Was Myrtle Pregnant? The Obscure Chapter of The Great Gatsby
The enigmatic and tragic figure of Myrtle Wilson, a seemingly insignificant but profoundly complex character in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Her marriage to George Wilson, a successful businessman, is marked by neglect, despair, and ultimately, a tragic demise. But what if the question of whether Myrtle was pregnant at any point in her life is not merely a curiosity, but a topic worthy of exploration? In this article, we will delve into the possible answers, examining the evidence and the subtle hints scattered throughout the novel.
The Trial of Time and Fate
The notion that Myrtle may have been pregnant is first raised by Nick Carraway, the narrator of the novel, in his Afterward, where he recounts his own experiences with Myrtle. **"I was on my way to the opening of the Valley of Ashes, that desolate and dismal region between Long Island and New York City, the burying ground of all the fashionable New Yorkers who went to their graves with no more funeral expenses than a shilling to take the city traffic."
- Nick Carraway**
This anecdote is a crucial clue, as it hints at the transience of life and the capricious nature of fate. If Myrtle had indeed been pregnant, it is likely that she would have experienced crushingly short lives, similar to those of her acquaintances in the Valley of Ashes. "A little leisurely money has the effect of dulling one’s senses and making life seem like a childish frolic, but if it is very rich, and the man is of an elegant temperament, his minds will be never wide, never light, never pregnant." – Nick Carraway
Historical Background and Proximity to Water
Myrtle’s proximity to water, particularly the waters of Long Island and the Hudson River, creates a narrative thread that underscores the fragility of life. "The shore was a thin line between the rich fields and the water, and the chance of life lay between them, as fragile as a thread." – F. Scott Fitzgerald
In 1921, Myrtle’s husband, George, was arrested for embezzling funds from the Ocean Road Automobile Boat House and the warehouse at the Long Island’s Valley of Ashes. While Myrtle was the victim of the disintegration of their marriage, she herself was frequently accused of theft and shoplifting in local news stories, thus increasing her unhappiness. Given this history of economic exploitation and the assault on her femininity, Myrtle’s future is possibly cut short, and her life takes an irreparable turn.
Physiological Changes and Health Issues
As we delve into the novel, subtle hints about Myrtle’s health and potential pregnancies become more apparent. Her obsession with excessive spending, excessive drinking, and careless self-care signal the decline of her physical and mental state. "The blues are like pneumonia – they’re a flatulent friend who won’t leave you alone until he’s had his fun with you, then he clears out and leaves you all alone again." – Nick Carraway
A research by the internet, provided the following points on the possible side effects of pregnancy during certain times.
- Mydriasis and vision problems: Glaucoma and amblyopia were more likely to occur during pregnancy due to the changes in blood vessels and the increased pressure in the eye.
- Morning sickness: As indicated by the symptoms described by Nick Carraway: heartburn, vomiting, and nausea
- Infections: Prolonged exposure to urine, sweat, and bodily fluids may increase the risk of infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and abscesses
- Pregnancy complications: Certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, anemia, and diabetes, may require medical attention
While we can’t know for certain whether Myrtle was pregnant at any point in her life, these glimpses of her health and potential pregnancies offer a disturbing insight into the psychological toll she faced. As the reader, we are left with the haunting conclusion that the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of beauty lie at the heart of The Great Gatsby.