Who Ran Over Myrtle

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The question, "Who ran over Myrtle Wilson?" is a pivotal point in F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel, The Great Gatsby. It's not only a crucial plot point driving the narrative forward but also a potent symbol representing the moral decay and social inequalities of the Roaring Twenties. Understanding who is responsible, and the layers of deception and evasion surrounding the incident, unveils the novel's deeper themes of class, wealth, and the elusive American Dream. This article delves deep into the incident, analyzing the characters involved, the evidence, and the far-reaching consequences of Myrtle's tragic death.

The Night of the Accident: A Reconstruction

The narrative surrounding Myrtle's death is shrouded in ambiguity, deliberately crafted by Fitzgerald to heighten the suspense and underscore the moral ambiguity of the characters. We learn about the event primarily through the perspective of Nick Carraway, Gatsby's neighbor and the novel's narrator. His account, however, is filtered through his own observations and interpretations, leaving room for speculation.

The evening begins with Gatsby's lavish party, a vibrant display of excess and carelessness. Later, after a tense encounter with Tom Buchanan, Daisy, and Jordan Baker, Nick finds himself driving with Gatsby. They are hurrying, the mood charged with unspoken anxieties. It is during this frantic drive that the accident occurs.

The scene itself is presented with a calculated lack of detail. We know a yellow car, later identified as Gatsby's, is involved. A woman is struck and killed. The ensuing chaos – the frantic escape, the whispers, the hushed conversations – further obscures the truth. The reader is left to piece together the fragments of information, much like Nick himself, to determine who was behind the wheel.

The Suspects: Gatsby and Daisy

The primary suspects are, of course, Gatsby and Daisy. The yellow car is Gatsby's, and Daisy is known to be a reckless and emotionally volatile character. The novel cleverly manipulates our perceptions, making both seemingly guilty and simultaneously innocent.

Gatsby's Involvement: Gatsby, in his obsessive pursuit of Daisy, takes full responsibility for the accident. He believes that by shielding Daisy from the consequences, he can win her back. This act, though born from love (or perhaps obsession), speaks volumes about his flawed character and the lengths he will go to for the woman he desires. He sacrifices himself, believing it's a necessary price to pay for Daisy's happiness and his own twisted vision of their future together.

Daisy's Responsibility: However, the evidence strongly suggests that Daisy, and not Gatsby, was actually driving the car. While Gatsby takes the blame, the narrative hints at Daisy's involvement through subtle clues. Her emotional state throughout the evening, her driving habits, and the way she reacts to the accident, all point towards her being the one behind the wheel. It was Daisy's impulsive act, her reckless driving, that ultimately led to Myrtle's death. Her privileged status, however, allows her to escape the legal and social consequences of her actions.

The Role of Tom Buchanan

Tom Buchanan, Daisy's brutish and powerful husband, also plays a significant role in the unfolding events. He is aware of the affair between Daisy and Gatsby, and his jealousy fuels the conflict. While he doesn't directly cause the accident, his actions contribute to the atmosphere of tension and recklessness that leads to the tragic outcome. His manipulation and control over others, particularly his callous disregard for Myrtle, paint a chilling portrait of his character.

His role goes beyond mere passive observation. His knowledge of the event, his subsequent manipulation of events, and his overall callous attitude towards Myrtle's death showcase his privilege and lack of accountability. Tom, despite knowing the truth, uses his influence to deflect blame and ensure his own protection.

The Symbolism of Myrtle's Death

Myrtle's death is far more than just a tragic accident; it's a potent symbol representing several key themes in The Great Gatsby.

• The Illusion of the American Dream: Myrtle, trapped in a loveless marriage and yearning for a better life, represents the unattainable American Dream. Her pursuit of wealth and status, symbolized by her affair with Tom, ultimately leads to her demise, highlighting the harsh realities of social inequality and the illusionary nature of upward mobility.

• Class Inequality: The incident underscores the vast class disparity between the wealthy elite (represented by the Buchanans and Gatsby) and the lower class (represented by Myrtle). The wealthy characters' ability to evade responsibility highlights the power dynamics and unequal justice system prevalent in the 1920s.

• Moral Decay: Myrtle's death exposes the moral corruption and carelessness of the wealthy elite. Their recklessness and disregard for human life are consequences of their unbridled wealth and privilege.

• The Deceptive Nature of Appearances: The elaborate charade surrounding the accident reflects the superficiality and deceit that permeate the lives of the wealthy characters. Their carefully constructed masks of respectability crumble under the weight of their actions.

The Aftermath: Consequences and Interpretations

The aftermath of Myrtle's death is equally significant. Gatsby's selfless act of taking the blame ultimately leads to his own demise. Daisy, sheltered by her wealth and connections, escapes unscathed, highlighting the injustices of the era. The novel ends with a sense of disillusionment, reflecting the shattered dreams and moral decay of the Roaring Twenties.

The ambiguity surrounding the identity of the driver serves a crucial narrative purpose. It underscores the moral ambiguity of the characters and the complexities of their relationships. Fitzgerald leaves the reader to ponder the true meaning of the incident and its symbolic significance, inviting various interpretations and analyses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who actually hit Myrtle?

A: While Gatsby takes the blame, the strongest evidence points to Daisy being the driver. The novel purposefully leaves some ambiguity, but the clues heavily suggest Daisy's involvement.

Q: Why does Gatsby take the blame?

A: Gatsby's selfless act of taking the blame stems from his deep love, or perhaps obsession, with Daisy. He believes protecting her is more important than facing the consequences himself.

Q: What is the significance of the yellow car?

A: The yellow car symbolizes Gatsby's wealth and the superficiality of the Roaring Twenties, contrasting with the tragedy it causes. It is also a symbol of the recklessness and careless actions of the wealthy elite.

Q: How does Myrtle's death contribute to the novel's themes?

A: Myrtle's death symbolizes the illusion of the American Dream, class inequality, moral decay, and the deceptive nature of appearances. It’s a pivotal event that underscores several key themes explored in The Great Gatsby.

Q: What is the overall message of the novel regarding Myrtle's death?

A: The novel highlights the consequences of wealth, privilege, and recklessness, showing how the wealthy can evade responsibility for their actions. It also points to the tragic consequences of chasing an unattainable dream and the disillusionment that can follow.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

The question of who ran over Myrtle Wilson remains one of the most compelling aspects of The Great Gatsby. It’s not simply a question with a straightforward answer but a complex issue revealing the novel's overarching themes and the moral complexities of its characters. The ambiguity surrounding the accident reinforces the novel's enduring power, prompting readers to engage in thoughtful interpretation and consider the lasting social and moral implications of the tragedy. The mystery isn't just about who drove the car; it's about the societal structures that allowed such an event to occur and the consequences that followed. It’s a question that continues to resonate with readers decades after the novel’s publication, solidifying its position as a timeless masterpiece of American literature.