Tom informs Nick that he’s a racist early on in the novel by mentioning the book he has just read, The Rise of the Colored Empires by “this man Goddard.” He calls it a “fine book” and goes on to explain that the book argues that the white race is in danger of being “utterly submerged” by the darker races.

what ideas about race does tom express? what does this reveal about toms character? he thinks the “best” race is the nordic race and they are better than everyone else. how well do you think nick fits in with those around him?

In the Great Gatsby, money is one of the majors themes in the book. He represents new money while Daisy and Tom represent old money. The distinguishing between east and west egg is the best way that Fitzgerald describes the difference in wealth.

What did Tom do to Myrtle when she mentioned Daisy’s name? He told her to stop, but when she didn’t he hit her and broke her nose. Describe at least two representations of Gatsby’s wealth.

Tom is attracted to Myrtle merely due to her immorality and position in the lower-class. Because Myrtle is dissatisfied with her social standing, she is practically desperate and willing to endure Tom’s many abuses in order to transcend her social status.

Myrtle is not a good person – that can be why Tom is attracted to her. Tom told Catherine that Daisy was Catholic and that’s why she wouldn’t leave her husband.

Myrtle seems to believe Tom genuinely loves her, and would marry her if only Daisy would divorce him. Nick knows that Tom would never marry Myrtle, and the lopsidedness of the relationship makes Myrtle a more sympathetic character than she would be otherwise.