Why Does Tom Break Myrtle's Nose

Why Does Tom Break Myrtle's Nose? Exploring Violence and Power in The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a masterpiece of the Jazz Age, a novel brimming with lavish parties, forbidden love, and ultimately, tragedy. One of the most shocking and pivotal moments in the narrative is Tom Buchanan's brutal assault on Myrtle Wilson, where he breaks her nose. This act of violence isn't simply a random outburst; it's a carefully crafted moment that reveals the deep-seated misogyny, classism, and unchecked power at the heart of Tom's character and the Roaring Twenties society he inhabits. This essay will delve into the multifaceted reasons behind Tom's violence, examining the social context, his personality, and the narrative's larger themes.

The Context of Violence: A Society of Excess

The 1920s were a time of immense social upheaval. Prohibition fueled a culture of speakeasies and illicit behavior, while the rapid economic growth created a new class of wealthy individuals who often flaunted their wealth and power with little regard for social norms. This context of excess and unchecked ambition is crucial to understanding Tom's actions. His wealth and social status give him a sense of entitlement, allowing him to believe he is above the law and societal expectations. He operates within a system that allows him to get away with his behavior, reinforcing his sense of impunity.

The Illusion of Control

Tom's violence against Myrtle is deeply rooted in his desperate need to control his environment and the women in his life. His marriage to Daisy is already strained, marked by infidelity and emotional distance. Myrtle represents a temporary escape, a fleeting moment of power outside the confines of his upper-class marriage. However, when Myrtle dares to challenge his control – by mentioning Daisy's name – his reaction is immediate and brutal. The broken nose is a symbolic act, a violent assertion of his dominance and a crushing of Myrtle's independent spirit.

Tom's Character: A Portrait of Entitlement

Tom Buchanan is portrayed as a physically imposing figure, a man whose arrogance and privilege are palpable throughout the novel. He is a brute, both physically and emotionally, driven by a sense of entitlement that allows him to treat others, particularly women, as objects to be controlled and manipulated.

Brute Strength and Emotional Immaturity

His physical strength is a constant reminder of his power. This isn't just physical strength; it's the strength of his social standing, his wealth, and his ingrained sense of superiority. He uses this strength to intimidate and dominate, not only Myrtle but everyone around him. Beneath this veneer of power lies an emotional immaturity. He is incapable of handling confrontation or emotional vulnerability, resorting to violence as his primary means of conflict resolution. The breaking of Myrtle's nose is not a spontaneous reaction but rather a culmination of his ingrained habits of aggression and control.

The Symbolism of the Broken Nose

The act of breaking Myrtle's nose is far more significant than a simple act of physical violence. The nose is a prominent facial feature, and its breaking is a symbolic act of dehumanization. Tom reduces Myrtle to an object, shattering not only her physical features but also her self-respect and agency. It's a violent reminder of his power and her subjugation. The image of the broken nose lingers in the reader's mind, a powerful symbol of the brutal realities of unchecked masculinity and societal inequality.

The Larger Themes: Class, Gender, and Power

Tom's violence towards Myrtle is not an isolated incident but a reflection of the larger societal issues explored in the novel. The novel highlights the stark realities of class divisions and the inherent power imbalances between men and women during the Jazz Age.

Class and Social Hierarchy

Tom's actions are deeply intertwined with the rigid class system of the time. His wealth and social standing allow him to act with impunity, confident that the consequences of his actions will be minimal. Myrtle, belonging to a lower socioeconomic class, is a victim of this system, vulnerable to Tom's abuse because of her limited social and economic power. The difference in their social standing fuels the power dynamic and contributes to the brutal nature of the attack.

Gender Inequality and the Objectification of Women

Tom's treatment of Myrtle reflects the pervasive gender inequality of the era. Women, regardless of their social class, were often seen as possessions or objects to be controlled by men. Myrtle's affair with Tom, while seemingly consensual, is ultimately a reflection of this power imbalance. Her desire for a better life, even a temporary one, is exploited by Tom, who then brutally asserts his dominance when she steps out of line.

The Illusion of the American Dream

The Great Gatsby often explores the destructive nature of the American Dream when it's pursued through morally questionable means. Tom, with his inherited wealth and social standing, represents the distorted version of this dream. He uses his power and wealth to exploit and control others, ultimately leading to tragedy. Myrtle's aspirations for a better life, intertwined with her relationship with Tom, are brutally crushed, highlighting the harsh realities that lie beneath the glittering surface of the Roaring Twenties.

The Aftermath and its Significance

The aftermath of Tom's attack on Myrtle is equally significant. He displays no remorse, exhibiting a callous disregard for her suffering. His ability to simply walk away, leaving Myrtle injured and humiliated, underscores the impunity he enjoys within his social circles. This act sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately lead to Gatsby's death, highlighting the destructive consequences of unchecked power and violence.

The Cycle of Violence

Tom's violence creates a ripple effect, setting the stage for further violence and tragedy. His actions demonstrate the cyclical nature of violence and the way in which unchecked power can lead to devastating consequences. The novel powerfully demonstrates how individuals, empowered by their social standing and wealth, can inflict profound harm on others with little to no accountability.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Act of Violence

Tom's act of breaking Myrtle's nose isn't simply a moment of impulsive rage; it's a multifaceted event deeply rooted in the social context, his personality, and the larger themes of the novel. It reveals the dark underbelly of the Roaring Twenties, exposing the unchecked power, misogyny, and classism that permeated society. The broken nose serves as a potent symbol of the devastating consequences of violence, the dehumanization of women, and the fragility of the American Dream when pursued through unethical means. Fitzgerald masterfully uses this single act to encapsulate the novel's central themes, leaving a lasting impression on the reader long after finishing the book. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of confronting and challenging systems of power that enable such acts of brutality and violence.