## Myrtle’s Physical Description in The Great Gatsby: A Deep Dive
Myrtle Wilson, a pivotal character in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s *The Great Gatsby*, is far more than just a mistress. Her physical description, meticulously crafted by Fitzgerald, serves as a powerful symbol of her aspirations, her social class, and her ultimate tragic fate. Understanding Myrtle’s portrayal is essential for unlocking the novel’s deeper themes of wealth, social mobility, and the American Dream. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Myrtle’s physical appearance and its significance, offering insights that go beyond surface-level interpretations.
We will explore how Fitzgerald uses her body, clothing, and overall presentation to convey her character’s desires and limitations, revealing a complex portrait of a woman trapped between worlds. We aim to offer a detailed and expert analysis, drawing upon critical interpretations and close readings of the text to provide you with a complete understanding of Myrtle Wilson’s character.
### 1. A Comprehensive Look at Myrtle Wilson’s Physical Appearance
Myrtle’s physical description in *The Great Gatsby* is not merely incidental; it is integral to understanding her character and her role in the novel’s exploration of class, desire, and the illusion of the American Dream. Fitzgerald uses vivid imagery and specific details to paint a picture of a woman who is both alluring and, in some ways, grotesque, reflecting the contradictions within her own aspirations.
#### 1.1. The Initial Impression: Voluptuousness and Earthiness
Myrtle’s introduction emphasizes her physicality. She is described as a woman with a “thickish figure” and a “wide mouth.” These initial descriptions establish her as a figure of earthy sensuality, contrasting sharply with the ethereal beauty often associated with Daisy Buchanan. Her physical presence is imposing, almost overwhelming, suggesting a vitality that is both attractive and potentially dangerous. The initial description sets the stage for understanding Myrtle’s desire for a life beyond her current circumstances. She embodies a raw, almost primal energy that seeks expression.
#### 1.2. Clothing as a Symbol of Social Climbing
Myrtle’s attempts to elevate her social status are most evident in her choice of clothing. When she travels to New York City with Tom Buchanan, she transforms herself, donning expensive dresses, jewelry, and makeup. This transformation is not merely cosmetic; it is a deliberate attempt to embody the lifestyle of the wealthy elite. Fitzgerald writes about her changing into a elaborate afternoon dress of cream-colored chiffon, which symbolizes her aspirations and the illusion of belonging to a higher social class. She wants to appear refined and sophisticated, but her inherent lack of grace and polish often betrays her true origins. She is playing a role, and the clothes are her costume.
#### 1.3. The Contrast with Daisy Buchanan
Myrtle’s physical description is often implicitly contrasted with that of Daisy Buchanan. While Daisy is portrayed as delicate, ethereal, and almost otherworldly, Myrtle is grounded, sensual, and undeniably real. This contrast highlights the different roles that women occupy in the novel’s social hierarchy. Daisy represents the established wealth and privilege of the old aristocracy, while Myrtle embodies the striving and often vulgar aspirations of the nouveau riche. The difference is not just physical; it is symbolic of the vast social gulf that separates them.
#### 1.4. The Significance of Color
The colors associated with Myrtle’s clothing and appearance are also significant. She favors bright, bold colors, such as red and yellow, which reflect her desire to stand out and attract attention. These colors can also be interpreted as symbols of her passion and her rebellious spirit. However, they also suggest a certain lack of refinement and taste, further highlighting the contrast with Daisy’s more subdued and elegant style. Her use of color is a loud statement, a visual declaration of her presence and her desires.
#### 1.5. Makeup and Artifice
Myrtle’s use of makeup is another important aspect of her physical presentation. She applies it heavily, suggesting a desire to mask her true self and create a more glamorous persona. This artifice reflects her overall attempt to reinvent herself and escape the limitations of her social class. However, the heavy makeup can also be seen as a sign of insecurity and a lack of confidence in her natural appearance. She is trying too hard, and the effort is often painfully obvious.
#### 1.6. The Tragic Irony of Myrtle’s Transformation
The tragic irony of Myrtle’s transformation is that it ultimately fails to achieve its desired effect. Despite her efforts to emulate the wealthy elite, she remains trapped by her social origins and her lack of genuine refinement. Her attempts to fit in often result in awkwardness and social gaffes, highlighting the impossibility of truly bridging the gap between the classes. In the end, her physical transformation is merely a superficial facade that cannot conceal her true identity.
#### 1.7. The Impact on Readers
Fitzgerald’s detailed description of Myrtle’s physical appearance is designed to evoke a range of emotions in the reader. We may feel sympathy for her desire to escape her circumstances, but we may also be repelled by her vulgarity and her lack of self-awareness. This ambivalence is intentional, reflecting the complex and contradictory nature of the American Dream itself. Myrtle is both a victim and a perpetrator, a symbol of the allure and the illusion of social mobility.
