Myrtle Wilson Character Traits

2 min read 06-12-2024

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby features a compelling cast of characters, each with their own complexities and flaws. Among them, Myrtle Wilson stands out as a tragic figure, whose desires and vulnerabilities contribute significantly to the novel's overarching themes. While often overlooked in favor of the more prominent Gatsby and Daisy, a closer examination reveals Myrtle to be a multi-faceted character worthy of deeper analysis.

A Woman Trapped by Circumstance

Myrtle Wilson is presented as a woman trapped in a loveless marriage with the impoverished and brutish George Wilson. Her life in the Valley of Ashes, a desolate wasteland symbolizing the moral decay of the Roaring Twenties, further emphasizes her sense of confinement. This bleak existence fuels her yearning for a different life, a life she believes she can find in the opulent world of Tom Buchanan.

Yearning for Escape

Myrtle's affair with Tom, while morally questionable, is a desperate attempt to escape her monotonous and unsatisfying reality. The lavish parties, the expensive clothes, and the attention from a wealthy man represent a stark contrast to her daily struggles. Her pursuit of this escape, however, blinds her to the inherent dangers and ultimately leads to her tragic demise.

Beyond the Stereotype: A Complex Character

It's tempting to dismiss Myrtle as simply a "gold digger" or a stereotypical "other woman." However, a nuanced reading of the novel reveals a more complex character. Her spirited nature, evident in her forceful personality and quick temper, suggests a resilience that is often suppressed by her circumstances. The scene in the apartment in New York reveals a certain vitality, a desperate attempt to seize happiness and experience a life beyond the confines of her marriage.

A Victim of Societal Inequality

Myrtle's tragedy is not simply a result of her own choices, but also a consequence of the stark social inequalities of the time. Her limited options, compounded by her economic vulnerability, make her a particularly poignant victim of the Jazz Age's excesses and moral ambiguity.

The Significance of Her Death

Myrtle's death is pivotal to the narrative's climax. It serves as a catalyst for the unraveling of Gatsby's carefully constructed illusion, and it underscores the devastating consequences of Tom's careless actions. Her demise, tragically ironic given her yearning for a better life, highlights the destructive power of infidelity and the social disparities of the era.

Conclusion: A Lasting Impression

While not the central protagonist, Myrtle Wilson remains a compelling and unforgettable character. Her story is a potent reminder of the human cost of ambition, social inequality, and the destructive consequences of unchecked desire. Her portrayal serves as a powerful commentary on the moral landscape of the Jazz Age and its impact on individuals caught in its tumultuous currents. She remains a tragically flawed yet ultimately sympathetic figure, whose life and death leave a lasting impression on the reader long after the novel's conclusion.