The Mystery of Myrtle Wilson’s Death: A Tragic Tale
The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a classic novel set in the roaring twenties, exploring themes of love, class, and the American Dream. One of the most iconic and debated plot points in the novel is the mysterious death of Myrtle Wilson. But who killed her? In this article, we’ll delve into the possible suspects, motives, and evidence that will help us uncover the truth.
Background and Motives
Myrtle Wilson is a working-class woman who lives with her husband, George, and their daughter, Daisy. The couple is deeply in love, but their marriage is troubled. Myrtle’s desire for financial security and independence is palpable, and she often finds herself at odds with her husband’s penny-pinching ways. As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that Myrtle’s obsession with George is more than just a passing infatuation.
Possible Suspects
Here are some of the most popular suspects in the mystery of Myrtle’s death:
• George Wilson: As the husband of Myrtle, George is undoubtedly the most obvious suspect. He’s a wealthy businessman with a tight grip on his family’s finances. His desperate desire to keep his family afloat and his refusal to listen to Myrtle’s pleas for help make him a prime candidate for the killer.
• Daisy Buchanan: As a high-society woman, Daisy is known for her wealth and social status. However, her actions and words often reveal a complex and manipulative personality. Could she have orchestrated Myrtle’s death to maintain her own social standing?
• Tom Buchanan: The male narrator of the novel, Tom is a wealthy and charismatic suitor. His love for Daisy is evident, but his treatment of Myrtle is far more sinister. It’s possible that Tom was involved in Myrtle’s death, perhaps as a means to punish her for her perceived disloyalty.
• Nick Carraway: As the narrator, Nick is privy to the inner workings of the wealthy elite. He’s also aware of Myrtle’s troubled marriage and her desire for independence. Could Nick have been more involved in Myrtle’s death than he lets on?
Investigating the Mysterious Death
The novel’s author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, masterfully weaves together multiple plot threads to create a sense of mystery and suspense. As we explore the possible suspects, we must also consider the timeline and evidence presented in the novel.
• Timeline of Events: In the novel, it’s revealed that Myrtle and George attended a $50 dinner at the hospital where George was having surgery. Afterward, Myrtle returns home, and George disappears into the night. He doesn’t return until hours later, and when he does, he’s barely coherent.
• Physical Evidence: A torn piece of fabric near the Wilson’s car is later found, which appears to match Myrtle’s dress. However, the fabric is never matched to any other known garment.
• Witness Testimony: George himself was heard screaming "Death! Death! Death!" in the midst of the post-surgery hospital visit. However, his account was later disputed by the other characters.
The Verdict
After re-examining the evidence and interviewing the characters, we can conclude that the killer is Myrtle Wilson. While the novel leaves many questions unanswered, the cumulative evidence points to Myrtle’s involvement in her own death. Her obsessive behavior towards George, combined with her desperate desire for financial security and independence, make her a prime suspect.
• Myrtle’s Motive: As we discussed earlier, Myrtle’s motives for killing George were rooted in her desire for independence and financial security. Her actions were a cry for help, and her desperate attempts to protect her family made her sacrifice ultimately fatal.
• Myrtle’s Role in the Plot: Myrtle’s involvement in the plot is subtle yet significant. Her decision to leave the hospital on the night of the supposed accident sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to George’s death. Her fate serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of unchecked desire and the devastating consequences of greed.
In conclusion, the mystery of Myrtle Wilson’s death remains one of the most enduring and intriguing aspects of The Great Gatsby. While the novel leaves many questions unanswered, the cumulative evidence and the complexity of the characters make it clear that Myrtle Wilson was the killer. Her tragic fate serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked desire and the American Dream’s dark underbelly.