “It’s all scientific. It’s been proven.”
8. “There’s no need for change; the way things are is fine.”
9. “I see the cracks in society.”
10. “I don’t think people understand the gravity of what’s happening.”
11. “We’ve lost something important in this country.”
12. “There’s a reason some people rise and others don’t.”
13. “Some people just don’t belong.”
14. “I stand for what’s right.”
15. “The weak don’t survive.”
16. “I know my place in the world, and I defend it.”
17. “People like me built this country.”
18. “The moral fiber of this country is crumbling.”
19. “Strength and power are the only things that last.”

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