Finally getting into the deeper parts of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, I’m noticing numerous connections to our recently read House of Mirth. Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson- two of our main characters at this point- have found that in their marriages, what they have isn’t enough.
This reminds me a lot of Bertha Dorset in the House of Mirth, a character whose constant dissatisfaction in her own marriage led to her cheating on her husband repeatedly with different men. Unlike Myrtle, however, Bertha married for the money, and does not regret her decision to marry, whereas Myrtle finds her entire marriage to be a mistake. Also, when Mr. George Dorset finds out about Bertha’s infidelities, he cannot look past them, but this is not the case with Daisy Buchanan. Daisy has done nothing at this point, she knows all about the affair, but is letting it happen. I don’t understand why especially when Nick informs us that she is not Catholic. What reason does she have for trying to save her marriage?
Other details I picked up on and thought were noteworthy include some personality developments that occurred in this section. For example, Tom Buchanan-I have concluded- is very demanding, like when he says, “'I want to see you...Get on the next train,’”(Fitzgerald 30). It’s very clear that when he wants to see her, he doesn’t usually get much of an argument. Also, Myrtle Wilson is much the same way; she is incredibly spoiled. When she pointed out the fact that she wanted a dog, she was not turned down, and quickly given what she wanted.
No comments:
Post a Comment