Because Gatsby and Wilson both lose their women to Tom, Tom is victorious. Tom is symbolic of moral corruption of the rich, selfishness, irresponsibility, and cold-heartedness. Unlike Tom, Gatsby and Wilson are symbolic of the lesser man, new wealth, family background, and true happiness. In the beginning of the book you learn that Gatsby is a poor soldier who falls in love with Daisy. Then he goes back to war, when he returns he finds an announcement in the paper saying that Daisy is engaged to a wealthy man (Mr. Buchanan).
Now, Gatsby lost Daisy just as fast as he got her. Thinking he could get Daisy back by getting rich, Gatsby makes fake bonds and becomes wealthy. After the death of Mrs. Wilson, Mr. Wilson goes to the Buchanan’s house to confront Mr. Buchanan; Mr.
Buchanan purposely tells him that Gatsby was the one having the affair with Mrs. Wilson. Then out of rage Mr. Wilson kills Gatsby and himself. Therefore they die together, unhappy. After the car crash Killing Mrs.
Wilson, Daisy went back to Tom and even told him that it was Gatsby driving the car. After this incident Daisy shut Gatsby out of her life and didn’t even bother to show up to his funeral. After Tom had affairs with numerous women, Daisy always took him back. I think she always took him back because he was from old money and had history with him.
Tom was selfish because he wanted it all, wealth, money, and women. And he got his wish.
