Answer:
Tom panics when he realizes the possibility of losing his wife and mistress.
Explanation:
Tom Buchanan is a character in the novel "The Great Gatsby", by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Tom is used to having everything he wants handed out to him on a silver platter. He has always had money, strength, lovers, and dominance over others. However, as the story progresses, he realizes his reign may very well end suddenly.
Jay Gatsby, a former boyfriend of Tom's wife, Daisy, is back and trying to snatch her away from Tom. Gatsby and Daisy have been having an affair, and Gatsby has been trying his best to convince Daisy to leave Tom. At the same time, George Wilson realizes his wife Myrtle is having an affair. He does not know Tom is Myrtle's lover, so he confides in Tom, letting him know he intends to move away with his wife.
Upon this dire realization, Tom panics. Angry, he turns against Gatsby, cornering him with questions about his wealth and his past. Tom is a fierce man who is used to confronting others and coming out as the winner. He makes Gatsby lose his cool and admit he is a bootlegger. This way, Tom manages to keep Daisy from leaving, since she is too proud to accept Gatsby this way. However, he still loses Myrtle, who ends up being run over by Daisy while she drives in an agitated state.
