Myrtle Wilson in The Great Gatsby: Character Analysis and Role

Introduction to The Great Gatsby and Myrtle Wilson

Welcome to our blog post on The Great Gatsby, where we delve into the captivating world of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel and explore one of its most intriguing characters – Myrtle Wilson. Set against the backdrop of the roaring 1920s, this literary masterpiece takes us on a journey through wealth, love, and tragedy.

In this article, we unravel the enigmatic persona of Myrtle Wilson and examine her role in the tumultuous events that unfold throughout the story. From her physical description to her desires for a better life, join us as we analyze every facet of Myrtle’s character and uncover the profound symbolism she brings to this timeless classic.

So fasten your seatbelts because things are about to get interesting! Let’s dive deep into The Great Gatsby’s world and unlock the mysteries surrounding Myrtle Wilson.

Physical Description and Background of Myrtle Wilson

Myrtle Wilson, a significant character in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, is introduced as a woman of striking physical appearance and an intriguing background. With her voluptuous figure and dark hair, Myrtle exudes sensuality and allure that captivate those around her.

Coming from a lower-class background, Myrtle grew up in the middle-western town of Santa Barbara. Although she may not possess the wealth and social status associated with East Egg society, she possesses an ambitious spirit that drives her desires for more.

In pursuit of material wealth and social advancement, Myrtle enters into a passionate affair with Tom Buchanan, a married man from the upper-class elite. Despite his abusive treatment towards her at times, she clings to this relationship as it offers her glimpses into an extravagant lifestyle beyond her wildest dreams.

Myrtle’s aspirations mirror the concept of the American Dream prevalent during this era. She believes that by aligning herself with individuals of higher status like Tom Buchanan, she can transcend her own humble origins and secure a place among the wealthy elite.

When comparing Myrtle to other female characters in The Great Gatsby such as Daisy Buchanan or Jordan Baker, it becomes apparent that while they are both entangled in their own versions of love affairs and societal expectations; Myrtle stands out due to her fierce determination to escape poverty through any means necessary.

Tragically enough though, it is ultimately Myrtle’s relentless pursuit for happiness within reach but forever unattainable that plays an instrumental role in shaping the devastating ending of The Great Gatsby. Her untimely death serves as a stark reminder of how elusive dreams can be when fueled by desire rather than genuine connection.

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Relationship with Tom Buchanan

Myrtle Wilson’s relationship with Tom Buchanan is a complex and tumultuous one. From the moment they meet, there is an undeniable attraction between them. Tom, being married to Daisy Buchanan, should have been off-limits to Myrtle. However, their affair begins and becomes a central aspect of Myrtle’s life.

Tom provides Myrtle with an escape from her mundane existence in the Valley of Ashes. He represents wealth, power, and excitement – everything that she desires. In his presence, she feels special and important; it’s as if he sweeps her away into a world of luxury.

Yet, despite his promises to leave Daisy for her, Tom never truly intends to do so. He views Myrtle as nothing more than a plaything – someone he can use for his own pleasure without any regard for her feelings or well-being.

Their relationship is characterized by moments of passion intermixed with instances of cruelty on Tom’s part. He treats Myrtle like property rather than a human being deserving of respect.

In many ways, their relationship mirrors the superficiality and shallowness present throughout the novel. It highlights how people are often willing to sacrifice others’ happiness for their own personal gain.

As readers delve deeper into The Great Gatsby, it becomes apparent that this ill-fated affair will ultimately lead to tragedy – not just for Myrtle herself but also those around her who become entangled in its web.

The destructive nature of their relationship serves as another example of how Fitzgerald critiques the corruption and moral decay prevalent during the Jazz Age – where individuals were driven solely by self-interests at the expense of others’ lives and emotions.

Myrtle’s Desires and Pursuit of the American Dream

Myrtle Wilson, a character in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel The Great Gatsby, is driven by her desires and pursuit of the American Dream. Despite being married to George Wilson, she yearns for a life of luxury and glamour that seems attainable through her relationship with Tom Buchanan.

Myrtle’s desires are fueled by her discontentment with her current social status. She craves the material wealth that Tom represents, as well as the excitement and sophistication associated with his world. Through her affair with him, Myrtle hopes to escape the monotony of her own existence and rise above her humble beginnings.

