Question

what does tom’s reaction to gatsby’s wealth and party say about tom’s own insecurities? pg. 107-108

Explanation:

Tom dismisses Gatsby's wealth as "new money" and mocks his parties as tasteless, but this sharp, dismissive reaction stems from his insecurity about his own social position. Tom's old-money status is tied to inherited wealth, and Gatsby's sudden, self-made success threatens the rigid class hierarchy Tom relies on to feel superior. His need to belittle Gatsby reveals he fears his own privilege is not earned or truly secure, and that Gatsby's unconventional rise could undermine the social power Tom takes for granted.

Answer:

Tom's sneering, dismissive reaction to Gatsby's wealth and parties exposes his deep insecurities about his own old-money status: he fears his inherited privilege is not as legitimate or secure as Gatsby's self-made success, and he is threatened by Gatsby's ability to access the elite social sphere without the "proper" family lineage Tom relies on to feel superior.