compare and contrast gatsby and myrtle

2 min read 22-11-2024

Jay Gatsby and Myrtle Wilson, two seemingly disparate characters in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, share a surprising amount in common beneath their vastly different exteriors. Both are trapped by their circumstances, yearning for a life beyond their reach, and ultimately meet tragic ends. While their methods and social standing differ drastically, exploring their similarities reveals a poignant commentary on the American Dream's corrosive effects.

Different Worlds, Shared Dreams: A Look at Gatsby and Myrtle's Backgrounds

Gatsby: A self-made millionaire, Gatsby cultivates an air of old money sophistication. His extravagant parties mask a deep-seated loneliness and a desperate longing for Daisy Buchanan, his lost love from a bygone era. He believes that by recreating the past and accumulating wealth, he can win her back. This pursuit defines his life, consuming him utterly.

Myrtle: A working-class woman married to the inarticulate and unambitious George Wilson, Myrtle seeks escape from her mundane existence. Her affair with Tom Buchanan provides a temporary glimpse into the wealthy elite's world, a world she craves but can never truly inhabit. Her desire is less about love and more about the material possessions and social status that come with it.

The Illusion of Escape: Their Pursuit of the American Dream

Both Gatsby and Myrtle chase an elusive version of the American Dream. Gatsby’s dream is tied to a specific person—Daisy—and achieving a level of wealth he believes will make her love him. Myrtle's dream is more materialistic; she seeks the glamour and excitement associated with the wealthy lifestyle Tom embodies. Their dreams are ultimately unattainable, built on illusions and fueled by desperation.

How Their Methods Differ

While both characters seek escape, their approaches differ. Gatsby, through meticulous planning and relentless self-invention, attempts to engineer his own destiny. He builds his wealth and throws extravagant parties, hoping to attract Daisy's attention.

Myrtle, in contrast, resorts to an extramarital affair, a far less calculated but equally desperate attempt to elevate her social standing. Her pursuit is impulsive and less strategic, reflecting her limited agency within the rigid social structure.

The Price of Unrealistic Aspirations: Their Tragic Downfalls

Both Gatsby and Myrtle pay the ultimate price for their unattainable dreams. Gatsby's unwavering pursuit of Daisy ultimately leads to his murder. His idealized vision of her blinds him to her flaws and the reality of their situation.

Myrtle's affair with Tom ends in her death, a consequence of Tom's carelessness and the brutal collision of their worlds. Her death underscores the devastating consequences of her attempts to transcend her social limitations.

A Shared Vulnerability: The Illusion of Control

Both Gatsby and Myrtle believe they can control their destinies. Gatsby believes his wealth will buy him happiness and Daisy's love. Myrtle thinks that her affair with Tom will lead to a better life. Neither understands the limitations of their position within a deeply stratified society. Their tragic ends highlight the futility of such illusions.

Conclusion: A Reflection on the American Dream's Dark Side

Gatsby and Myrtle, despite their distinct circumstances, serve as cautionary tales about the American Dream's seductive yet potentially destructive nature. Their stories reveal the corrosive effects of unattainable aspirations and the tragic consequences of clinging to illusions. Their shared fate underscores the novel's central theme: the disillusionment and despair that lie beneath the glittering surface of wealth and privilege. The dream, for both, remains just that – a dream, unattainable and ultimately fatal.