How does Fitzgerald make Tom Buchanan such an unpleasant character? Support your answer by close reference to Fitzgerald's writing.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2011). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Candidates should discuss how Fitzgerald makes Tom Buchanan an unpleasant character, using details from the novel.
2. Focus on his physical description ('straw-haired man of thirty with a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner'), conveying his brute force and arrogance.
3. His blatant racism and class prejudice, revealed through his pseudo-intellectual pronouncements and contempt for others.
4. His hypocrisy and infidelity (with Myrtle), contrasted with his possessiveness of Daisy.
5. His domineering and violent tendencies (breaking Myrtle’s nose).
6. The sense of his inherited wealth making him feel entitled and superior, without earning anything himself.
7. Fitzgerald’s use of direct characterization, dialogue, and Nick’s observations to present Tom’s repulsive traits.