Differences Between Daisy And Myrtle Chapter 2

Delving into the Differences: Daisy and Myrtle in Chapter 2 of The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a masterpiece of American literature, renowned for its evocative prose and exploration of complex characters. Chapter 2, set primarily in the valley of ashes and at the gaudy apartment of Tom Buchanan's mistress, Myrtle Wilson, presents a stark contrast between two very different women: Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson. While both represent aspects of the Roaring Twenties' hedonism and societal anxieties, their differences are profound and reveal much about Fitzgerald's nuanced portrayal of class, aspiration, and the American Dream. This exploration will delve deep into the multifaceted discrepancies between Daisy and Myrtle, analyzing their personalities, social standing, desires, and ultimate roles within the narrative.

Contrasting Personalities: Grace vs. Vulgarity

Daisy and Myrtle, though both entangled with the powerful and wealthy Tom Buchanan, possess radically different personalities. Daisy, a woman of refined elegance, embodies a sophisticated, almost ethereal grace. Her voice, described as "low, thrilling," is a captivating instrument of manipulation and subtle power. Her demeanor is one of quiet poise, even amidst the opulent chaos of her life. She projects an aura of old money and inherited privilege, a carefully cultivated persona that shields her vulnerability and deep-seated insecurities. Her actions, while often selfish and manipulative, are performed with a certain languid charm, masking the underlying cruelty.

Myrtle, on the other hand, is a blatant, almost aggressively assertive character. Her personality is marked by a raw energy and a palpable vulgarity that contrasts sharply with Daisy's refined elegance. Her voice is loud, demanding, and often shrill, reflecting her frustration and desperation. Myrtle lacks the subtle finesse of Daisy; her desires are expressed overtly, leaving little to the imagination. Her world is one of immediate gratification, lacking the subtle nuances of social maneuvering that characterize Daisy's world. Her vulgarity, however, should not be dismissed as simply uncouth. It's a manifestation of her defiance, a rebellion against her constrained existence.

Social Class: Old Money vs. New Money Aspirations

The chasm between Daisy and Myrtle extends far beyond their personalities; it's a stark reflection of the rigid class structure of the Jazz Age. Daisy embodies old money—the established wealth and inherited privilege of the upper class. Her background, her mannerisms, and her social circles all underscore her firmly entrenched position within this elite group. Her world is one of established social hierarchies, unspoken rules, and a sense of entitlement.

Myrtle, however, represents the yearning for upward mobility, the relentless striving of those outside the established circles. Her marriage to the impoverished George Wilson places her firmly within the lower-middle class, a world far removed from the lavish lifestyles of the Buchanans. She embodies the seductive allure of wealth and status, the desperate desire to escape her mundane reality. Her apartment, though gaudily decorated, is a pathetic attempt to mimic the extravagance of the wealthy elite, a desperate yearning for a life beyond her reach. This desperate clinging to the illusion of wealth serves as a powerful commentary on the illusory nature of the American Dream.

Desires and Motivations: Love, Power, and Escape

Both Daisy and Myrtle are driven by strong desires, but their motivations differ significantly. Daisy's desires are shrouded in a veil of ambiguity. While seemingly captivated by Gatsby's wealth and romantic gestures, her true desires are more complex and possibly less clear-cut. She appears to be driven by a longing for a romanticized past, a yearning to recapture the idealized love she felt for Gatsby before his sudden disappearance. Her marriage to Tom, though demonstrably unhappy, provides her with the security and social standing she values. Her actions are often motivated by a desire to maintain control and avoid the repercussions of disrupting her established life.

Myrtle's desires are more direct and less nuanced. Her affair with Tom is primarily fueled by a desire to escape the monotony and indignities of her life with George. She craves the excitement and extravagance that Tom's world offers, even if it's a fleeting and ultimately destructive escape. Unlike Daisy, who uses her charm and subtle manipulation to achieve her desires, Myrtle resorts to more overt and aggressive tactics. Her brazen pursuit of Tom underscores her desperation and her lack of social graces.

The Role of Appearance and Deception

Both Daisy and Myrtle utilize appearance and deception to navigate their lives. Daisy expertly crafts a persona of refined elegance and vulnerability, masking her manipulative nature and her profound dissatisfaction. Her beauty and charm serve as weapons, enabling her to maintain a façade of social acceptance while indulging in her desires.

Myrtle, too, uses appearance, although in a less subtle way. Her flamboyant attire and assertive behavior are attempts to project an image of wealth and sophistication, a clear attempt to distance herself from her impoverished reality. However, unlike Daisy's calculated charm, Myrtle's attempts are clumsy and ultimately unconvincing. Her deception is less about manipulation and more about self-delusion, a desperate bid to transcend her limited circumstances.

Symbolism and Narrative Function

Beyond their individual characteristics, Daisy and Myrtle serve important symbolic functions within the novel. Daisy embodies the unattainable ideal, the elusive American Dream that Gatsby relentlessly pursues. She represents the lost innocence and idealized past that Gatsby seeks to recapture. Her refusal to leave Tom, despite her unhappiness, highlights the limitations of social mobility and the entrapment of the upper class.

Myrtle, on the other hand, symbolizes the destructive consequences of aspiration and the harsh realities of social inequality. Her tragic end serves as a stark warning of the perils of chasing an illusion, highlighting the devastating impact of class disparity and the unattainable nature of the American Dream for those outside the elite circles. Her death, a brutal and senseless act, underscores the violence and disillusionment inherent in the pursuit of a life beyond one's reach.

A Comparative Conclusion: Contrasting Destinies

In conclusion, the contrast between Daisy and Myrtle in Chapter 2 of The Great Gatsby is a powerful and multifaceted exploration of social class, aspiration, and the human condition. While both women are ensnared within the web of Tom Buchanan's power and infidelity, their personalities, motivations, and ultimate fates are strikingly different. Daisy, with her refined elegance and subtle manipulation, represents the established elite and the illusion of effortless grace. Myrtle, with her raw energy and overt desires, embodies the yearning for escape and the harsh realities faced by those seeking to transcend their social limitations. Their contrasting stories serve to underscore Fitzgerald's profound commentary on the complexities of the American Dream, highlighting the vast chasm between aspiration and reality during the Roaring Twenties and the enduring power of social inequalities. Their contrasting fates – Daisy's continued entrapment within a stifling yet privileged life, and Myrtle's tragic demise – vividly encapsulate the limitations and devastating consequences of both pursuing and failing to achieve the allure of the American Dream. The differences between Daisy and Myrtle are not merely superficial; they are fundamental and deeply symbolic, providing critical insight into the novel's central themes.