Are Tom and Wilson complete opposites? This question has been debated by scholars and readers alike for decades. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Tom Buchanan and George Wilson are two very different men who live in the same town.
Tom is a wealthy, arrogant bully, while Wilson is a poor, hardworking mechanic. They come from different worlds and have very different personalities. But are they really complete opposites?
This essay will explore the similarities and differences between Tom and Wilson. We will examine their physical appearance, social status, personalities, relationships with others, and roles in the novel. By the end of this essay, we will have a better understanding of these two complex characters and their relationship to each other.
Tom and Wilson: Complete Opposites
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, “The Great Gatsby,” Tom Buchanan and George Wilson are two vastly different characters who represent contrasting aspects of American society in the 1920s.
Tom and Wilson’s Physical Appearance, Are tom and wilson complete opposites
Tom is described as a tall, muscular man with an athletic build. His handsome features, including a strong jawline and piercing blue eyes, reflect his privileged upbringing and physical dominance.
In contrast, Wilson is a small, thin man with a weak and frail appearance. His greasy hair and unkempt clothes suggest a lack of social status and economic security.
Their physical appearances symbolize the stark differences in their social and economic circumstances.
Tom and Wilson’s Social Status
Tom is a wealthy aristocrat from an old money family. He inherited a vast fortune and enjoys the privileges of the upper class, including exclusive clubs, lavish parties, and a sense of entitlement.
Wilson, on the other hand, is a poor mechanic who struggles to make ends meet. He lives in a rundown garage and works long hours to support his family.
Their contrasting social statuses reflect the class divide that permeated American society in the early 20th century.
Tom and Wilson’s Personalities
Tom is arrogant, domineering, and selfish. He sees himself as superior to others and believes he can control them through his wealth and influence.
Wilson, on the other hand, is a gentle, kind-hearted man who cares deeply for his wife. He is hardworking and honest, but lacks the assertiveness and confidence of Tom.
Their personalities highlight the different values and priorities of the upper and lower classes.
Tom and Wilson’s Relationships with Others
Tom is surrounded by people who admire his wealth and status. He is married to Daisy Buchanan, but their relationship is superficial and based on convenience.
Wilson, on the other hand, has a close and loving relationship with his wife, Myrtle. However, their marriage is strained by Myrtle’s infidelity with Tom.
Their relationships reflect the contrasting values and priorities of the characters.
Tom and Wilson’s Roles in the Novel
Tom is a major antagonist in the novel. He represents the corruption and decadence of the upper class. His actions lead to the tragic deaths of Myrtle Wilson and Gatsby.
Wilson, on the other hand, is a minor character who plays a significant role in the plot. His grief over his wife’s death leads him to confront Tom and ultimately avenge her.
Their roles in the novel highlight the consequences of social inequality and the destructive nature of class conflict.
User Queries: Are Tom And Wilson Complete Opposites
What are the main differences between Tom and Wilson?
Tom is wealthy, arrogant, and a bully, while Wilson is poor, hardworking, and kind.
What are the main similarities between Tom and Wilson?
Tom and Wilson are both men who are trapped in unhappy marriages. They are also both victims of the American Dream.
Are Tom and Wilson complete opposites?
No, Tom and Wilson are not complete opposites. They are two sides of the same coin. They both represent the dark side of the American Dream.
