But, let's get back to Tom's age, shall we? As I mentioned earlier, he's around 35-40 years old, which is also a symbol of the middle-aged crisis that many men faced during the Jazz Age. You see, back then, men were expected to be successful, married, and settled by the time they hit their mid-30s, and Tom is no exception. However, his life is actually a façade, hiding a deep-seated unhappiness and discontent.
Now, I know what you're thinking, "What about Gatsby, how old is he?" Well, my friend, Gatsby is actually a bit of a mystery, but it's estimated that he's around 32-35 years old, which makes him a bit of a youngster compared to Tom. And, let's be real, Gatsby's youthful energy and optimism are a huge contrast to Tom's jaded and cynical outlook on life.
It's also worth noting that Tom's age is also a reflection of the socioeconomic climate of the time. The Roaring Twenties were all about excess, luxury, and conspicuous consumption, and Tom's character embodies all of these qualities. He's a wealthy, privileged man who's used to getting what he wants, when he wants it, and his age is just another status symbol in his arsenal.
Tom Buchanan Great Gatsby Quotes. QuotesGram
