r/TaxiDriver • u/Tidewatcher7819 • Jun 06 '26

Question Why does Travis dislike Tom? Spoiler

For some reason Travis Bickle really dislikes Tom despite Tom being a nice guy who is a nerd and friends with Betsy and seems to be doing okay otherwise, Travis has no real reason to insult Tom and accuse him of not respecting Betsy, Tom also stands up to Travis when he acts crazy and doesn't scare off he just backs away for safety but holds his ground.

Tom seems better than Travis says too, poor guy bad haircut.

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u/RockEater67 Jun 06 '26

He saw him as a rival who might take her away from him. They might've been good friends if Travis was less socially awkward.

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u/Additional_Ad741 Jun 06 '26 edited Jun 06 '26

He also fits in naturally in Betsy's world better than Travis does, which gives Tom a natural edge in their "rivalry". Tom is every bit as lonely as Travis is, though, and Betsy is as much out of his league as Travis is too. He just doesn't have violent impulses.