Myrtle Wilson

• Who is Myrtle Wilson's husband?

  George Wilson
• Who is Myrtle Wilson's lover?

  Tom Buchanan
• How does Myrtle view her husband George Wilson?

  She finds him unsophisticated and poor
• Why did Myrtle marry George Wilson?

  She thought he was a gentleman
• What does Myrtle's desire for a more sophisticated life represent?

  Her pursuit of the American Dream
• How does Tom Buchanan treat Myrtle?

  As a possession rather than a partner
• What happens to Myrtle at the climax of the novel?

  She is killed by Daisy's car
• What does Myrtle's death symbolize in the novel?

  Upper class exploitation of the lower class
• In which chapter is Myrtle first introduced?

  Chapter 1
• How is Myrtle introduced in Chapter 1?

  As "some woman" by Jordan
• What does Myrtle's vitality represent in the context of her social status?

  Her temporary escape from lower class
• What societal changes occurred for women in the 1920s?

  Women gained the right to vote
• What was the role of flappers in the 1920s?

  They challenged traditional gender norms
• How did the First World War influence women's roles in society?

  It weakened old orthodoxies and authorities
• How does Myrtle's pursuit of social mobility differ from Gatsby's?

  Myrtle relies on Tom, Gatsby on entrepreneurship
• What does Myrtle's reliance on Tom signify?

  Her lack of independence and power
• What violent act does Tom commit against Myrtle?

  He breaks her nose
• How does Myrtle's materialism manifest in her behavior?

  She buys expensive items to show status
• What does Myrtle's desire for a dog reveal about her character?

  She views it as a status symbol
• How does Myrtle react to compliments about her dress?

  She dismisses them with disdain
• What does Tom's control over Myrtle's finances suggest?

  He uses money to dominate her
• How does Fitzgerald portray wealth in the novel?

  As a means of control and exploitation
• How does Myrtle try to present herself socially?

  As naturally glamorous and wealthy
• What does Myrtle's access to money signify in her relationship with Tom?

  Tom controls her through financial means
• What does Tom allow Myrtle to buy that symbolizes his control over her?

  A dog
• What does Fitzgerald suggest about wealth in the novel?

  Wealth includes privilege beyond money
• How does Myrtle's materialism affect her social perception?

  She believes she is upper class
• What does Myrtle's return to the Valley of Ashes signify?

  Her inability to rise socially
• How does Myrtle's death reflect her social status?

  She dies at the hands of the upper class
• How are Myrtle's and Daisy's social behaviors contrasted?

  Myrtle is loud and obscene, Daisy is refined
• What does Myrtle's speech reveal about her social status?

  She lacks upper-class mannerisms
• How does Myrtle's belief about Tom's intentions reflect her intelligence?

  She naively believes he will leave Daisy
• What does Daisy's wish for her daughter imply about her views on intelligence?

  She prefers ignorance to avoid injustice
• How is Myrtle's relationship with George characterized?

  Unhappy and trapped
• How long have Myrtle and George been married?

  12 years
• Why does Myrtle detest George?

  She feels he lacks ambition and wealth
• How does Myrtle's view of George contrast with her view of Tom?

  She sees Tom as strong and masculine
• What does Myrtle's challenge to George reveal about her character?

  She equates violence with masculinity
• How does Myrtle's vitality compare to George's character?

  Myrtle is vibrant, George is spiritless
• What does Myrtle's affair with Tom represent for her?

  A potential escape from her life