Question

Write two paragraphs on the character you believe to be an antagonist to Nick, to Gatsby, or to both men. What qualities does this character have that make him or her an opposing force? How might encounters with the antagonist change Nick or Gatsby? (The Great Gatsby)

Answer 1

Tom Buchanan is an antagonist to both Nick and Gatsby in The Great Gatsby. His arrogance and disregard for others make him an opposing force. Encounters with Tom challenge Nick's perceptions and reveal the impossibility of Gatsby's dreams.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the novel The Great Gatsby, one of the characters that can be considered an antagonist to both Nick and Gatsby is Tom Buchanan. Tom possesses qualities that make him an opposing force to the two protagonists. One such quality is his arrogance and sense of entitlement, which is evident in his treatment of others and his belief in his own superiority. Another quality is his disregard for the feelings and well-being of others, as seen in his affair with Myrtle Wilson.

Encounters with Tom Buchanan can have different effects on Nick and Gatsby. For Nick, Tom's presence serves as a stark contrast to his own morality and values. It challenges Nick's perceptions of the wealthy elite and forces him to question the authenticity of the relationships and lifestyles he is exposed to. As for Gatsby, his encounters with Tom reveal the impossibility of achieving his dreams and the harsh reality of the social class divide. Tom's opposition fuels Gatsby's determination, but ultimately leads to his downfall.