Why is Tom Buchanan attracted to Myrtle?
As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time contemplating the complexities of human behavior, it is clear to me that the apparent attraction of Tom Buchanan to Myrtle Wilson, despite her lower social standing, can be best explained by the evolutionary underpinnings of human sexual behavior.
Evolutionary psychology posits that the brain has been shaped by natural selection to optimize reproductive success, and that this optimization can explain many of the apparent mysteries of human behavior, including sexual attraction. From an evolutionary perspective, the ultimate goal of sexual attraction is to ensure that one's genes are passed on to the next generation. As such, individuals who are successful in this endeavor are those who have a high degree of reproductive fitness.
In the case of Tom Buchanan, it is clear that he is a high-status individual who has access to a variety of potential mates. As a member of the wealthy elite, he would have had ample opportunity to find a suitable partner from among his social peers. However, Myrtle Wilson's lower social standing may have actually increased her attractiveness to Tom from an evolutionary perspective.
This is because, in evolutionary terms, social status can be seen as a signal of genetic fitness. High-status individuals are often perceived as being more attractive, as they are likely to have access to resources that can enhance the survival and reproductive success of their offspring. However, this signal can also be faked, as individuals may use their wealth and status to manipulate others into thinking they are more genetically fit than they actually are. In contrast, lower-status individuals may be seen as having more honest signals of genetic fitness, as they do not have the resources to fake their status.
Additionally, evolutionary psychology suggests that males have a predisposition for short-term sexual relationships with multiple partners, while females tend to be more selective in their choice of mates. This may explain why Tom is drawn to Myrtle despite the fact that she is not of his social class. Myrtle, as a lower-status individual, may be more willing to engage in short-term sexual relationships with high-status males, as this can increase her own reproductive success. In contrast, high-status females may be less willing to engage in such relationships, as they have more to lose in terms of social status and resources.
In conclusion, it is clear that the apparent attraction of Tom Buchanan to Myrtle Wilson can be best explained from an evolutionary psychology perspective. From this viewpoint, the lower social status of Myrtle may have actually increased her attractiveness to Tom, as it may be seen as a more honest signal of genetic fitness. Furthermore, Tom's attraction to Myrtle may be a result of his predisposition for short-term sexual relationships with multiple partners, which is a common trait in males from an evolutionary perspective. Understanding the evolutionary underpinnings of human behavior can shed light on the often-confusing and seemingly irrational decisions we make in our interpersonal relationships.
