The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a famous novel that explores the themes of wealth, love, and carelessness in 1990s America '20. Throughout the story, the author highlights the reckless behavior of the characters, which reflects the moral decay of society during the Jazz Age. One of these characters, Tom Buchanan, embodies carelessness in various aspects of his life. This essay will delve into Tom's carelessness described in the novel, examining his actions and their consequences, ultimately revealing the destructive nature of his behavior. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay An example of Tom's carelessness is evident in his marriage to Daisy. Despite being married, Tom has an affair with Myrtle, a lower-class married woman. This act of infidelity illustrates his contempt for the sanctity of marriage and his selfish pursuit of pleasure. Furthermore, Tom's careless behavior extends to his treatment of Daisy. He often belittles her, ignores her feelings, and manipulates her emotions. This is especially evident in the scene where Tom brings Daisy and Gatsby face to face, showing his indifference towards their emotions and the potential consequences of his actions. Supporting Evidence: In Chapter 2, Tom openly flaunts his relationship with Myrtle, creating tension. and discomfort during a meeting in New York. Fitzgerald describes Tom's careless behavior, stating, "Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand" (Fitzgerald, 37). Analysis: Tom's actions not only demonstrate his negligence towards his marriage but also highlight the power dynamics prevalent during the time. His physical abuse of Myrtle shows his lack of empathy and disregard for the consequences of his actions. In addition to his disdain for marriage, Tom also displays carelessness in his racist attitudes. He often makes derogatory comments about people of different races and backgrounds, showing his superiority complex. Tom's careless behavior is evident in his conversation with Nick, where he states: "Nowadays, people begin to mock family life and family institutions, and then they throw it all overboard and create intermarriage between whites and blacks " (Fitzgerald, 130). . This quote highlights Tom's racist beliefs and his rejection of any progressive ideas. Supporting Evidence: Tom often uses racial slurs and derogatory language to express his contempt for people of different races. Fitzgerald points this out in chapter 1, stating, “Tom has a woman in New York” (Fitzgerald, 13). Analysis: Tom's racist attitudes not only show his inattention to the feelings of others, but also reflect the deep-seated racism prevalent in society during the 1920s. His beliefs perpetuate a cycle of discrimination and inequality, further contributing to the moral decay of the age. Another aspect of Tom's carelessness can be observed in his reckless driving habits. Throughout the novel, he is portrayed as a reckless driver, often putting himself and others at risk. This behavior is highlighted in the scene where Tom, Daisy, Nick and Jordan go to New York together. Tom drives at high speed, ignoring traffic rules and endangering the lives of those around him. Supporting Evidence: Fitzgerald describes Tom's reckless driving, stating, "We were going sixty miles an hour. We went through Albany, then twenty miles further on, the engine stopped running" (Fitzgerald, 64). Analysis: Reckless Driving by, 1925.