Which aspect of Gatsby's background does Tom most question at the Plaza Hotel?

Which aspect of Gatsby's background does Tom most question at the Plaza Hotel?

• A. Wealth and social status
• B. Family ties
• C. Past marriage
• D. Educational credentials

Answer: (D)

Tom’s line of attack at the Plaza Hotel hinges on Gatsby’s asserted education. In that tense moment, he needles Gatsby about Oxford, using that claim as a way to test Gatsby’s legitimacy and refinement. Old money signals belonging through pedigree and formal schooling, so challenging Gatsby’s educational credential is a way to undermine the aura of sophistication Gatsby has built and to cast doubt on his background. By focusing on whether Gatsby truly studied at Oxford, Tom exposes the tension between self-made wealth and inherited status and aims to destabilize Daisy’s sense that Gatsby belongs with them. So, the aspect Tom most questions is Gatsby’s educational credentials.

Tom’s line of attack at the Plaza Hotel hinges on Gatsby’s asserted education. In that tense moment, he needles Gatsby about Oxford, using that claim as a way to test Gatsby’s legitimacy and refinement. Old money signals belonging through pedigree and formal schooling, so challenging Gatsby’s educational credential is a way to undermine the aura of sophistication Gatsby has built and to cast doubt on his background. By focusing on whether Gatsby truly studied at Oxford, Tom exposes the tension between self-made wealth and inherited status and aims to destabilize Daisy’s sense that Gatsby belongs with them. So, the aspect Tom most questions is Gatsby’s educational credentials.