Myrtle Wilson, the mistress of Tom Buchanan in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, is a character that symbolizes the pursuit of the American Dream. Throughout the novel, Myrtle aims to become a part of the elite class and desperately wants to change her social status. Her obsession with the upper class leads to her downfall, but her character sheds light on the flawed pursuit of the American Dream.
Interestingly, Myrtle’s name – “Myrtle” is a plant that symbolizes love and immortality, while “Wilson” stands for strength or son of Will. However, Myrtle’s character doesn’t represent these virtues but rather the opposite. She is immoral and manipulative, cheating on her husband and trying to climb the social ladder by any means necessary. Her failed attempt at achieving the American Dream serves as a warning that striving for material success and wealth at the cost of morals can lead to a tragic end.
Moreover, Myrtle’s character embodies the struggle of women in the 1920s, who were often treated as objects and were not allowed to achieve their full potential. Myrtle’s desire to climb the social ladder and be independent of her husband shows the changing roles of women during the Jazz Age. Thus, while Myrtle is often seen as a cautionary tale for those who pursue the American Dream blindly, she also represents the strength and ambition of women during a time when their rights were limited.
Myrtle Wilson’s Physical Appearance
Myrtle Wilson’s physical appearance plays a significant role in symbolizing the themes of wealth, social status, and power in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby. Myrtle’s appearance is described as curvy and full-figured with a sensuous mouth and bright, passionate eyes. Her clothing is luxurious and expensive, which suggests that she is attempting to transcend her humble beginnings through her wardrobe.
- Curvy and full-figured: Myrtle’s body type is in stark contrast to the skinny and petite flappers of the time, which symbolizes her rejection of traditional feminine ideals.
- Sensuous mouth and passionate eyes: Myrtle’s facial features suggest her sensual nature and her desire to be noticed and desired by men.
- Luxurious and expensive clothing: Myrtle’s clothing choices highlight her desire to appear wealthy and fashionable, despite her lower social status.
Furthermore, Myrtle’s choice of clothing, specifically her red dress, symbolizes her desire for power and attention. The color red is often associated with passion, lust, and danger. The dress itself is a symbol of her rebellion against social norms and expectations. As a married woman, Myrtle should not be dressing in such a provocative manner, but she does so anyway as an expression of her desire to exert control over her life.
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| Curvy and full-figured | Rejecting traditional feminine ideals |
| Sensuous mouth and passionate eyes | Desire to be noticed and desired by men |
| Luxurious and expensive clothing | Desire to appear wealthy and fashionable |
| Red dress | Desire for power and attention |
Overall, Myrtle Wilson’s physical appearance is a crucial symbol in Fitzgerald’s novel, representing themes of wealth, social status, power, rebellion, and desire.
The Valley of Ashes and Myrtle’s Connection to It
The Valley of Ashes is a desolate and polluted industrial area that lies between West Egg and New York City in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby. It is a symbol of the moral and social decay of the era, and it reflects the emptiness of the American Dream. Myrtle Wilson, the mistress of Tom Buchanan, is among the characters with a connection to this dismal place, and her presence there symbolizes the corruption of the American Dream.
- Myrtle sees the valley as a gateway to the lifestyle she desires. She believes that by being in the vicinity of Tom Buchanan and other wealthy and influential people, she can transcend her working-class status.
- Myrtle is a symbol of the failed and corrupted American Dream. She is a woman who craves a better life and finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage. She sees Tom as her ticket to escape her unhappy life and attain the type of life she envisions.
- Myrtle’s presence in the valley is a representation of the pervasive corruption in society at the time. She is a victim of the same societal pressures and expectations that influence others, leading them to act unscrupulously and to blur the line between right and wrong.
Myrtle’s connection to the Valley of Ashes embodies the moral and social decay of the era. The valley is a symbol of the disillusionment of the American Dream and the corruptive nature of the pursuit of wealth and success in the 1920s. The Valley of Ashes, along with Myrtle’s presence in it, serves as a reminder of the darker aspects of a society that seems at first glance to be driven by ideals of progress and prosperity.
| Symbolism | Description |
|---|---|
| The Valley of Ashes | Symbolizes the moral and social decay of the era. |
| Myrtle Wilson | Symbolizes the corruption of the American Dream and the pervasiveness of societal pressures and expectations. |
| Myrtle’s Connection to the Valley | Symbolizes the darker aspects of a society that seems at first glance to be driven by ideals of progress and prosperity. |
Overall, the Valley of Ashes and Myrtle’s connection to it are powerful symbols that reflect the decay and corruption of society in the 1920s, emphasizing the emptiness of the American Dream and the darker aspects of society that many may choose to overlook.
