Tom Buchanan: The Original Jerk
So, let’s talk about Tom Buchanan. Not the guy you want to invite to your barbecue unless you enjoy a side order of drama with your hot dogs. This dude, the epitome of old money arrogance, decided New York City wasn’t big enough for his ego and his mistress’s nose.
The Setting: A Love Nest, Not a Love Boat
Picture this: a swanky apartment in the heart of the roaring twenties. Think Art Deco, excess, and a whole lot of bad decisions. This wasn’t just any apartment; it was Tom’s little love nest with his side piece, Myrtle Wilson. Now, Myrtle wasn’t exactly a shrinking violet, but she was definitely playing in the big leagues without the proper gear.
The Incident: A Nose Job, Courtesy of Tom
One fateful evening, amidst a party that would make Gatsby blush, Myrtle makes the cardinal sin of mentioning Daisy, Tom’s lawfully wedded wife. You see, Tom’s got this whole "I can do whatever I want" complex, and Myrtle daring to question his loyalty was like waving a red flag at a bull. Only, instead of charging, Tom opted for a more refined approach: breaking Myrtle’s nose.
Why, Tom, Why?
You might be wondering, what possessed this guy to turn into a one-man wrecking crew? Well, let’s break it down:
- Ego: Tom's ego is about as fragile as a soap bubble. Any challenge to his superiority is met with force.
- Insecurity: Beneath the bravado lies a man terrified of losing control. Myrtle's defiance exposed his vulnerability.
- Toxic Masculinity: This era was rife with it, and Tom was a poster boy. Violence was seen as a way to assert dominance.
The Aftermath: A Nose Job and a Broken Heart
Myrtle’s nose got fixed, but her spirit? Not so much. Tom, on the other hand, probably went home and polished his trophy collection, completely oblivious to the damage he caused.
How to Avoid Being a Tom Buchanan
So, how do you prevent yourself from becoming a colossal jerk like Tom? Here are a few tips:
- How to control your anger: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or counting to ten. Or, you know, just don't be a jerk.
- How to communicate effectively: Talk things out calmly and respectfully. Avoid resorting to physical violence.
- How to respect others: Treat people with kindness and empathy, regardless of their social status.
- How to maintain healthy relationships: Build trust, honesty, and open communication.
- How to be a decent human being: Just be nice. It's really not that hard.
Remember, there's no excuse for violence. Ever.