Tom Buchanan, one of F. Scott Fitzgerald's most enigmatic characters, has sparked countless debates in literary circles. Is he a round character, with layers of complexity and development, or is he flat, serving as a mere archetype or symbol? In "The Great Gatsby," Tom is painted as a wealthy, arrogant man with a commanding presence. But there's more to him than meets the eye. Let's dive into his world and uncover the truth behind his character.

As we explore the nuances of Tom Buchanan, we must remember that literary analysis isn't always black and white. Characters can exist in a gray area, blending elements of both roundness and flatness. Tom is no exception. His actions, motivations, and relationships with other characters provide a rich tapestry of insight into his personality.

This article aims to answer the question: Is Tom Buchanan a round or flat character? By examining his behavior, relationships, and development throughout the novel, we'll uncover the layers that make him such a compelling figure in American literature. So buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey through the mind of one of the most controversial characters in "The Great Gatsby."

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Biography of Tom Buchanan: The Man Behind the Myth

Before we dive into whether Tom Buchanan is a round or flat character, let's first establish who he is. Tom Buchanan is a central figure in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel, "The Great Gatsby." Born into wealth and privilege, Tom is a product of old money, a world where status and power are inherited rather than earned.

Below is a brief overview of Tom's background:

Full Name	Thomas Buchanan
Age	Early 30s
Occupation	Wealthy socialite
Family	Married to Daisy Buchanan, with a daughter named Pammy
Background	Old money, Yale-educated, athlete turned socialite

Tom's life is a mix of privilege and entitlement, shaped by his upbringing and the expectations of his social class. His background plays a crucial role in defining his character and actions throughout the novel.

What Makes a Character Round or Flat?

Before we can determine whether Tom Buchanan is a round or flat character, we need to understand what these terms mean. In literary analysis, a round character is one who exhibits complexity, depth, and development. They often have conflicting desires, motivations, and traits that make them feel more human and relatable. On the other hand, flat characters are typically one-dimensional, serving as symbols or archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.

Round characters often undergo significant changes or growth throughout a story, while flat characters remain static and unchanging. Think of it like this: round characters are like onions, with layers that peel away to reveal new insights. Flat characters, on the other hand, are more like pancakes—flat and uncomplicated.

Tom Buchanan's Personality: Layers of Complexity

Tom Buchanan is undeniably a complex figure. On the surface, he appears to be a typical wealthy socialite, exuding arrogance and entitlement. But as the story unfolds, we begin to see the cracks in his façade. His personality is a mix of contradictions: he's both charming and cruel, confident and insecure, powerful and vulnerable.

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Key Traits That Define Tom Buchanan

Arrogance: Tom's wealth and social status have instilled in him a sense of superiority. He believes he's entitled to whatever he wants, regardless of the consequences.
Confidence: Tom is a former athlete and Yale graduate, which gives him a strong sense of self-assurance. He's not afraid to assert his dominance, especially in front of others.
Insecurity: Beneath his confident exterior lies a deep-seated insecurity. Tom feels threatened by Gatsby's rise to wealth and his relationship with Daisy.
Jealousy: Despite his infidelity, Tom is fiercely possessive of Daisy. He can't tolerate the idea of her being with anyone else, even if he doesn't treat her well.

These traits paint a picture of a man who is far from one-dimensional. Tom's personality is a mix of strengths and flaws, making him a compelling figure to analyze.

Tom Buchanan's Relationships: A Window Into His Character

One of the best ways to understand a character is through their relationships with others. Tom Buchanan's interactions with the people around him reveal a great deal about his personality and motivations. Let's take a closer look at his relationships:

With Daisy Buchanan

Tom's marriage to Daisy is a complicated one. On the surface, they seem like the perfect couple: wealthy, attractive, and well-connected. But beneath the façade lies a marriage built on infidelity and mistrust. Tom's affair with Myrtle Wilson is an open secret, yet he still demands loyalty from Daisy. His possessiveness and jealousy are evident in his treatment of her, particularly when he discovers her relationship with Gatsby.

With Myrtle Wilson

Tom's affair with Myrtle Wilson highlights another facet of his character. Myrtle represents a different world—one of new money and ambition. Tom's relationship with her is both exploitative and passionate, showcasing his desire for control and dominance. However, his treatment of Myrtle also reveals a darker side of his personality, as he ultimately abandons her when it suits him.

With Jay Gatsby

Tom's rivalry with Gatsby is one of the central conflicts in the novel. Gatsby's rise from poverty to wealth challenges Tom's sense of superiority and entitlement. Their confrontation at the Plaza Hotel is a pivotal moment in the story, showcasing Tom's ability to manipulate and undermine others to maintain his power.

Tom Buchanan's Development: Does He Grow as a Character?

One of the key indicators of a round character is their ability to grow and change throughout a story. So, does Tom Buchanan undergo any significant development in "The Great Gatsby"? The answer is both yes and no. While Tom doesn't experience a dramatic transformation, his interactions with other characters reveal new facets of his personality.

For example, Tom's reaction to Gatsby's death shows a glimmer of humanity. He expresses concern for his own safety and reputation, but there's also a hint of guilt and regret. This moment suggests that Tom is capable of feeling emotions beyond anger and jealousy, albeit in a limited way.

Tom Buchanan as a Symbol: Is He More Than Just a Character?

Some argue that Tom Buchanan is more than just a character—he's a symbol of the American elite and the decay of the American Dream. His wealth and privilege represent the old money class, while his arrogance and entitlement reflect the moral decay of society during the Roaring Twenties. In this sense, Tom can be seen as a flat character, serving as a symbol rather than a fully developed individual.

However, this doesn't mean he lacks depth entirely. Tom's complexity lies in his ability to embody both round and flat characteristics. He's a symbol, but he's also a human being with flaws and contradictions.

Expert Analysis: What Do Critics Say About Tom Buchanan?

Over the years, literary critics have weighed in on Tom Buchanan's character. Many agree that he is a complex figure, straddling the line between round and flat. For example, critic Harold Bloom argues that Tom's "mixture of brute strength and intellectual vacuity" makes him a fascinating character to analyze.

Other critics point to Tom's role as a symbol of the decline of the American Dream. They argue that his character represents the emptiness and corruption of the wealthy elite during the 1920s. This perspective reinforces the idea that Tom is more than just a character—he's a reflection of the society in which he lives.

Conclusion: Is Tom Buchanan a Round or Flat Character?

After examining Tom Buchanan's personality, relationships, and development, we can conclude that he is a complex figure who defies easy categorization. While he exhibits traits of both round and flat characters, his depth and contradictions make him a compelling figure in "The Great Gatsby."

So, is Tom Buchanan a round or flat character? The answer is: both. He's a symbol of the American elite, but he's also a human being with flaws and contradictions. His complexity lies in his ability to embody multiple facets of human nature, making him one of the most intriguing characters in American literature.

Now that you've reached the end of this article, we invite you to share your thoughts. Do you agree with our analysis? Or do you have a different perspective on Tom Buchanan's character? Leave a comment below and let's continue the conversation!