Myrtle’s relationship with Tom Buchanan
In “The Great Gatsby,” Myrtle Wilson symbolizes the decay of the American Dream through her relationship with Tom Buchanan, a wealthy businessman who is married to Daisy Buchanan. Myrtle is a poor and unhappy woman who seeks to escape her miserable life by having an affair with Tom.
Tom represents the corrupt and unattainable aspects of the American Dream. He embodies the idea that wealth, power, and status are the keys to happiness and success. However, his behavior towards Myrtle is callous and insensitive, demonstrating his lack of regard for those he deems beneath him.
- Myrtle’s infatuation with Tom reinforces the idea that the American Dream is unattainable for those without wealth and status.
- Tom’s treatment of Myrtle highlights the theme of power and corruption in the novel.
- Myrtle’s ultimate demise at the hands of Tom’s carelessness underscores the tragedy of pursuing the American Dream at any cost.
Myrtle and Tom’s relationship is also characterized by the stark class divide between them. Myrtle yearns for the glamorous life that Tom represents, but their affair is ultimately a destructive force that leads to her tragic end.
| Symbolism | Description |
|---|---|
| Tom’s car | Represents speed, power, and recklessness |
| The dog leash | Symbolizes the power dynamic between Tom and Myrtle |
| Myrtle’s apartment | Represents Myrtle’s desire for a better life and her attempts to escape her current situation |
Overall, Myrtle’s relationship with Tom serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing the American Dream at any cost. It highlights the corrupting influence of wealth and power and the ways in which the pursuit of material success can lead to tragedy and despair.
Myrtle’s Desire for a Luxurious Lifestyle
Myrtle Wilson, the mistress of Tom Buchanan, is depicted in The Great Gatsby as a woman who desires a life of wealth and luxury. This theme is evident throughout the novel as Myrtle seeks to escape her mundane life and elevate her social status.
- Myrtle is initially attracted to Tom because of his wealth and status. She believes that being with him will bring her closer to the lifestyle she desires. This is shown when she proudly announces to Nick that she is Mrs. Tom Buchanan.
- Myrtle’s desire for wealth is further illustrated by her affair with Tom. She sees Tom as a means to escape her husband, George Wilson, and the poverty-stricken life they lead. Myrtle even goes so far as to try on expensive jewelry while at Tom’s apartment, reveling in the lavish lifestyle that she hopes to attain.
- Myrtle’s obsession with wealth and status is also evident in her eventual death. She is killed while trying to escape the scene of a fight between Tom and Gatsby. Myrtle’s death is symbolic of the consequences that can come from blindly chasing after material possessions and social status.
Overall, Myrtle Wilson symbolizes the allure and danger of pursuing a luxurious lifestyle. Her desire for wealth and status ultimately leads to her demise, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of superficial happiness.
Myrtle’s Affair with Tom and Its Consequences
Myrtle Wilson’s affair with Tom Buchanan in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is a representation of the corrupt and morally bankrupt society of the 1920s. Tom and Myrtle’s affair is fueled by their desire for wealth, status, and power, leading to devastating consequences for everyone involved.
Myrtle’s affair with Tom represents the illusionary pursuit of the American Dream, where individuals become consumed by the superficial and materialistic aspects of life. Myrtle is unhappy with her working-class status and sees Tom as a ticket to a luxurious and comfortable life, completely ignoring the fact that Tom is already married to Daisy.
- Myrtle’s affair leads to the deterioration of her marriage with George Wilson. George, who is oblivious to the affair, becomes suspicious and starts to investigate, leading to tragic and devastating consequences.
