5 Similarities Between Daisy And Myrtle

Nov 18, 2024 · 8 min read

This article explores five key similarities between Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson from F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," highlighting their shared desires, struggles, and the social constraints they face in the Jazz Age. Through an analysis of their relationships and aspirations, the piece delves into the complex dynamics of love, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Hadwin Maverick

Editorial and Creative Lead

Daisy and Myrtle are two prominent characters in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, "The Great Gatsby." Although they exist in contrasting social spheres and represent different aspects of the American Dream, they share several significant similarities. In this article, we will explore five key similarities between Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson, shedding light on their complex relationships with love, ambition, and identity.

1. Desire for Love and Affection ❤️

Both Daisy and Myrtle are depicted as women who crave love and affection. Daisy is caught in a loveless marriage with Tom Buchanan, and her romantic aspirations are constantly overshadowed by his infidelity and dominance. Myrtle, on the other hand, engages in an affair with Tom, believing that it will lead her to a better life filled with love and happiness.

Important Note

"Their pursuits for love lead them down paths filled with heartache and disillusionment."

Both characters highlight the theme of longing, as they seek meaningful connections in a world rife with superficiality.

2. Pursuit of Wealth and Status 💰

Daisy and Myrtle are both motivated by their desires for wealth and social status. Daisy, born into a privileged family, enjoys the luxurious lifestyle that her marriage provides. However, her wealth does not bring her happiness, as she often yearns for the affection of her former lover, Gatsby.

Myrtle, on the other hand, is desperate to escape her lower-class life. She believes that by being with Tom, she can attain the status she craves. Myrtle's attempts to elevate herself through her relationship with Tom highlight the extent to which both women are willing to go for the sake of wealth.

<table> <tr> <th>Character</th> <th>Wealth</th> <th>Social Status</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Daisy Buchanan</td> <td>Upper Class</td> <td>Married to Tom Buchanan</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Myrtle Wilson</td> <td>Lower Class</td> <td>Affair with Tom Buchanan</td> </tr> </table>

3. Manipulation and Deception 🎭

Both women engage in manipulation and deception, often to get what they want from their relationships. Daisy, while charming and seemingly innocent, uses her allure to maintain the affections of the men in her life, particularly Gatsby. She creates a façade of happiness that hides her true feelings.

Myrtle, too, displays cunning behavior, manipulating Tom to keep him in her life, often indulging in lies to maintain her status as his mistress. Their ability to deceive not only those around them but also themselves reflects the complex nature of their identities and desires.

4. Objectification by Men 👥

Both Daisy and Myrtle are objectified by the men in their lives, revealing the patriarchal dynamics at play in their relationships. Daisy is often viewed as a trophy by Tom, a beautiful woman to flaunt rather than a partner to cherish. Tom's treatment of her reflects a broader societal tendency to value women for their appearance rather than their substance.

Myrtle, likewise, is seen as an object of desire for Tom, who views her primarily as a means of escape from his own dissatisfaction. Their experiences underline the theme of gender inequality and the limited agency both women possess in their lives.

5. Tragic Outcomes 🚧

Finally, both Daisy and Myrtle meet tragic outcomes, emphasizing the destructiveness of their pursuits for love and status. Myrtle's life ends abruptly when she runs into the path of a car driven by Daisy, highlighting the fatal consequences of their entangled lives. Meanwhile, Daisy's life remains stagnant, marked by regret and lost opportunities, as she ultimately chooses security over true love.

These tragic endings serve as poignant reminders of the costs associated with their desires, revealing how the pursuit of the American Dream can lead to disillusionment and despair.

In conclusion, Daisy and Myrtle may inhabit different social spheres in "The Great Gatsby," but they are bound by their desires for love, wealth, and fulfillment. Their similarities highlight the complexities of their characters and the societal forces that shape their lives. Through their stories, Fitzgerald critiques the illusion of the American Dream, reminding readers of the heartbreak that often accompanies the relentless pursuit of an idealized life.