Who Killed Myrtle? The Great Gatsby's Shocking Truth!
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald's seminal work, continues to generate discussion surrounding its complex characters and tragic events. Myrtle Wilson, a figure of yearning and ultimately fatal ambition, met a sudden and violent end, raising the crucial question: Who actually killed Myrtle in The Great Gatsby? The answer, intertwined with themes of social class and the destructive power of wealth, implicates both Daisy Buchanan, as the driver of the fateful vehicle, and George Wilson, as the vengeful husband, in a narrative that explores the consequences of unchecked desire and the illusory nature of the American Dream. Valley of Ashes, the location where she met her tragic demise is also an entity of the crime. The question of who actually killed myrtle in The Great Gatsby requires a careful examination of motives and circumstances.
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Unraveling the Mystery: Who Actually Killed Myrtle in The Great Gatsby?
The death of Myrtle Wilson in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a pivotal moment, propelling the narrative toward its tragic climax. While the immediate answer seems straightforward, a closer examination reveals layers of ambiguity and implicates multiple characters, directly and indirectly, in her demise. The core question we must address is: who actually killed myrtle in the great gatsby? This analysis will delve into the actions, motivations, and responsibilities of key individuals involved.
Setting the Scene: The Events Leading to the Tragedy
Before examining culpability, it's crucial to reconstruct the moments preceding Myrtle's death. Understanding the context is essential to assigning responsibility accurately.
- The Argument at the Plaza Hotel: The confrontation between Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy at the Plaza Hotel sets the stage. Tom exposes Gatsby's illicit dealings and his inability to replicate the past with Daisy.
- Daisy's Choice (or Lack Thereof): Daisy, under immense pressure, chooses to stay with Tom, crushing Gatsby's dreams and forcing him to face the reality of his fabricated persona.
- The Drive Home: Heartbroken and emotionally distraught, Gatsby and Daisy drive back to West Egg in Gatsby's yellow car.
- Myrtle's Escape: Observing Tom driving the yellow car earlier, Myrtle mistakenly believes he is returning to her. She escapes from her home, desperate to confront him.
The Immediate Cause: Daisy's Reckless Driving
Daisy at the Wheel: The Direct Cause of Death
The most immediate and undeniable cause of Myrtle's death is Daisy Buchanan's reckless driving. She is the one behind the wheel of Gatsby's car when it strikes Myrtle.
- Witness Accounts: Nick Carraway and other witnesses corroborate the fact that the yellow car, driven by a woman, hit Myrtle and sped away.
- Daisy's State of Mind: Overwhelmed by the confrontation at the Plaza, Daisy is emotionally unstable and likely not in a suitable state to drive.
- The Decision to Hit the Accelerator: While it's never explicitly stated whether Daisy intentionally hit Myrtle, the act of not stopping and continuing to drive suggests a level of panic and denial.
Gatsby's Complicity: Taking the Blame
Immediately after the incident, Gatsby takes responsibility for the accident to protect Daisy.
- Gatsby's Motivation: His unwavering devotion to Daisy compels him to shield her from any potential legal or social repercussions. He believes his wealth and influence can protect her.
- Gatsby's Sacrifice: He stands guard outside the Buchanan's house, ready to take the blame if the police investigate, further solidifying his commitment to shielding Daisy.
Secondary Responsibility: The Roles of Tom and George Wilson
While Daisy's action is the direct cause, Tom and George Wilson bear significant indirect responsibility for Myrtle's death.
Tom Buchanan: Fueling the Conflict
Tom's actions contribute significantly to the escalating tension and ultimately, Myrtle's demise.
- Tom's Affair: His infidelity with Myrtle creates a volatile situation and fuels Myrtle's desperation.
- Tom's Manipulation: He manipulates both Daisy and Myrtle, leading them to believe he cares for them while ultimately using them for his own gratification.
- Tom's Confrontation with Gatsby: Exposing Gatsby's criminal activities at the Plaza destabilizes Daisy and sets her off on her tragic drive home.
George Wilson: A Husband Driven to Desperation
George Wilson's ignorance and blind faith, coupled with Tom's lies, contribute to the tragic events.
- George's Naivete: He is unaware of Myrtle's affair until Tom reveals Gatsby's ownership of the yellow car.
- George's Grief and Anger: Driven by grief and rage, he becomes consumed by the need for revenge, believing the driver of the yellow car to be Myrtle's lover and killer.
- George's Pursuit of Gatsby: Fueled by Tom's suggestion, George tracks down Gatsby and kills him before taking his own life. This creates a chain reaction stemming from Myrtle's death.
A Breakdown of Responsibility: A Table of Contributors
The following table summarizes the different characters' level of responsibility in Myrtle's death:
| Character | Direct Responsibility | Indirect Responsibility | Contributing Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daisy Buchanan | High | Moderate | Reckless driving, emotional instability, panic. |
| Jay Gatsby | None | High | Protecting Daisy, engaging in illicit activities that fueled the overall drama. |
| Tom Buchanan | None | High | Affair with Myrtle, manipulation of Daisy and Myrtle, exposing Gatsby. |
| George Wilson | None | Moderate | Naivete, grief, desire for revenge, misguided information. |
| Myrtle Wilson | None | Indirect | Pursuit of Tom, volatile personality, desire for a different life. |
In conclusion, while Daisy is the direct cause of Myrtle's death, the actions and choices of Gatsby, Tom, and George Wilson all contribute to the tragedy, highlighting the complex web of relationships and responsibilities that ultimately lead to the demise of several characters in The Great Gatsby.
Video: Who Killed Myrtle? The Great Gatsby's Shocking Truth!
FAQs: Myrtle's Death in The Great Gatsby
Here are some frequently asked questions about Myrtle Wilson's tragic death in The Great Gatsby.
Who was driving the car that killed Myrtle?
Daisy Buchanan was driving the car that killed Myrtle Wilson. While Gatsby took the blame initially, the truth is that Daisy was behind the wheel when the accident occurred.
Why did Gatsby take the blame for Myrtle's death?
Gatsby took the blame to protect Daisy. He was deeply in love with her and willing to do anything, even sacrificing himself, to shield her from the consequences of her actions. He believed he could protect her from the law and any potential scandal.
What were Myrtle's intentions when she ran into the road?
Myrtle ran into the road because she saw Gatsby's car, which she recognized. She mistakenly believed that Tom Buchanan was in the car and was coming to rescue her from George. She was desperate to escape her unhappy marriage.
So, who actually killed Myrtle in The Great Gatsby?
Daisy Buchanan ultimately killed Myrtle Wilson. Although Gatsby tried to take responsibility, it was Daisy's reckless driving that led to the tragic accident. The incident highlights the carelessness and irresponsibility of the wealthy elite in the novel.