Conflict

One conflict present throughout the book is the external tension between Gatsby and Tom Buchanan. Both characters are wealthy men of power, who both desire the affection of Daisy Buchanan. Tom is first introduced to Gatsby by Nick in a forty-second street cellar. When the two are introduced “…a strained, unfamiliar look of embarrassment came over Gatsby’s face” (Fitzgerald 74). Gatsby quickly leaves after he comes to the realization that he has just met Daisy’s husband and he is impassioned by jealousy and rage. After Gatsby and Daisy reunite at Nick’s house after almost five years of being apart, Gatsby runs into Tom again while he is riding horses with Mr. and Mrs. Sloane. The two engage in taunting banter and Gatsby tells Tom “I know your wife” (Fitzgerald 102). Gatsby does this because he would like Tom to know that Daisy was in love with him first and Gatsby wants to infuriate Tom, it works. Tom quickly changes the subject and Mrs. Sloane invites Nick, Gatsby and Tom over for dinner, Gatsby happily accepts the invitation. Tom is outraged that Gatsby was invited and he makes snide comment that Mrs. Sloane does not actually want him there. The following Saturday Daisy and Tom attend one of Gatsby’s notorious parties; while they are there Tom is determined to find out who Gatsby really is and how he earned his riches. However Daisy spends most of her time dancing with Gatsby and they sneak off to Nick’s house to talk under the white plum tree. While Tom and Daisy are leaving they both agree that the people at the party were interesting although they were both applauded by some of the guest’s behavior. The tension between the two of them at the party is obvious, Tom makes condescending remarks about Gatsby being “new money” and this continues throughout the entire book.