Careless People
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby uses the characters of Tom and Daisy to symbolize the indifference the higher class exhibited during the 1920’s. At the end of the novel Nick states, “They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together and let other people clean up the mess they had made…” Tom and Daisy prove themselves to be the epitomes of carelessness and irresponsibility through their choices and obliviousness to consequences.
The first act of recklessness is committed by Tom through his affair with Myrtle. During the dinner party in the first chapter, Tom takes a phone call from his mistress. He shows disregard for other’s feelings because he is taking the call at the home he shares with his wife and children. Additionally, two friends are present who know about the affair. He is never careful about keeping his adultery secret even taking his wife’s cousin and confidant to meet his “girl”. Tom never even remotely considers his wife’s feelings should she learn of his extramarital activities (which she does). Apart from the damage he may be doing to his wife and his marriage, Tom also fails to take into account the damage his relationship with Myrtle may have on her and George Wilson’s marriage. Tom goes into George Wilson’s garage and engages in small talk with George while showing absolutely no remorse for the pain and sadness that he could cause George. Tom’s carefree attitude towards consequences that could hurt others demonstrates that Tom care about nothing more than his personal satisfaction. His desire for an extramarital affair outweighs the suffering that he prompts because of his behavior.