Vibrancy Of Character Of Myrtle In The Great Gatsby

Before even meeting Myrtle, we learn of her through whispers of scandalous gossip. She unfortunately begins her introduction into the novel by being talked of as Tom’s lower class mistress. This draws attention to not only how different Myrtle’s world was compared to Tom’s world, but also to how Myrtle had differentiated herself from her own world.
She lived in the Valley of Ashes, standing out from her surroundings with a certain “vibrancy of character”. She is not “covered in ash” like everything around her, setting her apart from the environment she lives in. We see the potential for something greater, an embodiment of aspiration in the essence of Myrtle. Learning more about Myrtle, we realize that her ambitions are to raise above her class …show more content…
As soon as she stepped out of her home to spend the night with Tom, she began exercising her greed by buying everything in sight. As a product of consumerism, her spending can be seen as unpleasant and excessive. The worst aspect of this splurging is the fact she was spending Tom’s money, and using him as a cash cow for her material indulgences. When we finally arrive at the venue for the party, we learn that Myrtle has a second home in the penthouse apartment of a well built apartment. We can assume this, as well as the lavish interior, is a further example of how Myrtle takes advantage of Tom’s wealth. The home is described for us as “crowded and stuffy, with venetian paintings lounging about luxuriously.” This comically describes Myrtle herself, as she continues her degradation into a woman of her own desires. The books of her choice, placed invitingly on the table, are glitzy and scandalous readings: magazines, tabloids, and sexual novels. Her behaviour around Nick is shameless, with her later proceeding to have a quick session with Tom while Nick steps out. Her visual transformation is announced by her change in attire, where she is noted to be wearing a pompous, “old”, and frilly dress. Tom appears disapproving of this behaviour from Myrtle, as he “immediately [heads] for the wine”, and “appears bored” throughout the party. As the party runs on into the …show more content…
This leaves us to ponder whether Myrtle is deceiving herself with delusional aspiration, or simply cannot be classified into any such category. She is a complex character, who has more to offer than the novel allows. We don’t receive enough insight into her personality, and unfortunately end the novel before she gets to fully develop into her potential. The way she attempts to advance herself is flawed, and it is certain that if she had been given the right opportunity and circumstance, she could’ve achieved something