Daisy Vs. Myrtle: a Comparative Analysis

Introduction

"The Great Gatsby," by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is packed with complex characters that reveal the societal issues and moral contradictions of the 1920s. Among the many, two women stand out—Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson—both of whom are entangled in relationships with Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan. This essay will examine the contrasts between Daisy and Myrtle, exploring their social status, desires, and the outcomes of their choices. We will analyze how their characters embody the larger themes of the novel and reflect the social constraints that define their lives.

Daisy vs. Myrtle: A Comparative Analysis

Social Status and Desires

Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson come from starkly different backgrounds. Daisy, born into wealth, represents the idealized version of the American Dream, with all the elegance and sophistication that comes with it. On the other hand, Myrtle is more grounded, married to a mechanic, but dreams of a higher social standing, looking to elevate herself through her affair with Tom (Fitzgerald, 1925).

Personal Dreams and Their Consequences

Both women share a longing for more—love, excitement, and luxury. Daisy is disillusioned with her marriage to Tom and yearns for the romance she once had with Gatsby. However, her love of wealth and security keeps her tethered to Tom. Myrtle, on the other hand, is desperate to escape her lower-class life and uses her affair with Tom as a means of climbing the social ladder, only to face tragic consequences (Fitzgerald, 1925).

Gender and Societal Expectations

In the context of the 1920s, both women are constrained by societal expectations of women—wives and mothers with limited room to break free. Even though Daisy may be dissatisfied with her marriage, she is trapped in her gilded cage due to her social position. Myrtle, in contrast, tries to defy her status but is ultimately undone by her desire to be part of the upper class. Both women's stories highlight the limitations placed on women in a male-dominated, class-conscious society (Fitzgerald, 1925).

Counterarguments

Some critics argue that Daisy and Myrtle are not as similar as they may appear. For example, while Daisy is more passive and resigned to her circumstances, Myrtle is more active in attempting to challenge her social position. However, these differences actually highlight the power dynamics at play: Daisy’s privilege allows her to escape the consequences of her actions, while Myrtle’s attempts to break free lead to her downfall.

Their Fates and Societal Disparities

Their contrasting fates further illustrate the deep social inequalities of their world. Daisy is able to maintain her status and avoid major consequences, cushioned by her wealth, while Myrtle’s attempt to escape her social limitations ends in death. This stark disparity reflects the harsh reality of class and gender inequality in the 1920s, with privilege shielding some while others are punished for attempting to transcend their class (Fitzgerald, 1925).

Conclusion

In conclusion, comparing Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson provides valuable insight into the themes of class, gender, and the American Dream in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s "The Great Gatsby." The contrasts between these two women—highlighting their social status, desires, and outcomes—offer a poignant critique of the societal structures that define their lives. Their stories are intertwined with the novel’s larger themes, demonstrating how individuals are shaped by, and sometimes trapped within, their social roles.

References

• Fitzgerald, F. S. (1925). The Great Gatsby. Charles Scribner's Sons.
• Curnutt, K. (2004). A Historical Guide to F. Scott Fitzgerald. Oxford University Press.
• Tate, M., & Halliwell-Phillipps G.W., eds. (1998). Critical Essays on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. G.K. Hall & Co.
• Berman R.A. (2017). The Great Gatsby and Modern Times: From Racial History to Imaginary Dialogues Series; American Literature Readings in the Twenty-First Century Series. Palgrave Macmillan US Publishing Ltd.