Tom's Use Of Language In The Great Gatsby

In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald maintains the statement, “Involuntarily I glanced seaward-and distinguished nothing except a single green light” (26). In other words, Fitzgerald believes that at first scan nothing is as accurate as it seems; with a detailed observer one may see beyond the curtain. Fitzgerald’s use of the language and the actions of the characters reveal some of the true personalities. Take Tom Buchanan, he is a strong-willed man with the ideal lifestyle. However, Tom is a control enthusiast in addition to being a power fanatic; by any means necessary he will make his power evident. Daisy a sweet fool with her alluring voice, in actuality is well aware of this portrayal.
In the valley of ashes or as one classmate significantly stated “the grey area”, disapproving love affairs and behaviors happen. Tom drops off his baggage of responsibility, in exchange for his own selfish satisfaction. Tom leaves his wife and young daughter to go to this dismal scene; it signifies his unfaithfulness to his family. As a young football star, Tom had power and all the attention. He is at ease with being the dominant player in control.
In a

moment when his mistress, Myrtle Wilson teases him about Daisy, he warns her to watch it. Myrtle ends up with a broken nose, reassuring his position of control and power. Myrtle interestingly shares the same demanding qualities as Tom. Tom and Myrtle want their way, when they want it and how they want it. Both demand attention and desire to be seen as superior. Myrtle is married to a good and honest man; unfortunately she does not respect him because of his lack of wealth. She lives a double life, and often gets absorbed in her snobbish ways. As a young boy Tom was born into his wealth; he gets whatever he wants or at least likes to have it that way. His deliberate decision to be unfaithful is a part of his egotistical ways.
The dead land has the eyes of an eye doctor, Doctor Eckleburg on a large billboard. The eyes empty stare, could be considered an average placement site as for advertisement and potential patients. In fact the eyes were given movement in the sense that they watched over the town and all that passed; an easily overlooked detail. Fitzgerald agrees when he states “But his eyes, dimmed a little by many paint less days under sun and rain, brood on over the solemn dumping ground”(28). Fitzgerald’s point is that the eyes bear a resemblance to that of God, watching over the town. These eyes watch Tom pick up his bags and make his way back to East Egg; the ostentation side of town.
Daisy’s rhythmic voice compared to as a siren of Greek mythology according to one student, is the baster to all victims.

Surely she can withdraw information leaving the person of interest in a trance. “- But there was an excitement in her voice that men who cared for her found difficult to forget: a singing compulsion, a whispered ‘Listen’…” (14). Daisy’s voice may seem innocent and oblivious; nevertheless she is well aware of her husband’s displeasing engagements. Fitzgerald himself writes, when referring to Daisy’s childbirth “-I hope she’ll be a fool - that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful fool” (21). The essence of Fitzgerald’s statement is that, ignorance is bliss, with all the deceit of the lifestyle she lives, she would rather her daughter be unknown to them and live without

resentment.