Myrtle's Sister In The Great Gatsby

Myrtle Wilson: The Tragic Sisterhood in The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a novel rife with symbolism, and few characters embody the complexities of the Roaring Twenties as powerfully as Myrtle Wilson. While not explicitly referred to as Daisy Buchanan's "sister," Myrtle functions as a foil, a shadow, reflecting certain aspects of Daisy's character while simultaneously highlighting the vast chasm separating their social standings and aspirations. Exploring Myrtle's role allows us to delve deeper into the novel's themes of class, ambition, and the destructive nature of the American Dream. This article will extensively analyze Myrtle Wilson's character, exploring her relationship with Tom Buchanan, her motivations, and ultimately, her tragic demise. We'll explore how her existence adds layers of meaning to the central relationships and overall narrative.

Myrtle as a Reflection of Daisy's Dissatisfaction

Daisy Buchanan, trapped in a loveless marriage with the wealthy and powerful Tom, embodies a certain ennui. She’s beautiful, privileged, and yet deeply unhappy. Myrtle, in her own way, mirrors this dissatisfaction. Both women are trapped in unsatisfying marriages, yearning for something more, something beyond their current circumstances. However, their approaches differ significantly. Daisy, with her privilege, attempts to escape her discontent through clandestine affairs, maintaining a veneer of respectability. Myrtle, on the other hand, is more brazen, openly flaunting her affair with Tom, a reflection of her limited social mobility and the constraints she faces.

The Illusion of Upward Mobility

Myrtle's pursuit of Tom is not merely a romantic entanglement; it's an attempt at social climbing. She sees Tom as a gateway to a world of luxury and sophistication that is utterly unattainable for her. Her apartment in the Valley of Ashes, a desolate wasteland symbolizing the moral decay of the Jazz Age, is a stark contrast to the opulent world she glimpses through her relationship with Tom. She craves the glamour and excitement that Tom represents, a desire mirroring Daisy's own longing for a life beyond her gilded cage, albeit expressed in drastically different ways.

The Stark Contrast in Social Standing

While both women engage in extramarital affairs, the consequences of their actions differ dramatically. Daisy, protected by her wealth and social status, can navigate the treacherous waters of infidelity with relative impunity. Myrtle, lacking such protection, faces the harsh realities of her position. Her affair with Tom, while offering fleeting moments of escape, ultimately leads to her destruction. The differences in their fates underscore the stark realities of class inequality and the limited agency afforded to those without wealth and privilege in the Roaring Twenties.

The Symbolism of Myrtle's Death

Myrtle's death is not simply a tragic accident; it's a symbolic representation of the consequences of social inequality and the ruthless pursuit of the American Dream. Her death, caused by Gatsby's car but ultimately a consequence of her affair with Tom, reveals the destructive potential of unchecked ambition and the callous disregard for those in lower social strata. Her lifeless body, lying on the road, becomes a poignant symbol of the sacrifices made by those who attempt to breach the class divide.

Myrtle's Agency and Resilience

Despite the limitations imposed by her social standing, Myrtle displays a remarkable resilience. She isn't a passive victim; she actively pursues her desires, albeit with a flawed understanding of the consequences. Her assertive personality, evident in her interactions with Tom and her sister, showcases a determination to improve her life, even if her methods are misguided. Her fierce spirit and desire for a better life, though ultimately crushed, provide a counterpoint to the more passive and melancholic nature of Daisy.

The Power of Appearance

Myrtle places a great deal of emphasis on appearances. She craves the fine clothes, the lavish parties, and the outward symbols of wealth and status that Tom provides. This yearning reflects a deeper desire for recognition and respect, a desire that remains unfulfilled throughout her life. Her desire to appear sophisticated and stylish mirrors Daisy's own concern with projecting an image of elegance and refinement. However, unlike Daisy who maintains control over her appearance, Myrtle's efforts are often clumsy and desperate, further highlighting the limitations of her social standing.

Myrtle's Relationships: Beyond Tom Buchanan

While Myrtle's affair with Tom is central to her story, it's crucial to examine her other relationships to understand her character fully. Her interaction with her sister and her husband, George, reveals further layers of her personality. Her relationship with her sister, though not extensively explored, provides a glimpse into her family life and suggests a complex dynamic influenced by class and ambition.

The Marriage with George Wilson

George Wilson's portrayal underscores the stark differences in the lives of Myrtle and Daisy. George, a hardworking mechanic, represents the struggling lower-middle class. He is kind but lacks the power and resources to provide Myrtle with the life she craves. Their marriage, though seemingly lacking passion, reflects the realities of life in the Valley of Ashes – a struggle for survival and a lack of opportunity.

Myrtle as a Catalyst for the Novel's Themes

Myrtle's role extends beyond merely being a character involved in a love triangle; she functions as a catalyst, triggering pivotal events that shape the narrative's trajectory. Her death serves as a catalyst for the climax of the novel, triggering the confrontation between Gatsby and Tom and ultimately setting the stage for Gatsby's demise. Her presence in the novel underscores several key thematic concerns.

The Illusion of the American Dream

Myrtle's pursuit of the American Dream is ultimately a tragic one. She represents the many individuals who, through hard work and sacrifice, still find themselves on the periphery of the American dream, their aspirations thwarted by the cruel realities of class inequality. Her story highlights the hollowness of a dream that prioritizes material wealth and superficial success over genuine happiness and fulfillment.

The Corrosive Power of Wealth and Privilege

Tom Buchanan's careless actions highlight the corrosive power of wealth and privilege. His affair with Myrtle, and his subsequent lack of remorse for her death, demonstrate his disregard for those who don't share his social standing. His casual cruelty serves as a stark contrast to Gatsby's romantic pursuit of Daisy, further highlighting the moral complexities of the novel's characters.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Myrtle Wilson

Myrtle Wilson's character in The Great Gatsby transcends the role of a mere mistress or a tragic victim. She is a complex and multifaceted character whose story reflects the profound social and economic inequalities of the Roaring Twenties. Her portrayal highlights the destructive power of unattainable desires, the limitations faced by those without privilege, and the enduring pursuit of the American Dream, even in its flawed and tragic forms. Through Myrtle, Fitzgerald offers a poignant commentary on the superficiality and moral decay of the era, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after the novel's conclusion. Her story remains a powerful reminder of the human cost of pursuing a dream built on illusions and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and social disparity. Her legacy lies not just in her tragic fate, but in the indelible mark she leaves on our understanding of the novel's complexities and the enduring power of its themes.