How Does Gatsby React to Myrtle's Death? Analyzing His Emotional Response and Its Implications

Introduction

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is a rich tapestry of love, loss, and the complexities of the American Dream. One of the pivotal moments in the novel is Myrtle Wilson's tragic death, which serves as a catalyst for several characters' reactions and actions, particularly that of Jay Gatsby. Gatsby’s reaction to Myrtle’s death reveals a lot about his character and the world he inhabits. In this essay, I will explore how Gatsby responds to this shocking event and what it signifies about his relationship with both Myrtle and Daisy Buchanan.

The Shock of Death

First off, it's essential to grasp how much Myrtle’s death impacts everyone around her. For Gatsby, who is deeply entwined in a web of complicated emotions regarding love and obsession, this moment isn’t just about loss; it marks an emotional tipping point for him. When he learns that Myrtle has been killed in a hit-and-run accident involving Daisy's car—driven by Gatsby himself—Gatsby's initial reaction seems almost detached. He doesn't collapse into despair or anger; instead, there's an eerie calmness about him.

This calm can be interpreted as shock—a common human response when faced with sudden tragedy. It highlights Gatsby’s overall emotional disposition: he often distances himself from real feelings in favor of dreams and aspirations. His immediate instinct isn’t to grieve but rather to protect Daisy from the fallout of what has occurred.

A Protective Instinct

One aspect worth noting is how Gatsby chooses to react not just as a lover or friend but also as someone trying desperately to shield Daisy from any repercussions associated with Myrtle’s death. Instead of confronting the chaos surrounding them head-on—an approach one might expect after such an event—Gatsby becomes overly concerned with how Daisy feels about everything.

This protective instinct manifests in his decision to take responsibility for driving the car that killed Myrtle, even though it was actually Daisy behind the wheel. He tells Nick Carraway that he will “take care” of everything for Daisy because she’s “all that matters.” This remark encapsulates his delusion; it emphasizes his misplaced priorities where Myrtle essentially becomes collateral damage in his quest to maintain what he perceives as a perfect life with Daisy.

The Illusion vs Reality

It’s fascinating how this incident juxtaposes Gatsby's romantic ideals against harsh realities. Up until this point in the novel, we see him as someone who believes so fervently in love—that dreamlike notion where anything can be achieved if you just want it badly enough. But here lies one significant truth: reality does not bend easily to our desires.

Myrtle's death shatters that illusion completely. While Tom Buchanan takes on an air of indifference towards her demise—as if she were merely another pawn on his chessboard—Gatsby reacts differently but still tragically misdirected. His desire for grandeur leads him down paths where consequences are ignored until they become overwhelmingly present.

Myrtle vs Daisy

Myrtle Wilson represents something entirely different compared to Daisy Buchanan within Gatsby's world—a tangible yet unattainable desire versus an idealized dream girl who symbolizes wealth and social status rather than genuine affection or connection.
When confronted with tragedy involving both women—their lives marked by starkly contrasting realities—it begs us to question whom he truly loves more: The flawed reality embodied by Myrtle or the shimmering illusion represented by Daisy? Throughout their interactions leading up until her tragic fate, it's clear that while there may have been affection for Myrtle at some level (perhaps fueled by lust), she was ultimately expendable compared to his unwavering fixation on attaining perfection through reuniting with lost love.

The Consequences Of Inaction

Following Myrtle's death, instead of taking action against those responsible or seeking justice on her behalf—and even following through with punishing Tom for his actions—Gatsby slips further into isolation driven primarily by guilt over protecting an illusion instead.
His refusal (or inability) to confront these uncomfortable truths only pushes him closer toward self-destruction—the ultimate irony being that despite all efforts made throughout their relationship dynamic focused heavily upon maintaining appearances at any cost—the outcome remains tragically unchanged regardless.
This tragic end demonstrates how ignoring one’s reality can lead individuals deeper into delusions while sacrificing authentic relationships along their journey forward.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jay Gatsby's reaction to Myrtle Wilson's death offers readers profound insights into both character depth and thematic development within "The Great Gatsby." Through shock mixed alongside misguided protectionism toward others involved—it reveals overarching motifs centered around dreams clashing violently against stark realities stemming from choices made within flawed relationships amongst key players involved.
While desperation may drive individuals towards distorted versions seeking fulfillment based solely off idealization—the eventual unraveling often leaves behind remnants littered across landscapes shaped only by sorrowful longing intertwined seamlessly alongside regret.
Ultimately reflecting upon various implications resonates powerfully throughout narrative arcs revealing complexities woven tightly beneath surface-level aesthetics presented here...

References

• Fitzgerald, F.S., "The Great Gatsby". Scribner Press: 1925.
• Baker, Carlos M., "The Critical Reputation Of F.Scott Fitzgerald". NYU Press: 1989.
• Sternberg ,Meghan M., "Murderous Domesticity In The Great Gatsby". Journal Of American Literature Studies : 2017

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• Taylor ,Andrew , "Romantic Idealism And Tragedy In Fitzgerald". Cambridge University Press : 2004

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• Cawelti ,John G., "Adventure Fiction And Its Critics". University Of Chicago Press : 1976 .

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