Ghada Kadoumi Andrea Zuck ENG4U May 10, 2023 Characters’ Conflicts That Shaped Societal Values In a world where people’s actions matter, many tend to shape society and its values through how they view themselves and others. As new characters are introduced within The Great Gatsby, societal values are revealed with the help of conflicts. Mainly the significant dispute that occurs by the objectification and the vivid difference in treatment of women demonstrated through Daisy the flower and Myrtle the shrub’s usefulness, husband treatments, and social hierarchy. Although both women are seen as objects, Tom’s treatment of Daisy because of her status demeans Myrtle's worth to nothing but an intimate doll. After murdering Myrtle, Daisy sits …show more content…
While Nick observes their interaction describing the atmosphere to the audience, “they weren’t happy, and neither of them had touched the chicken or the ale - and yet they weren’t unhappy either” (Fitzgerald 145). The couple partake in an abusive relationship, however, Daisy and Tom manage to turn an unhappy atmosphere to a bearable one because of the ability, comfort and societal elevation their marriage provides them. On the other hand, Myrtle is seen as nothing but a sex object to Tom that can be used and tossed anytime. The mistress's constant mention of Daisy triggers Tom to physically abuse her. Nick explains, “Making a short def movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand” (37). The mention of his perfect wife infuriates Tom into physically attacking Myrtle, uncovering his incapability of receiving criticism about his perfect life especially when it is coming from a woman he …show more content…
While Daisy cheats with Gatsby, Tom discovers their affair leading to a confrontation between her two lovers, he voiced, “Go on. He won’t annoy you. I think he realizes that his presumptuous little flirtation is over” (Fitzgerald 135). Tom is confident in his relationship with Daisy even after the confrontation, because of the power he has over Daisy’s well established and comfortable life. After bringing Gatsby down by emotionally manipulating and triggering him throughout their argument, Tom was able to regain the male dominance over his wife and her lover, as well as amplifying the higher role a man has in his family. Therefore, he unfolds the perception of the importance of main dominance in society by degrading women (Tripp 9). This guaranteed win gives Daisy freedom to do what she wants knowing that she will find her way back to him at some point. As the privileged Daisy experiences freedom, Myrtle is paying consequences for her actions and feelings. To strip her off from her rights, George Wilson locks up his wife after he discovers her affair with Tom. He explains to Tom, “And now she’s going whether she wants to or not. I'm going to get her away” (Fitzgerald 123). Myrtle loses her right to stand up for herself after instigating fear and discomfort in George. His actions cause Myrtle to devalue her worth and her importance