Daisy Vs. Myrtle: a Comparative Analysis

Introduction

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby presents a rich tapestry of characters that reflect the societal values and moral complexities of the 1920s. Two of the novel's most intriguing female characters are Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson, both of whom are involved in extramarital affairs with the protagonist, Jay Gatsby, and his friend, Tom Buchanan, respectively. This essay will compare and contrast Daisy and Myrtle, focusing on their social status, desires, and ultimate fates, to reveal the broader themes of the novel and the societal expectations that shape their lives.

Body Paragraphs

Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson come from vastly different social backgrounds. Daisy, born into a wealthy family, embodies the upper-class ideal of the American Dream, with her elegance, sophistication, and charm. In contrast, Myrtle, a working-class woman married to a garage owner, aspires to the same level of wealth and status that Daisy possesses (Fitzgerald, 1925).

Both Daisy and Myrtle are driven by their desires for love, excitement, and material wealth. Daisy, disillusioned with her marriage to Tom, seeks the romantic ideal she once shared with Gatsby. However, her materialistic nature and need for security ultimately prevent her from leaving her husband. Myrtle, on the other hand, seeks to escape her mundane life and achieve upward mobility through her affair with Tom. Her desire for a more luxurious lifestyle leads her to adopt the superficial values of the upper class, ultimately resulting in her tragic demise (Fitzgerald, 1925).

The societal expectations and gender norms of the 1920s play a significant role in shaping the lives of Daisy and Myrtle. Both women are confined by the limited options available to them, as they are expected to fulfill traditional roles as wives and mothers. Daisy, despite her dissatisfaction with her marriage, remains trapped in her gilded cage, unable to break free from the constraints of her social status. Myrtle, in her quest for a better life, becomes a victim of the very society she seeks to join, as her affair with Tom leads to her death (Fitzgerald, 1925).

Counterarguments

While Daisy and Myrtle share similar desires and are both influenced by societal expectations, some critics argue that their differences overshadow their similarities. For example, Daisy's passive nature and reluctance to take action contrast sharply with Myrtle's assertiveness and willingness to challenge the boundaries of her social class. However, these differences can also be seen as a reflection of the disparities in power and opportunity that exist between the two women, highlighting the broader social inequalities that define their lives.

Moreover, the contrasting fates of Daisy and Myrtle serve to underscore the consequences of challenging societal norms. While Daisy, despite her moral failings, remains protected by her wealth and social status, Myrtle, who dared to transgress the boundaries of her class, meets a tragic end. This disparity reveals the inherent injustice and cruelty of a society that punishes those who seek to rise above their station while shielding the privileged from the consequences of their actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson in The Great Gatsby offer valuable insights into the societal expectations and moral complexities of the 1920s. By examining their social backgrounds, desires, and ultimate fates, we gain a deeper understanding of the broader themes of the novel and the ways in which gender and class shape the lives of its characters. Future research could explore the role of female friendships and solidarity in the novel, as well as the potential for resistance and subversion of societal norms by women in the face of adversity.

References

Fitzgerald, F. S. (1925). The Great Gatsby. Charles Scribner's Sons.