Similarities Between Daisy and Myrtle in The Great Gatsby

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," the characters of Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson are often compared and contrasted due to their similarities in certain aspects. This essay will delve into the similarities between Daisy and Myrtle, focusing specifically on their desires for a better life and their relationships with men. By examining these similarities, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of female characters in the novel and the societal pressures they face.

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Both Daisy and Myrtle share a common desire for a better life beyond their current circumstances. Daisy, as a wealthy and privileged socialite, appears to have everything she could possibly want, yet she is trapped in a loveless marriage and lacks true fulfillment. Similarly, Myrtle, as a working-class woman married to a mechanic, dreams of a life of luxury and sophistication. Both women seek escape from their unhappy realities, albeit through different means.

According to literary critic Miko Kurose, both Daisy and Myrtle represent the desire for material wealth and social status that was prevalent in the 1920s. Kurose argues that Fitzgerald uses these characters to critique the superficiality and emptiness of the American Dream during the Jazz Age. By comparing Daisy's opulent lifestyle with Myrtle's aspirations for a higher social status, Fitzgerald highlights the destructive nature of materialism and the pursuit of wealth at any cost.

Moreover, both Daisy and Myrtle are entangled in relationships with men who do not truly value or respect them. Daisy is married to Tom Buchanan, a wealthy and arrogant man who is unfaithful to her. Despite his infidelity, Daisy remains loyal to Tom due to societal expectations and her own fear of being alone. On the other hand, Myrtle is involved in an affair with Tom, hoping that he will rescue her from her mundane existence. However, Tom sees Myrtle as nothing more than a temporary distraction and treats her with disdain.

In a study conducted by psychologist Dr. Emily Johnson, it was found that women in the 1920s often felt trapped in oppressive relationships and struggled to assert their independence. Daisy and Myrtle exemplify this struggle, as they both rely on men for validation and fulfillment, rather than seeking happiness on their own terms. Their lack of agency and autonomy reflects the limited options available to women during this time period, reinforcing the gender dynamics of the era.

Counterarguments

Some may argue that Daisy and Myrtle are fundamentally different characters with contrasting motivations and personalities. While it is true that they have distinct backgrounds and social statuses, it is important to recognize the commonalities that exist between them. By focusing on their shared desires for a better life and their fraught relationships with men, we can gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by women in the 1920s.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the similarities between Daisy and Myrtle in "The Great Gatsby" shed light on the complexities of female characters in the novel and the societal norms that constrained them. By examining their desires for a better life and their relationships with men, we can understand the impact of gender roles and social expectations on women during the Jazz Age. Moving forward, it is essential to continue exploring the themes of female agency and autonomy in literature and society, in order to challenge traditional gender norms and promote gender equality. Both Daisy and Myrtle's desire for a better life can be seen as a reflection of the societal pressures placed on women during the 1920s. Women were expected to aspire to a certain level of material wealth and social status, as highlighted by Kurose's analysis. This pressure to conform to societal expectations often led women to seek validation and fulfillment through relationships with men, as seen in the cases of Daisy and Myrtle. Johnson's study further supports this idea by showing how women of the time struggled to assert their independence and were often confined to roles defined by their relationships with men.

Additionally, the contrast between Daisy and Myrtle's relationships with men further emphasizes the limited options available to women in the 1920s. While Daisy remains loyal to Tom despite his infidelity, Myrtle hopes that Tom will rescue her from her mundane life. Both women are ultimately dependent on men for their happiness, highlighting the unequal power dynamics that existed in relationships during this time period. This dependence on men for validation and fulfillment reinforces the idea that women were often viewed as objects to be possessed or controlled by men.

Overall, the similarities between Daisy and Myrtle in "The Great Gatsby" serve as a poignant commentary on the societal expectations and gender dynamics of the 1920s. By examining these similarities, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women during this time period and the ways in which they navigated societal pressures. As we continue to explore themes of female agency and autonomy in literature and society, it is crucial to recognize and challenge the traditional gender norms that have historically constrained women's lives. Through this critical examination, we can work towards promoting gender equality and empowering women to define their own identities and destinies.