IndexThe Inner Struggles of Tom BuchananThe 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 refined exterior lies a complex inner self. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald provides glimpses into Tom's thoughts about his true self, shedding light on his insecurities, desires, and motivations. By examining these insights, 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Inner Struggles of Tom Buchanan Tom 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 simply 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. One example where Tom's thoughts about his inner self are exposed is during a conversation with his lover, Myrtle Wilson. Tom's relationship with Myrtle is an escape from the constraints of his unhappy marriage, but even in this illicit relationship he fails to find true satisfaction. He reflects on his inner turmoil, thinking, "I wanted to get up and slap her face... I love you now - isn't that enough? I can't help what's past" (Fitzgerald 37). This internal conflict between his desires and his sense of duty highlights the complexity of Tom's character. Furthermore, Tom's thoughts about his inner self also reveal his deeply rooted insecurities. Despite his wealth and social status, he is constantly worried about losing 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 make love to your wife. Well, if that's the idea you can leave me out." ... Nowadays people begin to mock family life and family institutions, and then they throw it all overboard and intermarry between whites and blacks" (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 self-worth. The Implications of Tom's Inner Conflict Tom's internal struggles have significant implications for the novel as a whole. His conflict between desires and duty mirrors the larger theme of identity and self-deception in “The Great Gatsby.” The characters in the novel, including Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan, all grapple with the tension between their true selves and the personalities they present to the world. Tom's internal conflict also sheds light on the destructive nature of the pursuit of wealth and power. His desire to maintain control and fear of losing his privileged position lead him to engage in reckless behavior 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 portrayal of Tom Buchanan's thoughts on his inner self offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities 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 insights, we gain a deeper understanding of the destructive nature of wealth and, 1925.