Mrs Wilson The Great Gatsby

Mrs. Wilson: A Tragedy in the Gilded Cage of the Great Gatsby

Mrs. Myrtle Wilson, the tragic figure in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, is more than just a fleeting mistress; she's a complex character representing the devastating consequences of the American Dream's unattainable promises. While often overshadowed by the more prominent characters, a closer examination of Myrtle reveals a woman trapped by societal constraints and her own desires, ultimately culminating in her violent and heartbreaking demise. This article will delve deep into the character of Mrs. Myrtle Wilson, exploring her motivations, her relationship with Tom Buchanan, and her symbolic significance within the larger narrative of Fitzgerald's masterpiece.

Introducing Myrtle Wilson: Beyond the Affair

Myrtle Wilson isn't simply a side character; she's a crucial element in understanding the moral decay and social stratification depicted in The Great Gatsby. Unlike Daisy Buchanan, who represents the unattainable ideal of old money elegance, Myrtle embodies the desperate yearning for upward mobility, a theme central to the novel's exploration of the Jazz Age. She is a working-class woman married to George Wilson, a struggling auto mechanic, a man whose life is consumed by the monotony of his business and the gradual erosion of his dreams. Her affair with Tom Buchanan, a powerful and wealthy man, reflects her desperate attempt to escape the confines of her mundane existence and attain a taste of the lavish lifestyle she observes but can never truly possess.

The initial introduction of Myrtle sets the tone for her character. Her physical description – "a sturdy, straw-colored girl of about thirty, with a complexion powdered milky white" – highlights a woman attempting to mask her true self behind a facade of artificial beauty. This artificiality speaks volumes about her aspirations and the societal pressures she feels to conform to a certain ideal. The powder, the gaudy clothes, even her demeanor—all suggest a desperate attempt to appear more refined, more glamorous than her actual circumstances allow.

The Nature of Myrtle's Relationship with Tom

Myrtle's relationship with Tom Buchanan is far from romantic love; it's a transactional arrangement rooted in power dynamics and the fulfillment of desires. Tom offers Myrtle a temporary escape from her impoverished reality, a taste of the opulent life he represents. He provides her with material goods, lavish parties, and a sense of importance, all of which are absent in her marriage to George. However, this relationship is ultimately devoid of genuine affection or respect. Tom treats Myrtle as a possession, a plaything to be used and discarded at his whim, highlighting the callous disregard for others exhibited by the wealthy elite.

Myrtle's own agency within this dynamic is complex. While she is clearly subjected to Tom's power, she isn't merely a passive victim. She actively participates in the affair, driven by her own desires for a better life and the allure of Tom's social status. Her assertive nature is evident in her blatant defiance of societal norms, her open flaunting of the affair, and her attempts to control the narrative of her relationship with Tom. This agency, however, is ultimately limited by the societal constraints she faces as a woman of her class in the 1920s. Her aspirations are ultimately dashed against the hard reality of her limited options and Tom's inherent cruelty.

The pivotal scene in the apartment in New York vividly illustrates the nature of their relationship. The party is characterized by loudness, vulgarity, and a blatant disregard for social decorum, mirroring Myrtle's desperate attempts to assert herself and to create the illusion of belonging to a higher social class. The violence that permeates the scene, symbolized by Tom's breaking Myrtle's nose, foreshadows the tragic fate that awaits her. This act of physical violence underscores the inherent imbalance of power in their relationship and the ultimately brutal nature of Tom's disregard for Myrtle's well-being.

Myrtle's Dreams and the Illusion of the American Dream

Myrtle's yearning for a better life represents a warped version of the American Dream. She sees wealth and social status as the ultimate path to happiness, believing that escaping her current circumstances will bring her fulfillment. This yearning is tragically ironic, as her pursuit of the American Dream through her affair only leads to further misery and ultimately, her demise. She mistakes the superficial trappings of wealth for genuine happiness, failing to recognize the emptiness and moral decay that lie beneath the surface of the glamorous world she desperately tries to enter.

