Table of ContentsTom Buchanan's Inner StrugglesThe Implications of Tom's Inner ConflictIn ConclusionBibliographyHave you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of a person's facade ? In "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the character Tom Buchanan appears to be a rich and powerful man, but beneath his polite exterior lies a complex inner self. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald provides insight into Tom's thoughts about his true self, shedding light on his insecurities, desires, and motivations. By examining these ideas, we can gain a deeper understanding of Tom's character and the themes of identity and self-deception in the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Inner Struggles of Tom BuchananTom Buchanan, a wealthy socialite, is introduced to readers as a man of privilege and power. However, as the story progresses, we discover that Tom's outward personality is just a mask that hides his inner turmoil. Fitzgerald skillfully portrays Tom's thoughts about his true self, revealing a man haunted by his insecurities and consumed by his desires. An example where Tom's thoughts about his inner self are exposed is during a conversation with his mistress, Myrtle Wilson. Tom's affair with Myrtle is an escape from the constraints of his unhappy marriage, but even in this illicit relationship he is unable to find true satisfaction. He reflects on his inner turmoil and thinks: "I wanted to get up and slap him... I love you now – isn't that enough?" I can’t help living in the past” (Fitzgerald 37). This inner conflict between his desires and his sense of duty highlights the complexity of Tom's character. Additionally, Tom's thoughts about his inner self also reveal his deep-rooted insecurities. Despite his wealth and social status, he constantly fears losing his power and dominance. In one scene, Tom expresses his fear of losing control by proclaiming, "I guess the last thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere have sex with your wife. Well, if it does is the idea, you can exclude me... "Nowadays, people start by making fun of family life and family institutions, then they throw everything overboard and arrange intermarriage between blacks and white people” (Fitzgerald 130) Tom’s anxieties about social change and his fear of losing his grip on the world he knows reveal his insecurities about his own worth The implications of Tom’s inner conflict Tom’s inner struggles. have significant implications for the novel as a whole. Its conflict between desires and duty reflects the larger theme of identity and self-deception in "The Great Gatsby" The novel's characters, including Jay Gatsby and Daisy. Buchanan, are all grappling with the tension between themselves and the characters they present to the world. Tom's inner conflict also highlights the destructive nature of the quest for wealth and power. His desire to maintain control and his fear of losing his privileged position lead him to behave recklessly and hurt those around him. This highlights the corrupting influence of materialism and the emptiness of a life built solely on superficial success. In Conclusion Fitzgerald's depiction of Tom Buchanan's thoughts about his inner self offers a fascinating insight into the complexity of his character. Tom's insecurities, desires, and conflicts contribute to the larger themes of identity and self-deception in "The Great Gatsby." By examining these ideas, we gain insight, 1925.