Comparing Wilson's Greed In The Great Gatsby And The Necklace

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In “The Great Gatsby”, the characters Myrtle Wilson and Jay Gatsby and in “The Necklace”, Mathilde Loisel, allow themselves to be selfish and greedy by believing that having a high social status is more important than the people around them. This can be seen through the affair of Myrtle Wilson and Tom Buchanan where her husband, George Wilson means nothing to her, instead having a rich and glamorous life is more concerning. This shows that Myrtle’s relationship with George is weak. To Myrtle, Tom’s wealth and reputation outshines Wilson’s low-class job. Myrtle admires Tom because she sees Tom as a way of achieving a high status and good reputation and dislikes her husband, who is completely devoted to her and would do anything to insure her …show more content…

After Mathilde buys a dress with the money that Mr.Loisel gives to her, she still is not satisfied with what she is given, she wants more. Mathilde’s greediness is shown when she demands expensive jewelry to wear to the party even though Mr.Loisel invests his saving for Mathilde’s dress. She does not appreciate Mr. Loisel actions and instead complains about not having an aristocratic showcase. Mathilde does not acknowledge the sacrifice her husband has made for, she deceitfully expects more. This relates to Gatsby when he expects more from Daisy than mere love. He wishes she leave her family and spend rest of her life with him. This shows both Gatsby and Mathilde are always looking for more and will never be satisfied with what they have. They both assume having a high status, they can expect more hence, making them selfish and greedy. Attempts at attaining a high social status affect Myrtle, Gatsby and Mathilde negatively as they show selfishness and greediness acts. A negative impact of social status is also exemplified through the importance of