Tom's Voice In The Great Gatsby

speaking voice, a gruff husky tenor, added to the impression of fractiousness he conveyed” (7). In Nick’s description of Tom it is evident that Tom uses his voice to impose his power on others. The combination of a sturdy body, gruff voice, and prestigious accomplishments means Tom could use his intimidation to gain more power throughout the story. Tom’s wife, Daisy, confirms his use of this power after he injures her when she says, “That’s what I get for marrying a brute of a man, a great big, hulking physical specimen…” (12). Nick is under Tom’s influence as well when Tom “stopped and rested his hand on my shoulder” (10). This is a simple yet powerful act of dominance over Nick displayed by Tom. Another aspect of Tom’s power is his control

over Daisy and his mistress, Myrtle. The first thing that Tom says to Myrtle when she is introduced is “‘I want to see you,’ said Tom intently. ‘Get on the next train’” (26). Tom instantly commands his mistress to meet up with him later. This example proves his control and dominance over Myrtle, and it also shows Tom’s dominance over Daisy because he has established that he is the alpha so he gets to do as he pleases. Later on in the book it is revealed that Daisy knows of Tom’s affair with Jordan saying, “‘The rumor is,’ whispered Jordan, ‘that that’s Tom’s girl on the telephone’” (116). Daisy obviously knows of Tom’s affair, but still does not say anything. The significance of this is Tom’s total control of Daisy. Tom knows that Daisy is still in love with him, however little it may be, and he knows that Daisy needs him to survive. It is because of this that Daisy accepts the situation with Tom’s mistress without saying anything. The final proof of Tom’s power comes at the showdown between him and Gatsby. Up to this point, Tom had never had to use his words to win power but he does so against Gatsby in a strategic three pointed move. Tom first reassures Daisy by saying, “... I love Daisy too. Once in awhile I go off on a spree and make a fool of myself, but I always come back, and in my heart I love her all the time”