Myrtle's Use Of The American Dream In The Great Gatsby

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In the novel, The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the main character Nick Carraway portrays the lavish lifestyle of the 1920’s. The story takes place in Long Island, New York on East and West Egg. The story begins with Nick befriending his neighbor, Jay Gatsby, after being invited to one of his extravagant parties. As the story progresses, Nick learns of Gatsby’s love for his cousin, Daisy. Nick discovers Gatsby’s life dream of being with Daisy. The only problem being, she is married to Tom Buchanan. The author writes of the grueling love triangle that exists between Gatsby, Daisy and Tom. Not to mention, Tom’s mistress Myrtle, who later dies in a car accident. These series of events exemplify life of the 1920’s and how the characters …show more content…
Scott Fitzgerald’s usage of the theme of the American Dream is expressed through the character Myrtle Wilson. Myrtle’s pursuit of the dream is seen through her marriage, affair, and desire for materials. F. Scott Fitzgerald reveals to the reader when Myrtle marries George, she thought at least owned his own suit. She later finds out he borrowed his suit from a friend. “He borrowed somebody's best suit to get married in and never even told me about it”(39). In that moment she realizes she married a man who does not own his own suit. For Myrtle, her pursuit toward the American Dream comes to an abrupt ending before it began. However, after beginning her affair with Tom, she finally gains the opportunity of living the American Dream. Although George represents the true idea of the American Dream, and the hard work put into his business, Tom appeals to Myrtle through his old money and the luxurious things he buys for her. She values material possessions, her appearance, and lifestyle with Tom, disregarding the fact that Tom uses her for pleasure and entertainment. In the novel, Myrtle taunts Tom by repeatedly chanting Daisy’s name and he breaks her nose. “Making a short deft movement Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand” (41). This scene demonstrates her loyalty not to Tom, but to the materialist life he gives her. She refuses to give up her fancy clothes, new dog, and apartment, no matter how terribly Tom treats her. Overall, F. Scott Fitzgerald highlights in Myrtle's character her desire to live an extravagant life and willingness to suffer abuse and give up a man who loves her for things that can never love her back. This demonstrates the characters motivation throughout The Great Gatsby and their actions towards achieving the American
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