Final answer:
Fitzgerald characterizes Tom as both racist and classist to portray the flaws and prejudices of the wealthy, reflecting social issues of the era. This depiction is also a critique of the era's moral decadence, as indicated by the association with historical figures like Nero and broader themes of social stratification.
Step-by-step explanation:
F. Scott Fitzgerald characterizes Tom as racist and classist to convey themes of social stratification and the moral vacuity prevalent among the privileged classes of the time. By doing so, he offers a critique of the upper echelons of society, depicting their flaws and prejudices. Fitzgerald's portrayal serves to illustrate how characters like Tom are shaped by their social environment and personal privileges, rather than representing broader societal norms. This intricate characterization invites readers to consider the nuances of individual versus collective identity in the Jazz Age.
Taking insights from Fitzgerald's works, including 'The Rich Boy,' and similar literature of the era, we see characters who represent the complex social dynamics of their time. Tom's fashionable life with fashionable vices, as depicted in 'A Fashionable Life,' is symbolic of the superficiality and corruption that often accompanied wealth and class status. The allusion to Nero in the tavern scene further underscores the moral degradation associated with Tom's lifestyle choices and emphasizes the author's critical perspective on the era's decadence.
In sum, Fitzgerald uses Tom's character to express his critical views on the social issues of his time, such as racism and classism, while providing an intimate look at the personal implications of these broader societal problems.