### 2. The Connection to Social Class and the American Dream
Myrtle’s physical presence is inextricably linked to her social class and her aspirations for a better life. She represents the striving middle class, desperate to climb the social ladder and achieve the American Dream. Her attempts to transform herself through clothing, makeup, and behavior are all manifestations of this desire.
#### 2.1. The Illusion of Social Mobility
Myrtle’s story is a cautionary tale about the illusion of social mobility in the Jazz Age. Despite her efforts to emulate the wealthy elite, she remains trapped by her social origins and her lack of genuine refinement. Her attempts to fit in often result in awkwardness and social gaffes, highlighting the impossibility of truly bridging the gap between the classes. She is a symbol of the limitations of the American Dream, particularly for those who lack the advantages of birth and wealth.
#### 2.2. The Critique of Materialism
Fitzgerald uses Myrtle’s character to critique the materialism of the Jazz Age. Her obsession with clothing, jewelry, and other material possessions reflects a superficial understanding of happiness and fulfillment. She believes that by acquiring these things, she can transform herself into someone worthy of love and respect. However, her pursuit of material wealth only leads to disillusionment and ultimately to tragedy. Her story serves as a warning against the dangers of equating happiness with material possessions.
#### 2.3. The Symbolism of the Valley of Ashes
Myrtle’s connection to the Valley of Ashes is also significant. This desolate landscape represents the moral and social decay that underlies the glittering facade of the Roaring Twenties. Myrtle’s presence in this environment suggests that she is a product of this decay, a victim of the social and economic forces that have created a vast divide between the rich and the poor. She is a symbol of the human cost of the American Dream, a reminder that not everyone can achieve success and happiness.
### 3. Myrtle’s Physicality and Her Relationship with Tom
Myrtle’s physical allure is a key factor in her relationship with Tom Buchanan. He is drawn to her earthy sensuality, which provides a stark contrast to the refined elegance of his wife, Daisy. Their affair is based on physical attraction and a shared desire for excitement and transgression.
#### 3.1. The Power Dynamic
The power dynamic in their relationship is also significant. Tom, with his wealth and social status, holds all the cards. He can provide Myrtle with the material comforts she craves, but he also controls her destiny. She is dependent on him for her access to the world of the wealthy elite, which makes her vulnerable and susceptible to his abuse. Their relationship is a microcosm of the larger power imbalances that exist in society.
#### 3.2. The Lack of Genuine Connection
Their relationship is ultimately shallow and devoid of genuine emotional connection. Tom sees Myrtle as a sexual object, a means of satisfying his desires without any real commitment. Myrtle, in turn, uses Tom for his money and his social connections, hoping to improve her own circumstances. Neither of them is truly invested in the other’s well-being, which makes their relationship ultimately unsustainable.
#### 3.3. The Seeds of Tragedy
The seeds of tragedy are sown in the very nature of their relationship. Tom’s infidelity and his abuse of power create a volatile and dangerous situation. Myrtle’s desperation to escape her circumstances and her dependence on Tom make her vulnerable to his whims. Their affair is a recipe for disaster, and it ultimately leads to Myrtle’s tragic death.
### 4. Myrtle Wilson as a Tragic Figure
Ultimately, Myrtle Wilson is a tragic figure. She is a victim of her own desires, her social circumstances, and the destructive forces of the American Dream. Her physical description is a key element in understanding her character and her tragic fate. She is a symbol of the allure and the illusion of social mobility, a reminder that not everyone can achieve success and happiness.
#### 4.1. The Crushing of Aspirations
Myrtle’s aspirations are ultimately crushed by the realities of her social class and the limitations of her own character. Despite her efforts to transform herself, she remains trapped by her origins and her lack of genuine refinement. Her attempts to fit in often result in awkwardness and social gaffes, highlighting the impossibility of truly bridging the gap between the classes. She is a tragic example of the human cost of the American Dream.
#### 4.2. The Symbolism of Her Death
Myrtle’s death is a symbolic culmination of her tragic story. She is killed by Daisy Buchanan, a representative of the wealthy elite, highlighting the ultimate powerlessness of the lower classes in the face of wealth and privilege. Her death is a senseless act of violence that underscores the moral decay and social injustice that pervade the novel. It is a final, devastating reminder of the limitations of the American Dream and the destructive forces of social inequality.
### 5. Expert Review: Analyzing Fitzgerald’s Writing Style
Fitzgerald’s writing style is crucial in shaping our understanding of Myrtle Wilson. His use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and social commentary creates a complex and nuanced portrait of a woman who is both alluring and tragic.
#### 5.1. Detailed Feature Analysis
* **Vivid Imagery:** Fitzgerald uses vivid imagery to create a strong sense of Myrtle’s physical presence, emphasizing her sensuality and her attempts to transform herself.
* **Symbolism:** Myrtle’s clothing, makeup, and overall appearance are all laden with symbolism, reflecting her social aspirations and her tragic fate.