- The affair also leads to the death of Myrtle, who is accidentally killed by Daisy while driving Gatsby’s car. The aftermath of the incident highlights the wealthy’s ability to escape punishment for their actions, as Tom and Daisy manipulate the justice system to avoid any consequences for their roles in the tragedy.
- Additionally, Myrtle’s affair with Tom is a symbol of social inequality and the discrimination faced by working-class individuals. Tom uses Myrtle as an outlet for his frustrations and anger, as he directs his dissatisfaction with society towards her. He objectifies and abuses her, showcasing the societal power dynamics based on socioeconomic status.
In conclusion, Myrtle’s affair with Tom in “The Great Gatsby” reveals the darker side of human nature and the consequences of pursuing the American Dream through corrupt means. It serves as a warning about the dangers of materialism and the superficiality of the society, where individuals are driven by their desires for power and status, leading to devastating results.
Ultimately, the story is a reminder of the importance of values such as integrity, morality, and authenticity, which should guide individuals’ actions and decisions rather than the pursuit of wealth and power.
| Symbolism | Description |
|---|---|
| Myrtle Wilson | Represents the illusionary pursuit of the American Dream, where individuals become consumed by the superficial and materialistic aspects of life. |
| Tom Buchanan | Represents the corrupt and morally bankrupt society of the 1920s, fueled by their desire for wealth, status, and power. |
| Daisy Buchanan | Represents the consequences of the pursuit of the American Dream, where individuals become blinded by their desires and lack of morality leading to destructive results. |
The symbolism in “The Great Gatsby” highlights the themes of the novel and the significant impact of choices individuals make in their pursuit of happiness.
Myrtle’s death and its significance
Myrtle Wilson’s death in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is a crucial part of the novel’s plot and themes. The novel presents Myrtle as a symbol of the lower class seeking to climb the social hierarchy in the 1920s, fueled by her dissatisfaction with her marriage to George Wilson. Her death has significant implications for the other characters and themes in the novel.
- Myrtle’s death is a crucial moment of the novel’s climax, as it sets in motion the tragic events that ultimately lead to the downfall of Gatsby and the disillusionment of Nick Carraway.
- Her death also serves as a symbol of the consequences of pursuing the American Dream, particularly for those born into the lower classes. Myrtle desired wealth and status, but her death represents the ultimate cost of such aspirations.
- The circumstances of her death, caused by Daisy Buchanan’s reckless driving, further underscore the novel’s themes of moral corruption and the consequences of the wealthy’s actions on those less fortunate.
Additionally, Fitzgerald uses Myrtle’s death to further develop the character of George Wilson, her husband. George’s reaction to her death reveals a man who is both deeply disturbed and yet strangely pitiable, serving as a symbol of the tragic consequences of unrequited love and societal inequality.
| Symbolism | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The valley of ashes | Myrtle’s social standing and disillusionment with the American Dream |
| The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg | The moral decay and corruption of society |
| The green light | Gatsby’s aspirations and unattainable dreams |
Overall, Myrtle Wilson’s death serves as a pivotal moment in “The Great Gatsby”, symbolizing the tragic consequences of pursuing the American Dream in a society obsessed with wealth, status, and the corruption that often accompanies it.
Myrtle’s disillusionment with her social class
Throughout the novel, The Great Gatsby, Myrtle Wilson symbolizes the disillusionment with her social class. She is portrayed as a woman who is constantly trying to climb the social ladder by any means necessary.
Myrtle is married to an unambitious mechanic, George Wilson, who owns his own garage in the Valley of Ashes. She sees her marriage with George as a hindrance to her ambitions and seeks solace in her affair with Tom Buchanan, a wealthy upper-class man. Myrtle believed that by associating herself with Tom, she could achieve the social status and wealth that she so desperately craves.
- Myrtle’s affair with Tom
- Myrtle’s materialistic desires
- The symbolism of Myrtle’s death
Myrtle’s affair with Tom is a reflection of her disillusionment with her social class. She sees Tom as a ticket to the upper echelon of society, where she can escape the confines of the Valley of Ashes and lead a more glamorous life.
However, despite the grandiose promises that Tom makes to her about the life they could lead together, he ultimately fails to deliver on them. Tom never had any intentions of leaving his wife, Daisy, for Myrtle, and he only used her as a means to satisfy his own desires.
