Introduction
The allure of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s *The Great Gatsby* lies in its intricate portrayal of the Roaring Twenties, a time of lavish excess, social climbing, and the elusive promise of the American Dream. While the novel is primarily concerned with the enigmatic Jay Gatsby and the unattainable Daisy Buchanan, the supporting characters provide crucial context and depth. Among these, Myrtle Wilson, the ambitious and tragically flawed mistress of Tom Buchanan, captivates the reader with her raw physicality and unwavering desire for a better life. This article will delve into the Myrtle Wilson physical description, exploring how Fitzgerald utilizes her appearance to unveil her aspirations, the social constraints she faces, and ultimately, the devastating consequences of her choices.
Initial Description: The Valley of Ashes
From her initial introduction, Myrtle is presented as a figure of stark contrast to the polished elegance of the wealthy elite she so desperately craves to emulate. Unlike the delicate beauty of Daisy, Myrtle is introduced in the desolate, ash-laden landscape of the Valley of Ashes, a symbol of the moral and economic decay that underlies the glittering surface of the Jazz Age. Her initial appearance, as revealed in the narrative, immediately establishes her as a woman who operates on a different plane from those who inhabit the gilded world of West Egg and East Egg.
The Encounter
The encounter takes place in the desolate expanse near George Wilson’s garage. The very setting serves as a prelude to the revelation of Myrtle’s character. She emerges from this barren landscape. The text describes her in a way that is immediately striking. Myrtle is described as possessing a “fleshly” frame, a quality emphasized by her “stout” figure. While “stout” may have a different connotation today, in this context it denotes a woman with a fuller, more substantial form. The description conveys a physicality that is both grounded and sensual, contrasting sharply with the ethereal beauty of Daisy.
Fitzgerald meticulously crafts this physical contrast to highlight the social chasm separating Myrtle from her desired aspirations. Her physique reflects a life of labor and hardship, bearing little resemblance to the slender, carefully curated bodies of the social elite. This detail reinforces the theme of social class and the limitations imposed by one’s background in the era. Her initial look reflects her current social standing, the harsh realities of her existence in the Valley of Ashes.
Physical Description and the Pursuit of Wealth and Status
The narrative continues to build on this initial impression as we learn more about Myrtle’s ambitions and the measures she will take to achieve them. In contrast to her current reality, she wants a life of luxury and social prestige. She uses her appearance as a form of agency, a tool to reshape her identity and rewrite her destiny. This is a crucial element in understanding the Myrtle Wilson physical description.
The Transformation
The text reveals her careful management of her appearance as a means of escape and upward mobility. She invests in her physical transformation. She invests in new dresses, accessories, and the latest fashion magazines. These seemingly superficial purchases represent a determined attempt to create a new persona, one that aligns with her aspirations. Myrtle is not simply attempting to attract a wealthy lover; she is attempting to sculpt herself into a vision of social success.
The narrative emphasizes the importance of the setting for these choices. Myrtle doesn’t want to remain in the Valley of Ashes. She doesn’t want to be trapped in her marriage with George. Her aspirations are not merely for material comfort; they are for a life beyond her current circumstances. The act of adorning herself becomes a form of rebellion, a declaration of independence from the limitations imposed upon her.
The Transformation at the Apartment Party
The most dramatic example of Myrtle’s physical manipulation occurs during the infamous party at Tom Buchanan’s apartment in New York City. This scene provides a detailed exploration of her physical transformation, and it is crucial to understanding the power of her physical presence and ambition. It underscores the complexities of the Myrtle Wilson physical description.
The Change
As Myrtle enters the apartment, her initial appearance undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis. The description of her clothing is vibrant and suggestive of a heightened sense of self-confidence and social ambition. She quickly puts on a dress and begins to embody a new persona. Her posture changes, and her gestures become more assertive, betraying an inner confidence and ambition. The apartment and its occupants are a contrast to the place where she had previously lived, and she wants to make sure she belongs.
Color and Confidence
The focus shifts to the vivid color palette that becomes central to Myrtle’s transformation. The bright hues of her clothes and accessories stand out in contrast to her initial appearance. The descriptions focus on vibrant colors, and bold patterns that make her stand out. The visual richness of the descriptions adds to the sense of excess and superficiality that characterizes the party scene.
The text meticulously captures the way Myrtle’s demeanor changes. She becomes more commanding and outspoken, her voice rising in volume and confidence. Her change in posture, her very way of carrying herself, reveals the dramatic shift in her personality. She begins to act as if she is the mistress of the apartment, and the other partygoers often defer to her. She acts as if she has all the power she is striving to attain.
The transformation during the party is a direct expression of Myrtle’s ambition. The act of changing her clothes, styling her hair, and wearing makeup is a way of changing her identity to match her aspirations. She uses her physical appearance to play the role of a wealthy, sophisticated woman. She attempts to mirror the perceived glamour of Daisy and those like her, but the attempt is ultimately flawed, and reveals the superficiality of the social strata she seeks to infiltrate.
Physicality and the Symbolic Elements
Further analyzing her physical description reveals symbolic elements that deepen the narrative. Her physical form is not just a representation of her character, but also a reflection of her desires. The scene where Myrtle is looking out of a window becomes an iconic representation of her longing for a life beyond the Valley of Ashes. The imagery related to her eyes, such as the way they move, is also a key element in understanding her character. They reflect her desire, her passion, and her despair.
Symbolism
The Valley of Ashes itself is a significant symbol of decay and moral emptiness. Myrtle’s presence within this environment highlights the stark contrasts of the story. Her body, as a site of desire and transgression, underscores the corruption of the American Dream and the destructive forces of materialism and social climbing.
The Ending: Physical Appearance and the Tragic Conclusion
The tragic conclusion of Myrtle’s story is inextricably linked to her physical being and the symbolism that surrounds it. The manner of her death, struck down by a car driven by Daisy, acts as a final, devastating commentary on the societal forces that drive her. Her physical body becomes the ultimate victim, the final manifestation of the story’s tragic trajectory.
Consequence
Her death is not just the end of a character; it is the ultimate consequence of her ambition and the choices she makes. The impact of her death reverberates through the narrative, exposing the moral emptiness of the wealthy characters and the fleeting nature of the life she so desperately sought.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Myrtle Wilson physical description is far more than a simple observation of her appearance. Fitzgerald uses her physicality as a tool to unveil her character, her aspirations, and the devastating consequences of her pursuit of wealth and status. From her initial introduction in the Valley of Ashes to her tragic demise, Myrtle’s physical form is intricately linked to the novel’s central themes. The details reveal a story of ambition, societal constraints, and the destructive power of the American Dream. The portrayal of Myrtle is a testament to Fitzgerald’s skill in capturing the complex dynamics of the era, and his understanding of the role of appearance in shaping identity and determining destiny. The descriptions of her body, her clothing, her movements, and her expressions are all carefully crafted to deepen the impact and meaning of the story. The exploration of Myrtle Wilson through her physical being remains a crucial part of the novel’s enduring power.