* **Social Commentary:** Fitzgerald uses Myrtle’s character to critique the materialism and social inequality of the Jazz Age.
* **Contrast:** The contrast between Myrtle and Daisy highlights the different roles that women occupy in the novel’s social hierarchy.
* **Irony:** The tragic irony of Myrtle’s transformation underscores the limitations of the American Dream.
#### 5.2. Advantages of Fitzgerald’s Style
* Creates a memorable and compelling character.
* Enhances the novel’s exploration of class, desire, and the American Dream.
* Evokes a range of emotions in the reader.
* Provides a nuanced and complex portrait of the Jazz Age.
* Adds depth and richness to the novel’s themes.
#### 5.3. Limitations of Fitzgerald’s Style
* Some readers may find Myrtle’s character unsympathetic.
* The novel’s focus on the wealthy elite may alienate some readers.
* The symbolism can be complex and require careful interpretation.
#### 5.4. Ideal User Profile
* Readers interested in American literature.
* Students studying *The Great Gatsby*.
* Those interested in social commentary and historical fiction.
#### 5.5. Key Alternatives
* *The Age of Innocence* by Edith Wharton: Explores similar themes of social class and societal expectations.
* *Sister Carrie* by Theodore Dreiser: Examines the allure of the American Dream and its potential consequences.
#### 5.6. Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation
Fitzgerald’s portrayal of Myrtle Wilson is a masterful example of character development and social commentary. Her physical description is a key element in understanding her tragic story and the larger themes of *The Great Gatsby*. Highly recommended for anyone interested in American literature and the complexities of the American Dream.
### 6. Advantages, Benefits & Real-World Value
Understanding Myrtle’s physical description offers several advantages:
* **Deeper understanding of *The Great Gatsby*:** Unlocks layers of meaning related to class, desire, and the American Dream.
* **Improved literary analysis skills:** Enhances your ability to interpret symbolism and character development.
* **Insight into the Jazz Age:** Provides a glimpse into the social and cultural dynamics of the 1920s.
* **Enhanced appreciation for Fitzgerald’s writing style:** Allows you to recognize the nuances of his language and imagery.
* **Connection to timeless themes:** Explores themes that are still relevant today, such as social inequality and the pursuit of happiness.
### 7. Insightful Q&A Section
**Q1: Why is Myrtle’s physical appearance so different from Daisy’s?**
A: The contrast highlights the different social classes and the unattainable nature of the American Dream for some.
**Q2: How does Myrtle’s clothing contribute to her character?**
A: It symbolizes her attempts to climb the social ladder and her desire to appear more refined.
**Q3: What does Myrtle’s death symbolize in the novel?**
A: It represents the tragic consequences of social inequality and the destructive forces of wealth and privilege.
**Q4: Is Myrtle a sympathetic character?**
A: She is complex and elicits mixed feelings. Some sympathize with her aspirations, while others are repelled by her behavior.
**Q5: How does Myrtle’s relationship with Tom reflect the themes of the novel?**
A: It underscores the power dynamics and the lack of genuine connection in the upper class.
**Q6: What is the significance of the Valley of Ashes in relation to Myrtle?**
A: It represents the moral and social decay that underlies the glittering facade of the Roaring Twenties, and Myrtle’s connection shows she is a product of that decay.
**Q7: How does Fitzgerald use color to describe Myrtle?**
A: He uses bright, bold colors to reflect her desire to stand out and attract attention, but also to suggest a lack of refinement.
**Q8: What is the role of makeup in Myrtle’s transformation?**
A: It represents her attempt to mask her true self and create a more glamorous persona, but also reveals her insecurity.
**Q9: How does Myrtle embody the critique of materialism in the novel?**
A: Her obsession with material possessions reflects a superficial understanding of happiness and fulfillment.
**Q10: What lessons can be learned from Myrtle’s tragic story?**
A: It serves as a cautionary tale about the illusion of social mobility and the dangers of equating happiness with material possessions.
### Conclusion
Myrtle Wilson’s physical description in *The Great Gatsby* is far more than just a superficial detail; it is a crucial element in understanding her character, her aspirations, and her tragic fate. Fitzgerald uses her body, clothing, and overall presentation to convey her social class, her desires, and the limitations of the American Dream. By carefully analyzing these details, we gain a deeper appreciation for the novel’s themes and the complexities of the human condition.
We’ve explored how Fitzgerald masterfully employs imagery and symbolism to paint a vivid picture of Myrtle, a woman caught between worlds. Her story serves as a potent reminder of the social inequalities and the elusive nature of the American Dream during the Jazz Age. Her character is a complex blend of desire, vulnerability, and tragedy, making her one of the most memorable figures in American literature.
Share your own interpretations of Myrtle’s physical description in the comments below. What other aspects of her character do you find compelling or tragic? Let’s continue the discussion and explore the enduring legacy of *The Great Gatsby*.
