Explain the story of George and Tom
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Answer:
George Wilson is a pitiful character who evokes much sympathy. He is obviously desperate to make his wife happy, but unfortunately lacks the means to do so. He clearly loves Myrtle but has been unable to afford her the life she so much desires - a life of comfort and wealth. They live in poverty in The Valley of Ashes, surrounded by grey, grimy decay - all symbolic of their miserable existence.
When George suspects that Myrtle is having an affair, he decides to hole her up in the room above the garage. His discovery, “I just got wised up to something funny the last two days,” has made him physically ill and he has decided that he and Myrtle would be moving West, "whether she wants to or not." He obviously believes that this would put an end to his wife's affair.
Tom Buchanan, on the other hand, is exceedingly rich. He is conceited and spoilt by wealth. His haughtiness makes him boorish and racist. He believes that women are mere playthings and he continuously indulges in extra-marital liaisons. When he discovers that Daisy is involved in an affair with Jay Gatsby, he is shocked:
"She had told him that she loved him, and Tom Buchanan saw. He was astounded. His mouth opened a little, and he looked at Gatsby, and then back at Daisy as if he had just recognized her as some one he knew a long time ago."
Tom later confronts Jay about the affair and reminds Daisy about some of the tender moments they had shared on their honeymoon and other occasions. The altercation between Tom and Jay frightens Daisy until she eventually relents and declares to Jay:
"Oh, you want too much!”
These words spawn the unravelling of all that Jay had planned for himself and Daisy and gives Tom the upper hand, so much so that he later confidently instructs his wife:
“You two start on home, Daisy,” “In Mr. Gatsby’s car.”