What Does Myrtle Symbolize In The Great Gatsby

In the novel, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald uses characterization and symbolism to prove obsessing over the American dream will lead to greed. The characterization of Myrtle shows how obsession can manifest itself into greed. As Myrtle learned she was going out to party with Tom, the man she had an affair with, she dressed-up for the occasion and, “changed her dress to a brown figured muslin which stretched tight over her rather wide hips as Tom helped her to the platform in New York” (Fitzgerald 31). Myrtle was obsessed with her self-image. Before she learned she was attending a party with Tom, she displayed her authentic self by wearing clothes that represented her, then after she changed into an outfit that made her

Myrtle’s obsession of achieving her American dream compelled her to both look and act the part of a high class woman which made her greedy. Myrtle showed greed while on the way to Tom’s apartment party, “she let four taxi cabs drive away before she selected a new one, lavender-colored with gray upholstery” (Fitzgerald 31). Myrtle’s obsession with self-image caused her to avoid four ordinary taxi cabs before choosing a special looking one. Myrtle did not want to be seen in an average looking car because of her insecurity of appearing impoverished. This led her to become greedy and go out of her way to take a good-looking cab. Fitzgerald also uses symbolism to display obsession manifesting itself into greed. As Nick, the narrator, was observing Gatsby’s house from afar he noticed, “In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars” (Fitzgerald 43). Fitzgerald compared Gatsby’s party-goers to moths to emphasize the fact that these people were extremely attracted to the warmth and opportunity of Gatsby’s social gathering like how moths are extremely attracted to