Relationship Between Tom Buchanan And Myrtle In The Great Gatsby

In the novel, The Great Gatsby, the two characters, Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson have opposing points-of-view on the topic of their relationship. In chapter 2, the reader is introduced to Tom’s mistress, Myrtle. Myrtle and Tom are both cheating on their spouses with each other, and they both have a great attraction to each other. Though the pairing have chemistry, they have two completely opposing understandings of their relationship. Tom sees their relationship as only a temporary expedient, and an ego booster. He does not plan on starting a family with Myrtle or even marrying her. Myrtle’s sister, Catherine, states “his wife [is] keeping them apart. She’s a Catholic, and they don’t believe in divorce” (Fitzgerald 33). Catherine’s line

Tom is only using their relationship to satisfy his needs and to, once again, feel superior to others. While Tom only sees their relationship as a temperpory fling, Myrtle sees the complete opposite. Myrtle sees her relationship with Tom as something romantic, and she even wants to get married to him. In chapter 2, she states, “‘I want to get one of those dogs…They’re nice to have — a dog’” (Fitzgerald 27). In this context, getting a dog would be similar to having a baby. Myrtle wants to get a dog to keep in her shared apartment with Tom to show her domestic sentiments. She believes that by getting the dog, Tom will become even more committed to her, and he might even finally leave Daisy for her. Fitzgerald could also be using a dog to symbolize loyalty, as that is the characteristic trait associated with dogs. This further shows that Myrtle wants Tom’s loyalty or commitment. She believes that their relationship is more than a fling, and that Tom truly loves her. Fitzgerald wants you to agree and sympathize with Myrtle's character rather than