Myrtle is also very materialistic and equates wealth and possessions with happiness. Her desire for material things is reflected in her choice of clothing and the way she decorates her apartment. She surrounds herself with expensive and flashy objects, hoping to impress those in the upper class and earn their respect.
However, despite her attempts to appear wealthy and sophisticated, Myrtle remains trapped in her class, with no way out. This realization leads her to become increasingly desperate in her quest for social status, ultimately leading to her tragic demise.
The death of Myrtle Wilson is a stark reminder of the harsh reality of social hierarchies. Although she spent her entire life trying to climb the social ladder, in the end, it was her social status that led to her untimely death.
| Symbolism | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Car | The car that Tom and Daisy were driving symbolizes the reckless attitude of the wealthy towards the less privileged. It also symbolizes Daisy and Tom’s carelessness, which ultimately leads to Myrtle’s death. |
| Myrtle’s ripped dress | Myrtle’s torn dress symbolizes the destruction of her dreams and desires. It highlights the harsh reality of social mobility and the limited opportunities that exist for those in lower social classes. |
In conclusion, Myrtle Wilson symbolizes the disillusionment that arises from the desire to climb the social ladder. She represents the harsh reality of social hierarchies and the unattainable dream of upward mobility for those in lower social classes.
Myrtle’s abandonment of her husband
Myrtle Wilson, the mistress of Tom Buchanan, symbolizes the consequences of abandoning one’s responsibilities, particularly in a marriage. She is married to George Wilson, a mechanic who runs a rundown garage in the Valley of Ashes. However, Myrtle is unhappy with her life with George and decides to involve herself in an affair with Tom, who is already married to Daisy Buchanan.
- Myrtle’s decision to engage in adultery represents her desire to escape her mundane life with George and experience something more exciting and luxurious.
- Her actions show a lack of regard for the consequences of her choices, particularly how it will affect her husband and their marriage.
- Myrtle’s affair with Tom is a reflection of the societal norms of the time, where divorce was not widely accepted, especially for women.
In addition, Myrtle’s abandonment of her husband is symbolic of the decline of traditional values and morals in society during the Roaring Twenties. The era was marked by a pursuit of material wealth and pleasure, which often led to the neglect of important aspects such as family and loyalty.
| Symbolism | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Myrtle’s affair | Desire for something more exciting and luxurious |
| Her husband George | Represents the consequences of neglecting one’s responsibilities |
| Traditional values and morals | Decline in society during the Roaring Twenties |
Overall, Myrtle Wilson symbolizes the consequences of neglecting one’s responsibilities, particularly in a marriage, as well as the decline of traditional values and morals in society during the Roaring Twenties.
Myrtle’s Distrust of Her Sister
One of the key elements that Myrtle Wilson symbolizes in The Great Gatsby is her deep sense of distrust for her sister, Catherine. This is showcased in several different ways throughout the book, and serves as a powerful example of the complex relationships that exist between family members.
First and foremost, Myrtle’s distrust of Catherine stems from a sense of jealousy and resentment. Myrtle is envious of the fact that Catherine seems to have a more stable and fulfilling life than she does, with a husband who is faithful to her and a comfortable home. This envy is coupled with a deep sense of frustration and bitterness that Myrtle feels about her own life, and it fuels much of her negative behavior throughout the novel.
- One of the main ways that Myrtle’s distrust of Catherine is showcased is through her affair with Tom Buchanan. Not only does this affair represent a betrayal of Myrtle’s husband, but it is also a way for Myrtle to strike back at Catherine and the life that she represents. By engaging in this illicit relationship with a married man who comes from a wealthy background, Myrtle is essentially thumbing her nose at everything that Catherine holds dear.
- Another way that Myrtle’s distrust of Catherine is explored is through her actions at the party that takes place at the apartment that Tom keeps in New York City. In this scene, Myrtle becomes increasingly drunk and belligerent, lashing out at the other guests and making a scene. One could argue that this behavior is at least partially motivated by a desire to embarrass Catherine in front of Tom and the other members of their social circle, demonstrating her own power and independence in the process.
