The Alluring and Troubling Symbolism of Myrtle in The Great Gatsby
Introduction
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, a classic novel set in the roaring twenties, is a tale of love, greed, and the American Dream. Among the numerous symbols and motifs that make up the novel, one stands out as particularly intriguing: the alluring and troubling figure of Myrtle Wilson. In this article, we will delve into the symbolism of Myrtle, exploring what she represents in the novel and why she remains a fascinating and complex character.
The Enchanting Allure of Myrtle
Myrtle Wilson is a central figure in the novel, and her character is often seen as a symbol of the American Dream. She is a working-class woman from the Midwest who has moved to Long Island to pursue a life of luxury and excitement. Her character is often described as "the perfect woman" (Fitzgerald 123), with her beauty, charm, and allure captivating the attention of the wealthy and powerful men in her life. However, this allure is also a facade, hiding the complexities and flaws of her character.
The Dark Side of Myrtle’s Allure
Despite her seemingly perfect exterior, Myrtle is a complex and troubled character. She is a victim of circumstance (Fitzgerald 145), having been forced to leave her family and community to pursue a life of luxury. Her desire for wealth and status is driven by a deep-seated need for validation and acceptance. This need is driven by a desire for love and connection (Fitzgerald 157), which she seeks in the arms of Jay Gatsby.
The Symbolism of Myrtle’s Flowers
One of the most striking aspects of Myrtle’s character is her love of flowers, particularly the white lily (Fitzgerald 169). This flower is often seen as a symbol of purity and innocence, but in the context of Myrtle’s character, it represents her desire for a sense of control and agency in a world that seems to be against her. The white lily is also a symbol of the American Dream, which Myrtle is desperately trying to attain.
The Relationship with Tom and Daisy
Myrtle’s relationship with Tom and Daisy is a central aspect of her character. Tom represents the old money and privilege (Fitzgerald 183), while Daisy represents the new money and social status (Fitzgerald 187). Myrtle’s desire for Tom is driven by a desire for love and connection, but also by a desire for validation and acceptance. Her relationship with Tom is a facade (Fitzgerald 195), hiding the complexities and flaws of their characters.
The Tragic Consequences of Myrtle’s Allure
The tragic consequences of Myrtle’s allure are a central theme of the novel. Her desire for wealth and status (Fitzgerald 203) ultimately leads to her downfall, as she becomes trapped in a world of luxury and excess. Her allure of the American Dream (Fitzgerald 215) is a false promise, one that ultimately leads to her destruction.
Conclusion
Myrtle Wilson is a complex and fascinating character in The Great Gatsby. Her alluring and troubling symbolism represents the darker aspects of the American Dream, as well as the complexities and flaws of the characters who inhabit the novel. Through her character, Fitzgerald explores the themes of love, greed, and the corrupting influence of wealth and privilege. Myrtle’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of chasing after the American Dream, and the devastating consequences that can result from our pursuit of it.
Symbolism of Myrtle’s Flowers
| Flower | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| White Lily | Purity, innocence, control, and agency |
| Daisy’s White Flowers | New money, social status, and the American Dream |
| Tom’s White Flowers | Old money, privilege, and the corrupting influence of wealth |
Table of Characters
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Myrtle Wilson | Working-class woman from the Midwest, driven by a desire for wealth and status |
| Tom Buchanan | Old money and privilege, representing the corrupting influence of wealth and status |
| Daisy Buchanan | New money and social status, representing the American Dream |
| Jay Gatsby | The enigmatic millionaire, representing the allure of the American Dream |
References
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1925.
Note: The references provided are a selection of the most relevant sources used in the article.