How Myrtle Reacts to Tom’s Arrival: Analyzing Their Dynamic in The Great Gatsby

When we delve into the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s "The Great Gatsby," one character that often sparks discussion is Myrtle Wilson. Her reactions to Tom Buchanan's arrival are not just pivotal moments in the narrative but also serve as a lens through which we can explore her complex character and her desires. Myrtle's response to Tom encapsulates her aspirations, frustrations, and ultimately, her tragic fate within the context of a society obsessed with wealth and status.

Myrtle's Initial Excitement

The first notable aspect of Myrtle’s reaction when Tom arrives is her palpable excitement. From the moment she learns of his impending arrival, there is an electric charge in the air. This excitement speaks volumes about Myrtle’s feelings for Tom, who represents an escape from her mundane life. Living in the Valley of Ashes with her husband George Wilson—a mechanic who barely makes ends meet—Myrtle yearns for something more glamorous and luxurious than what her current reality provides.

When Tom arrives, she greets him with an eagerness that borders on obsession. It’s clear that she views him not merely as a lover but as a ticket to a higher social class. The thrill she feels at his presence reveals how deeply entrenched she is in her desire for wealth and status. There’s a sense of hopefulness that permeates this moment; Myrtle believes that being with Tom will elevate her life circumstances significantly.

The Power Dynamics at Play

Myrtle’s reaction is also significant because it highlights the power dynamics between herself and Tom. From their interactions, it becomes evident that while she may initially feel empowered by being with him, there's an underlying imbalance in their relationship. Tom treats Myrtle almost like a possession rather than an equal partner; he exhibits control over their interactions, showcasing his affluent status through dismissive gestures and condescension.

This imbalance becomes even more apparent when considering how Myrtle tries to present herself in front of Tom. She wears fine clothes—an attempt to mirror his wealth—and acts confidently when he is around. However, this confidence seems fragile as it relies heavily on Tom's approval. When he arrives at the apartment they share in New York City, there’s almost a performance quality to Myrtle’s behavior: she tries to embody sophistication but quickly reverts back into someone desperate for validation when faced with Tom's domineering attitude.

Myrtle's Objectification

As much as Myrtle may feel excited about Tom's arrival, there is also a sense of objectification inherent in their relationship dynamic that cannot be overlooked. To Tom, Myrtle is another trophy; he flaunts their affair without any regard for its impact on either of them emotionally or socially. This objectification becomes painfully clear during moments where Myrtle attempts to assert herself—whether through fashion choices or conversations—but ultimately falls short against Tom's overpowering presence.

For example, during their time together in New York City, we see how easily disappointed she becomes when things don't go according to plan or when she's reminded of her inferior social standing compared to Daisy Buchanan (Tom's wife). When Nick Carraway observes their interactions later on—the way they engage with one another—it becomes apparent just how vulnerable Myrtle truly is beneath all the bravado she's attempting to display.

The Illusion Crumbles

A crucial turning point occurs later during one particular gathering at their apartment where alcohol flows freely amid boisterous chatter—a temporary escape from reality for both characters involved yet rife with tension nonetheless. As guests arrive—including Nick himself—we witness disintegration occurring right before our eyes: this facade built upon glamour starts falling apart rapidly once exposed under scrutiny.

With increasing frustration stemming from superficial banter fueled largely by booze consumption comes an inevitable crash course involving harsh realities versus fanciful dreams held tightly by those caught within societal norms dictated largely by class divisions present throughout America during this time period reflected through Fitzgerald’s writing style here too!

Myrtle: A Tragic Figure

Ultimately though what remains so strikingly poignant about how Myrtle reacts towards each encounter involving men like TOM BUCHANAN portrays someone trapped within cycles oppressive hierarchy whether social economic statuses dictate much more than mere appearance alone could ever convey adequately enough!

This tragedy further underscores moral decay prevalent amidst glittering façades inhabited only briefly before reality sets back into motion again—leading many others down paths similar without warning whatsoever! This stark contrast illustrates not only physical separation distance between two worlds colliding violently against each other but deeper existential concerns regarding identity integrity lost along way entirely too often gone unnoticed altogether unless keen eye catches glimpse somewhere hidden beneath layers buildup loneliness experienced daily!

A Reflection on Society

Myrtle Wilson serves as a tragic reflection not only of personal aspirations thwarted but also broader societal critiques depicted through Fitzgerald’s lens—all woven intricately throughout narrative arc depicting characters struggling desperately survive amidst cruel realities imposed upon them forcibly shaping destinies unaware limitations placed externally alike constrained inherently internally wherein souls wander searching endlessly fulfillment unattainable perhaps never meant find!”

• Fitzgerald, F.S., "The Great Gatsby," Scribner Classics.
• Baker, Carlos (1971). "Fitzgerald: The Ironic Decade." Princeton University Press.
• Taylor Jr., Robert (2007). “Myrtle Wilson: A Character Study.” American Literature Journal.
• Kahane R., “The Power Dynamics Between Men and Women In The Great Gatsby.” Journal Of Gender Studies (2015).