How do Wilson, Tom, Nick, & Gatsby react to Myrtle’s death in ‘The Great Gatsby ‘?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
In The Great Gatsby, Myrtle’s death triggers distinct reactions from four central characters—George Wilson, Tom Buchanan, Nick Carraway, and Jay Gatsby. Each response reflects their personalities and roles within the novel’s broader themes.
- George Wilson: Myrtle’s husband, George, is devastated by her death. Overcome with grief and anger, he seeks answers and justice, believing her death to be a murder rather than an accident. His despair propels him to pursue the car that killed Myrtle, mistakenly believing Gatsby was the driver, leading to the novel’s tragic climax. George’s reaction shows how deeply connected his identity and emotions were to Myrtle, as her infidelity and death shatter his fragile world.
- Tom Buchanan: Tom’s reaction is cold and pragmatic. He uses Myrtle’s death to his advantage, manipulating the situation to maintain his power. He lets George believe that Gatsby was driving the car, despite knowing that it was Daisy. Tom’s response reveals his selfishness and lack of empathy, highlighting his view of Myrtle as expendable and beneath him. Tom feels no guilt and takes no responsibility for his role in the tragedy, reinforcing his sense of superiority and privilege.
- Nick Carraway: As the novel’s narrator, Nick reacts with a sense of moral confusion and sorrow. He is appalled by the carelessness of Tom and Daisy, as well as the senselessness of the events. Myrtle’s death, to Nick, symbolizes the destructive nature of wealth and the moral decay of those surrounding him. This event marks a turning point for Nick, leading him to further distance himself from the East Egg lifestyle.
- Jay Gatsby: Gatsby’s primary concern is Daisy’s well-being. He is so fixated on protecting her that he barely acknowledges Myrtle’s death, other than to express mild regret. He takes the blame for the accident to shield Daisy, revealing his obsessive devotion to her, even at great personal cost. Gatsby’s reaction underscores his romantic idealism and the extent to which he has built his life around Daisy, regardless of the consequences.
In summary, Myrtle’s death exposes the moral failings of the characters. While George is consumed by grief and Tom manipulates the situation for personal gain, Nick is disillusioned, and Gatsby’s response is marked by a tragic, misplaced loyalty to Daisy.