Myrtle's Death In The Great Gatsby Analysis

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For many, death could truly be the worst thing to happen. The theme of morality is explored thoroughly both literally and metaphorically throughout Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. While murder is certainly gruesome, it can also be a symbolic form of karma. The murder of Jay Gatsby, not that of Myrtle Wilson, is the greater crime. This is demonstrated using the presence of hope, for Gatsby unmaterialistic views while Myrtle suffers from the clouded view of false glamour. Tragedy offers another opportunity to explain how Jay Gatsby’s death was wrongfully served, whereas Myrtle’s death was payment for her sins. Finally, one could argue that Jay’s death was deliberate revenge while Myrtle’s was not.
The first factor supporting Jay’s life as …show more content…

George decides to avenge Myrtle’s death. And with this Tom tells George it was Gatsby’s car, “…What if I did tell him? That fellow had it coming to him. He threw dust into your eyes just like he did in Daisy 's, but he was a tough one. He ran over Myrtle like you 'd run over a dog and never even stopped his car…” Whereas Myrtle ran into the middle of the road, “A moment later she rushed out into the dusk, waving her hands and shouting-before he could move from his door the business was over.” (Fitzgerald. 111). Gatsby’s murder is a setup, or at least pre meditated, Myrtle’s was a result of running into traffic, and even a deserved killing as Daisy is driving the car. Still earned or not, Daisy committed manslaughter by her careless driving. “…there was no need to listen for the heart beneath. The mouth was wide open and ripped at the corners, as though she had choked a little in giving up the tremendous vitality she had stored so long.” (Fitzgerald. 111) and even proceeds to drive away, “… Anyhow-Daisy stepped on it. I tried to make her stop, but she couldn 't, so I pulled on the emergency brake. Then she fell over into my lap and I drove on.” (Fitzgerald. 111) Leaving Gatsby to hide his car and take the fall for her

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