Tom Buchanan, the wealthy and arrogant protagonist of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, is a character who often struggles with moral dilemmas. His decision-making process is characterized by a combination of self-interest, a lack of empathy, and a flawed sense of morality. Tom’s choices are often driven by a desire to maintain his social status and control over others, even if it means hurting those around him.
One example of Tom’s flawed decision-making is his affair with Myrtle Wilson. Despite being married to Daisy, Tom engages in a passionate affair with Myrtle, a woman from a lower social class. Tom’s decision to pursue this affair is driven by his desire for excitement and his need to assert his dominance. He is willing to betray Daisy and hurt Myrtle’s husband, George, without any regard for the consequences of his actions. Tom’s decision to continue the affair, even after Myrtle’s death, demonstrates his lack of remorse and his inability to take responsibility for his actions.
Another example of Tom’s flawed decision-making is his treatment of Gatsby. Tom is aware of Gatsby’s love for Daisy and his desire to win her back. However, instead of confronting Gatsby directly, Tom chooses to manipulate the situation to his advantage. He uses his wealth and influence to undermine Gatsby’s efforts and ultimately leads to Gatsby’s downfall. Tom’s decision to expose Gatsby’s past and his involvement in illegal activities is driven by his jealousy and his desire to protect his own position in society.
Tom’s decision-making process is further complicated by his belief in the power of money and his sense of entitlement. He believes that his wealth gives him the right to act with impunity and that he is above the law. This belief leads him to make reckless and selfish decisions, without considering the impact on others.
In conclusion, Tom Buchanan’s decision-making process is characterized by a combination of self-interest, a lack of empathy, and a flawed sense of morality. His choices are often driven by a desire to maintain his social status and control over others, even if it means hurting those around him. Tom’s inability to take responsibility for his actions and his belief in the power of money ultimately lead to his downfall and the destruction of those around him.
