The tragic demise of Myrtle Wilson in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is a pivotal moment, and the question of How Is Gatsby Responsible For Myrtle’s Death lingers in the minds of many readers. While Daisy Buchanan was the one behind the wheel, Gatsby’s intricate web of desires and deceptions laid the groundwork for this devastating event.
The Illusion of Safety and Gatsby’s Role
Gatsby’s immense wealth and extravagant parties were all meticulously crafted to win back Daisy, the object of his obsessive love. He believed that by creating a dazzling world, he could erase the past and reclaim her. This singular focus, however, blinded him to the realities surrounding him, including the dangerous desires of those drawn to his opulent lifestyle.
Consider these contributing factors to Gatsby’s responsibility:
- His unwavering devotion to Daisy: Gatsby’s entire existence revolved around the fantasy of a future with Daisy. This intense focus meant he was willing to overlook or even enable Daisy’s recklessness, believing his love could shield her from consequences.
- The very nature of his wealth: The ill-gotten gains that fueled his parties created an environment where characters like Myrtle, who craved escape and a taste of that glamour, felt emboldened to seek out those who possessed it.
- His protection of Daisy: Even after the accident, Gatsby immediately chose to protect Daisy, taking the blame for her. This act, while seemingly noble, ultimately solidified the chain of events that led to his own death and failed to bring justice for Myrtle.
The events leading up to Myrtle’s death can be seen as a progression of Gatsby’s idealized vision clashing with the harsh realities of the time:
- Gatsby’s elaborate setup of his life to attract Daisy.
- Myrtle’s own desperate yearning for a life beyond her circumstances, a yearning amplified by the visible wealth surrounding Gatsby.
- The fateful argument between Daisy and Tom, leading Daisy to flee in Gatsby’s car.
- Myrtle’s tragic misidentification of the car and driver.
Here’s a quick look at the key players and their immediate reactions:
| Character | Action/Reaction |
|---|---|
| Daisy Buchanan | Drove the car that hit Myrtle. |
| Gatsby | Took the blame for Daisy. |
| Tom Buchanan | Directed Wilson to Gatsby. |
| George Wilson | Believed Gatsby killed Myrtle and sought revenge. |
The importance of understanding Gatsby’s indirect responsibility lies in recognizing how his actions, born from a profound but ultimately misguided love, created the very conditions for such a tragedy to unfold.
To fully grasp the nuanced ways in which Gatsby’s life choices and obsessions intertwined with the tragic fate of Myrtle Wilson, delve deeper into the text. You will find that the novel meticulously details the psychological and social forces at play.