OMAM v TGG

Ego is a self-maximizing choice. Egotism is roughly defined as self-centeredness and conceit, especially represented in writing or conversation. Men showed a fair amount of narcissism in the early 1900’s, and this was represented in the writings from that time. Ego entails one person thinking that the world revolves around them, and that they should be the center of attention at all times. In the novels The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, the authors portray the antagonists, Tom Buchanan and Curley, to be extraordinarily egotistic and domineering, which had a negative effect on the relationship the men had with their wives.

Tom Buchanan from The Great Gatsby and Curley from Of Mice and Men are described in different ways physically. Tom is described as having a “supercilious manner,” with a “cruel” and “hulking” body (Fitzgerald 7) (Fitzgerald 7) (Fitzgerald 12). Curley is described as “thin” and “young,” yet “pugnacious” and “scrappy” (Steinbeck 25) (Steinbeck 25) (Steinbeck 25) (Steinbeck 26). The physical attributes of both men severely contrast one another, but their personalities are alike in various ways. Tom says to Nick Carraway “Now don’t think my opinion on these matters is final just because I’m… more of a man than you” (Fitzgerald 7).This is taken that he means he is both metaphorically and literally more of man than Nick. He is literally more of a man than Nick because of how Nick illustrated him to be tall and strong, in contrast to Nick’s physical character. If Nick were taller and stronger than Tom, then he would not be describing him in the way that he did, which leads readers to believe he is smaller and weaker. Tom believes he is better than everyone around him, which i...

... middle of paper ...

...else. He’s still being controlling of Daisy, especially when he commands her to sit down, groping “unsuccessfully for the paternal note” (Fitzgerald 131). He is trying to control Daisy like a father would their daughter. This is ironic because nowhere in the book has he ever acted like a father to his daughter, but he is now trying “unsuccessfully” to take a paternal role with his wife to command her to do something. (Fitzgerald 131).

In the novels The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men, the authors portray the antagonists, Tom Buchanan and Curley, to be extraordinarily egotistic and domineering. Both men are in positions of power, whether it’s regarding social status or work. Tom and Curley often talk in a demanding manner. They don’t politely talk to people; they demand and speak harshly. This represents to what pedestal they hold the ones to whom they are speaking.