Myrtle's Wealth In The Great Gatsby

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to Gatsby as well; Myrtle Wilson, wife of the not­so­well­off George Wilson and the mistress of Tom Buchanan (another wealthy West Egg resident). Myrtle not only provides contrast to Gatsby’s wealth, but also serves to further personify the American dream. Myrtle desires the wealthy and luxurious lifestyle of Tom; this pursuit and envy of wealth is a defining characteristic of the American dream. While Gatsby believes that he has failed in his dream, despite his wealth, Myrtle mirrors his failure in poverty. Despite the definitions provided by each character in the novel, the American dream it still remains vague; does the dream revolve around wealth, power, and greed; or is there another aspect to it? Who determines what the dream truly is? …show more content…
Later it is revealed that these parties are intended to reunite gatsby with his lover he met during his army days, Daisy. These parties give one a window into the unimaginable wealth possessed by Gatsby. Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth began shortly after leaving his farm. His plan led him to the wealthy businessman Dan Cody, whom Gatsby saved and learned from in the months that passed. Eventually Cody died, leaving Gatsby none of his immense wealth. What Cody did leave Gatsby with was a taste of luxury. Through a variety of less­than­legal means, Gatsby began to amass his wealth. With the aid of the black market businessman Meyer Wolfsheim, the man who, “fixed the World Series back in 1919,” (Fitzgerald 39) Gatsby joined the bootlegging business and rose to power. While the use of illegal markets to gain wealth was relatively common at the time, Tom Buchanan eventually seeks to reveal who Gatsby really is and how his wealth came to be. In the heated argument that takes place at the hotel shortly

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