A Rhetorical Analysis Of Tom Buchanan

What to say, when to say it, and how to say it is all a very important part of speech. Yet understanding what is being and why it is being said is perhaps even more important because it is what provides context and prepares for the speaker to reply. Everyone is prone to embarrassing outbursts of misspeak. In the case of Tom Buchanan, despite being a realist, can be very out of context and in polite conversation, vulgar. Even Nick thinks that “...[He] is tempted to laugh whenever [Tom] opens his mouth.” (139). At one point, when Tom begins to confront Jay bout his affair with Daisy, his argument is; “‘[He] knows [he is] not very popular. [He] doesn’t give big parties. [He] supposes he has to make [his] house into a pigsty in order to have any

friends--in the modern world.’”(139). After all that Tom has done, run around with mistresses and impose his opinion on others, whether he throws grand parties or not for the sake of friendship is irrelevant at this point. The thought of Tom getting people to like him after the way he behaves is so ridiculous to Nick that, with derisiveness, Nick remarks; “The transition from libertine to prig [is] so complete.” (139). That is to say the transition from a rake to a prude is complete.
Jay is no better either.

His catch phrase; ‘old sport,’ that he uses several times to address several people, is a commonly used phrase among the wealthy people in England and America. It does not impress Tom, who is already skeptical of Jay’s drug stores, adopted catchphrase, and insistence on being an Oxford man. After the fog that shrouds Jay’s past begins to clear, it becomes clear that he simply uses this catchphrase to help build the image of being ‘old money.’ If Jay’s personal life and past were not enough indication of the fact that he is not ‘old money,’ his interaction with the Sloane couple could easily discredit all that Jay could ever hope show. When Tom and the Sloanes arrive at Jay’s house, on horseback, they Jay accommodates them as a good host will. That includes offering beverages, to which Mrs. Sloane couldn’t hold her weight against and tipsily insisting on inviting Jay; “‘You come to supper with ME,’”(110). Nick perceives that “...[Jay] wanted to go but he didn’t see that Mr. Sloane has determined he shouldn’t.” (110). Despite the obvious show of displeasure at Jay’s presence to dinner of Mr Sloane’s part, Jay still insists on coming along. This makes Tom, with incredulity, say; “‘My God, I believe the man is coming’...’Doesn’t he know she doesn’t want him?’”(111). This shows that Tom’s suspicions, in his mind, are being confirmed. Yet to Nick, that doesn’t make a difference because he believes that for all of Jay’s flaws, the purpose for all his

actions is true. Where as for Tom, his actions have long been a matter of reproach.