Her obsession with appearances is evident in her constant attempts to emulate the style and mannerisms of the wealthy. She meticulously applies makeup, wears flashy clothes, and attempts to adopt the sophisticated speech patterns of the upper class. These attempts, however, are ultimately unconvincing, highlighting the impossibility of truly escaping one's social class through superficial transformations. Her desperation underscores the chasm between aspiration and reality, a central theme in Fitzgerald's exploration of the Jazz Age. The illusion of upward mobility, fueled by the promises of the American Dream, ultimately proves to be a cruel deception for Myrtle.

The Symbolic Significance of Myrtle's Death

Myrtle's death is not merely a plot device; it's a powerful symbolic moment that encapsulates the novel's overarching themes. Her accidental death, caused by Daisy's reckless driving, is a tragic consequence of the careless actions of the wealthy elite and the devastating impact of their disregard for the working class. Her death serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the relentless pursuit of wealth and status. The careless indifference displayed by Tom and Daisy in the aftermath of her death highlights their moral bankruptcy and the devastating consequences of their actions.

Furthermore, Myrtle's death can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of the shattered American Dream. Her desperate attempts to escape her impoverished reality ultimately end in tragedy, highlighting the impossibility of achieving true happiness through the pursuit of material wealth and social status. Her lifeless body, lying in the dust, represents the broken promises of the American Dream and the devastating consequences of its unattainable ideals. The tragedy of Myrtle's death underscores the futility of chasing illusions and the importance of recognizing the true meaning of happiness beyond material possessions.

George Wilson: A Foil to Myrtle's Desires

George Wilson, Myrtle's husband, serves as a poignant counterpoint to her aspirations. He represents the quiet desperation of the working class, struggling to maintain his dignity and his livelihood in the shadow of the wealthy elite. His love for Myrtle, though seemingly overshadowed by her affair, is genuine and deeply rooted in a shared life. His slow descent into despair after Myrtle's death reflects the crushing weight of his loss and the disillusionment he feels towards the world he inhabits. George's character highlights the devastating impact of the actions of the wealthy on the lives of ordinary people, emphasizing the societal disparities and the moral bankruptcy of those in power.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is Myrtle Wilson significant to the plot of The Great Gatsby?

A: Myrtle serves as a crucial element in understanding the moral decay and social stratification depicted in the novel. Her affair with Tom exposes the superficiality and moral corruption of the wealthy elite, while her tragic death underscores the devastating consequences of their actions.

Q: How does Myrtle's death contribute to the novel's themes?

A: Myrtle's death serves as a powerful symbol of the shattered American Dream and the devastating consequences of the pursuit of material wealth and social status. It highlights the disparity between the wealthy and the working class and underscores the moral bankruptcy of the elite.

Q: What motivates Myrtle's actions throughout the novel?

A: Myrtle is driven by a desperate yearning for a better life and the allure of Tom's wealth and social status. She seeks escape from her impoverished reality and attempts, albeit unsuccessfully, to achieve a level of social mobility.

Q: How does Myrtle's character contrast with Daisy's?

A: While both women are trapped by societal expectations, Myrtle's attempts to escape her limitations are more blatant and desperate than Daisy's. Myrtle's actions are driven by a raw, unrefined ambition, while Daisy's are cloaked in a veneer of sophistication and privilege.

Q: What is the significance of Myrtle's description in the novel?

A: Myrtle's physical description, emphasizing her artificial appearance, highlights her desperate attempt to mask her true self and conform to the ideals of the wealthy. This artificiality underscores her aspirations and the societal pressures she feels.

Conclusion: A Lasting Impression

Mrs. Myrtle Wilson, despite her relatively limited presence in the novel, leaves an indelible mark on the reader's mind. She serves as a potent symbol of the American Dream's broken promises, the devastating consequences of social inequality, and the tragic consequences of unchecked wealth and power. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of societal disparities and the importance of recognizing the true value of life beyond material possessions. Through Myrtle, Fitzgerald not only creates a compelling character but also crafts a powerful commentary on the moral and social landscape of the Jazz Age, a commentary that continues to resonate with readers today. Her tragic fate lingers in the reader's memory long after the final page is turned, serving as a stark reminder of the destructive forces at play in the pursuit of the elusive American Dream.