The Great Gatsby

In Chapter 1, what book is Tom reading and what does this tell us about him?

In Chapter 1, what book is Tom reading and what does this tell us about him?

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In Chapter One, Tom is reading "The Rise of the Colored Empires" by Goddard. From this, we can infer that Tom is racist.

“Civilization’s going to pieces,” broke out Tom violently. “I’ve gotten to be a terrible pessimist about things. Have you read ‘The Rise of the Colored Empires’ by this man Goddard?”

“Why, no,” I answered, rather surprised by his tone.

“Well, it’s a fine book, and everybody ought to read it. The idea is if we don’t look out the white race will be — will be utterly submerged. It’s all scientific stuff; it’s been proved.”

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The Great Gatsby