Women of 'The Great Gatsby': Why Did Daisy Kill Myrtle

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, he reveals how women were the problem through the story. He shows that the women in the book are disobedient through their weakness in their morals, choosing money over love, and their dependence on men. The character Daisy Buchanan is implicated in the death of Myrtle Wilson, adding a layer of intrigue and complexity to the narrative. This essay aims to explore why did Daisy kill Myrtle, the possible motives behind Daisy's actions, analyzing the contextual factors and psychological dynamics that might have influenced her decision.

Daisy's Discontent and Desire for Escape

Daisy Buchanan, as depicted in the novel, is trapped in a loveless marriage to Tom Buchanan, a wealthy and controlling man. Despite her seemingly idyllic life of luxury, Daisy longs for excitement, passion, and genuine affection. Myrtle Wilson, Tom's mistress, represents a stark contrast to Daisy's life—a vibrant and free-spirited woman who symbolizes the excitement and escape that Daisy craves. The potential motive for Daisy killing Myrtle could stem from her fear of losing the comfortable life she has built with Tom and the desire to eliminate any threat to her own position as Tom's wife.

Daisy is deeply invested in maintaining her social status and reputation within the elite circles of East Egg. Myrtle's involvement with Tom poses a risk to Daisy's image and standing in society. By eliminating Myrtle, Daisy may have sought to protect her own social position and safeguard her reputation from scandal and public judgment. The fear of being exposed as a woman in a loveless marriage who can be easily replaced by a younger, more alluring mistress may have driven Daisy to take drastic measures.

A Product of Circumstances and Emotional Turmoil

The events leading up to Myrtle's death unfold in a highly charged emotional context. The confrontation at the hotel, where Daisy accidentally hits and kills Myrtle with Gatsby's car, occurs in the aftermath of a heated argument between Daisy and Gatsby. Daisy, torn between her feelings for Gatsby and the familiarity of her life with Tom, experiences intense emotional turmoil. In the heat of the moment, her judgment may have been clouded, leading her to act impulsively out of a combination of fear, anger, and confusion. Daisy exists in a society that places immense pressure on individuals to conform to social norms and expectations. As a woman of her time, she is expected to be submissive and obedient to her husband. The societal expectations surrounding marriage and fidelity may have weighed heavily on Daisy's conscience, causing her to feel a sense of duty to protect her husband and preserve the image of a perfect, harmonious marriage at any cost. Killing Myrtle could have been a desperate attempt to restore order and uphold the societal façade.

Conclusion

The motives behind Daisy Buchanan's actions in killing Myrtle Wilson are complex and multifaceted. Daisy's discontent, desire for escape, fear of losing her social standing, emotional turmoil, and the influence of societal expectations all contribute to a potential understanding of her motives. It is important to recognize the intricate web of emotions and contextual factors at play in the character's decision-making process. Fitzgerald's portrayal of Daisy's actions serves as a reflection of the complexities and contradictions of human nature, highlighting the destructive potential of fear, discontent, and societal pressures.