- Finally, it is worth noting that Myrtle’s distrust of Catherine is not entirely unfounded. Throughout the book, it is clear that Catherine is somewhat cold and dismissive of her sister, and does not seem to entirely approve of the choices that Myrtle has made in her life. While this does not excuse Myrtle’s behavior, it does add a layer of complexity to their relationship and helps to explain some of the tensions that exist between them.
Overall, Myrtle Wilson’s distrust of her sister is a powerful symbol of the complex and often fraught relationships that exist between family members. Through her actions and attitudes, Myrtle serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of envy, resentment, and bitterness – and reminds us that even those who are closest to us can sometimes be the source of our greatest pain.
Myrtle’s longing for freedom and escape from her mundane life.
Myrtle Wilson is a character in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. She is married to George Wilson, a mechanic who owns a run-down garage in the valley of ashes. Myrtle is portrayed as a woman who longs for a better life, trapped in a loveless marriage with her husband. She is a woman who desires freedom and wants to escape her mundane life.
- Myrtle sees Tom Buchanan as an escape from her life with George. She wants to be with Tom, who is wealthy and powerful, and believes he can offer her a way out of her situation.
- Myrtle’s affair with Tom gives her a taste of the lifestyle she dreams of. She spends time at his apartment in New York, wears expensive clothes, and goes to fancy parties. For a brief moment, she experiences the life she wants, but it all comes crashing down.
- Myrtle’s desire for freedom and escape is symbolized by her search for the perfect life. She believes that if she can just find the right person or the right situation, she will be happy. However, she never finds what she is looking for and ultimately pays the price for it.
Myrtle’s longing for freedom and escape is also seen in the way she behaves. She is a woman who is not afraid to speak her mind or to act impulsively. She wants to break free from the constraints of her marriage and live life on her own terms.
| Characteristics | Examples |
|---|---|
| Rebellious | Myrtle flirts with Tom in front of her husband |
| Determined | Myrtle insists on going to New York with Tom despite his objections |
| Self-centered | Myrtle focuses on her own desires and doesn’t consider the consequences of her actions on others |
Overall, Myrtle Wilson symbolizes the human desire for freedom and escape from the mundane. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing these desires at all costs.
FAQs: What Does Myrtle Wilson Symbolize?
1. Who is Myrtle Wilson in The Great Gatsby?
Myrtle Wilson is a character in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. She is a married woman who has an affair with Tom Buchanan.
2. What does Myrtle Wilson symbolize?
Myrtle Wilson symbolizes the corruption of the American Dream. She is a part of the lower class who is trying to climb the social ladder and achieve a better life, but she does so at the expense of her own morality.
3. How does Myrtle’s behavior reflect the corruption of the American Dream?
Myrtle’s behavior reflects the corruption of the American Dream because she is willing to compromise her values in order to climb the social ladder. She is having an affair with Tom Buchanan, a wealthy man, and is willing to overlook his mistreatment of her in order to maintain their relationship.
4. What does Myrtle’s death symbolize in The Great Gatsby?
Myrtle’s death symbolizes the consequences of corruption and greed. She is killed in a hit-and-run accident while trying to escape from her unhappy life with Tom Buchanan.
5. How does Myrtle’s death affect the other characters in The Great Gatsby?
Myrtle’s death affects the other characters in The Great Gatsby because it sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to the downfall of its main character, Jay Gatsby.
6. Why is Myrtle’s character important in The Great Gatsby?
Myrtle’s character is important in The Great Gatsby because she represents the lower class and the corruption of the American Dream. Her affair with Tom Buchanan sheds light on the unfaithfulness and immorality present in the upper classes of society.
7. What can we learn from Myrtle Wilson’s character in The Great Gatsby?
From Myrtle Wilson’s character in The Great Gatsby, we can learn the dangers of compromising our values for the sake of social status and material possessions. Her tragic end serves as a warning against the pursuit of wealth at the expense of our own morality.
Closing: Thanks for Exploring What Myrtle Wilson Symbolizes
After delving into the character of Myrtle Wilson and her symbolic significance, it is evident that she serves as a critical warning against the pitfalls of greed and corruption. Her tragic story adds depth to the novel, and reminds us of the importance of upholding our values in the face of social pressures. We hope that this exploration has been informative, and we invite you to visit us again for more thought-provoking content.