However, Myrtle’s pursuit of the American Dream ultimately leads to tragedy. Her obsession with wealth blinds her to the consequences of betraying both George and Daisy Buchanan. In a desperate attempt to assert herself within this elite society, Myrtle makes reckless choices that have dire consequences not only for herself but also for those around her.

In contrast to other female characters in The Great Gatsby who maintain an air of elegance and grace despite their personal struggles, Myrtle embodies a raw desire for more without considering the moral implications or potential fallout.

The symbolism surrounding Myrtle’s character runs deep throughout the novel. She becomes a representation of illusion versus reality – someone who chases after superficial dreams at all costs but fails to find true happiness or fulfillment.

Comparison to Other Female Characters in the Novel

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, Myrtle Wilson is just one of the complex female characters that populate the pages. While she may not be as prominent or well-known as Daisy Buchanan, her presence in the story is crucial in understanding the themes and dynamics at play.

Unlike Daisy, who embodies a sense of ethereal beauty and sophistication, Myrtle is described as robust and sensuous. Her physicality contrasts sharply with Daisy’s delicate demeanor and adds another layer to the exploration of feminine ideals in 1920s America.

Myrtle’s relationship with Tom Buchanan also sets her apart from other female characters. While Daisy represents old money and social status, Myrtle represents a more aspirational figure – someone who desires wealth and luxury but lacks access to it. She sees Tom as her ticket to a better life, which leads to an affair that ultimately brings tragedy upon them all.

When comparing Myrtle to Jordan Baker, another significant female character in the novel, we see two very different approaches to navigating society. Jordan is independent-minded and self-assured, while Myrtle relies on men like Tom for validation and material gain.

Myrtle’s role in The Great Gatsby can be seen through multiple lenses: she serves as a symbol of unfulfilled desires within the American Dream; she highlights societal inequalities between classes; and she plays a part in bringing about the tragic ending of the story.

Through these comparisons with other female characters in The Great Gatsby, we gain insight into both individual motivations and larger societal issues at play during this time period. Each character presents their own unique perspective on femininity, ambition, love,and identity amidst the glittering backdrop of 1920s New York City.

Role in the Tragic Ending of the Novel

Myrtle Wilson’s role in the tragic ending of The Great Gatsby cannot be overlooked. Her actions and choices play a significant part in the unraveling of events that lead to devastating consequences.

It is important to note that Myrtle’s affair with Tom Buchanan sets off a chain reaction of events. Her desire for wealth and status blinds her to the fact that she is merely an object of Tom’s lustful desires. This illicit relationship fuels jealousy and resentment, as Daisy Buchanan, Tom’s wife, becomes aware of Myrtle’s existence.

Myrtle’s decision to attend one of Gatsby’s extravagant parties further escalates tensions. In her pursuit of belonging to an elite social circle, she unknowingly becomes entangled in a web woven by lies and deceit.

Furthermore, during one fateful night when tensions reach their peak, tragedy strikes. While driving recklessly through the Valley of Ashes with Daisy at his side, Gatsby accidentally hits and kills Myrtle who mistakenly believes it is him behind the wheel.

This heartbreaking event triggers a series of unfortunate events leading ultimately to Gatsby’s murder by George Wilson – Myrtle’s devastated husband seeking revenge for her death.

Also Read: The Great Gatsby Character Analysis: Unraveling Complex Personalities

Symbolism of Myrtle’s Character

Throughout The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings and themes. Myrtle Wilson, the character we have explored in this article, also carries symbolic significance.

Myrtle represents the corruption and decay that lurks beneath the surface of the American Dream. She is a symbol of materialistic desires gone awry, as she desperately tries to climb the social ladder by any means necessary. Her affair with Tom Buchanan reflects the moral emptiness and infidelity within society during this time period.

Additionally, Myrtle’s death serves as a tragic symbol of shattered dreams and misplaced aspirations. As she is tragically struck down by Daisy Buchanan’s car while trying to escape her unhappy life, it becomes clear that chasing wealth and status can lead to destruction and unhappiness.

Furthermore, Myrtle’s physical appearance also holds symbolic meaning. Her voluptuous figure represents sensuality and desire for pleasure, contrasting with Daisy’s delicate beauty which embodies purity and innocence.