The characteristic being explored is defined as irritability and a lack of cooperation. It signifies a tendency to be readily angered, difficult to control, and resistant to authority or suggestion. Within the context of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, this trait is embodied by Tom Buchanan. His volatile temperament and domineering nature illustrate this quality. For example, his abrupt shifts in mood and aggressive behavior during confrontations exemplify the defined behavior.
Understanding this attribute provides insight into character motivations and the novel’s themes. It highlights the superficiality and moral decay underlying the opulent facade of the Roaring Twenties. It reveals how unchecked power and privilege can breed a sense of entitlement and a disregard for the feelings of others. This is especially relevant when analyzing power structures and the impact of social class on individual actions within the narrative. Historically, the era depicted was marked by social upheaval and changing values, factors that likely contributed to an increased prevalence of such behaviors among certain societal groups.
