Why Is Tom Drawn to Myrtle? Exploring the Complexities of Attraction in The Great Gatsby.

Tom Buchanan, a character in F. Scott Fitzgerald's renowned novel, The Great Gatsby, is a complex and mysterious character who often leaves readers questioning his motives and desires. One of the most intriguing aspects of Tom's character is his attraction to Myrtle Wilson, a married woman who lives in the Valley of Ashes. Despite being married to the beautiful and wealthy Daisy Buchanan, Tom is inexplicably drawn to Myrtle, and in this article, we will explore the reasons why.

Firstly, it is important to note that Tom's attraction to Myrtle is not purely physical. While it is true that Myrtle possesses a certain sensuality and allure, there are deeper factors at play that draw Tom to her. One of these factors is the fact that Myrtle represents something that Tom desires but cannot have: freedom from the constraints of his privileged life.

Throughout the novel, Tom is depicted as a man who has everything he could want: wealth, status, and a beautiful wife. However, underneath this seemingly perfect exterior, Tom is deeply unhappy and unfulfilled. He is constantly searching for something more, and Myrtle represents an escape from the monotony and emptiness of his life.

Moreover, Tom is attracted to Myrtle's boldness and willingness to challenge societal norms. As a member of the upper class, Tom is expected to adhere to strict codes of behavior and propriety. However, Myrtle is a free spirit who is unafraid to speak her mind and push boundaries. This is a quality that Tom finds both alluring and refreshing, as it represents a departure from the stifling conformity of his own world.

In addition, Tom's attraction to Myrtle can be seen as a manifestation of his own insecurities and sense of inadequacy. Despite his wealth and status, Tom is deeply aware of the fact that he is not as intellectually or emotionally sophisticated as his wife Daisy. Myrtle, on the other hand, is a simpler woman who is more easily impressed by Tom's wealth and power. This dynamic allows Tom to feel more confident and in control, which is something that he craves deeply.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that Tom's relationship with Myrtle is not solely about his own desires and needs. In many ways, Myrtle serves as a pawn in the larger game of social status and power that Tom is constantly playing. By having an affair with Myrtle, Tom is able to assert his dominance over someone who is lower on the social ladder than him, thereby reinforcing his own sense of superiority.

Ultimately, Tom's attraction to Myrtle is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that cannot be reduced to any one factor. Rather, it is the result of a combination of factors including his desire for freedom, his fascination with Myrtle's boldness, his insecurities and need for control, and his desire to assert his dominance over those who are lower on the social ladder than him. While Tom's actions may be morally reprehensible, they serve as a fascinating exploration of the human psyche and the many factors that drive us to make the choices we do.

The Enigma of Tom and Myrtle's Attraction

Tom Buchanan, a wealthy and powerful man from East Egg, is married to Daisy, a beautiful and charming woman. However, despite his seemingly perfect life, he is drawn towards Myrtle Wilson, a married woman from the valley of ashes. The question that arises is why is Tom attracted to Myrtle? What is it about her that appeals to him?

The Allure of Forbidden Love

One reason for Tom's attraction to Myrtle could be the forbidden nature of their relationship. Tom is a man who has almost everything he wants, but Myrtle represents something that he cannot have - an illicit affair. The thrill of doing something he shouldn't is irresistible to him.

Moreover, Myrtle is a married woman, which adds to the taboo of their relationship. Tom may feel that he is fulfilling a fantasy of being with someone else's wife, which gives him a sense of power and control over both Myrtle and her husband.

The Appeal of Myrtle's Personality

Another reason for Tom's attraction to Myrtle could be her personality. Myrtle is a vivacious and outgoing woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. She is bold and confident, which is a stark contrast to Daisy's demure and delicate nature.

Tom may find Myrtle's assertiveness and independence refreshing, especially since he is used to being in control of everything and everyone around him. In addition, Myrtle is not afraid to challenge Tom, which could be a turn-on for him as he is used to people obeying him without question.

The Physical Attraction

Of course, physical attraction cannot be ignored when it comes to Tom and Myrtle's relationship. Myrtle is described as a voluptuous woman with full lips and dark hair, which are all physical features that Tom finds attractive.

Furthermore, Myrtle dresses in a provocative manner, which could be seen as a sign of her confidence and sexuality. Her revealing clothing and sultry demeanor could be a turn-on for Tom, who is used to women being more reserved and proper.

The Desire for Control

Another possible reason for Tom's attraction to Myrtle is his desire for control. Tom is a man who is used to getting what he wants, whether it be through his wealth, status, or charm. Myrtle represents something that he can control - her body.

Tom may feel that he has power over Myrtle because of his wealth and status, which allows him to provide her with the luxuries that her husband cannot. By being able to give her what she wants, Tom feels that he has a hold on her, which satisfies his need for control.

The Escape from Reality

Lastly, Tom's attraction to Myrtle could be a way for him to escape from the realities of his life. Tom is a man who is unhappy with his marriage, his family, and his own existence. Myrtle represents an escape from all of that.

With Myrtle, Tom can forget about his problems and indulge in his desires without any consequences. He can be whoever he wants to be with her, which gives him a sense of freedom that he cannot find anywhere else.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tom's attraction to Myrtle is a complex one that cannot be explained by a single factor. It is a combination of the forbidden nature of their relationship, Myrtle's personality and physical attributes, Tom's desire for control, and his need to escape from reality.

However, it is important to note that Tom's attraction to Myrtle is not a justification for his actions. His affair with her is a betrayal of his marriage vows and a display of his arrogance and disregard for others.

Ultimately, Tom's attraction to Myrtle is a reflection of his own flaws and insecurities, rather than anything that Myrtle herself possesses. The tragedy of their relationship lies in the fact that it is built on a foundation of deception and destruction, which can only lead to heartbreak and despair.

Why Is Tom Attracted To Myrtle

Tom Buchanan is a wealthy and privileged man with a beautiful wife, a comfortable lifestyle, and a high social status. Yet, there is something missing in his life that he cannot find in his own wife. This is where Myrtle Wilson comes into the picture. Tom sees something in Myrtle that he cannot find in his own wife. Myrtle challenges Tom and makes him feel alive in a way that he hasn't felt in a long time.

Myrtle Represents A Different World

Myrtle represents a world that is completely different from Tom's, and he finds it intriguing. She comes from a working-class background and lives in a small apartment in Queens. Tom, on the other hand, lives in a luxurious mansion in East Egg. Myrtle's world is filled with excitement, passion, and unpredictability, which is a stark contrast to Tom's predictable and mundane life.

Myrtle Offers An Escape

Myrtle offers Tom an escape from the routine and monotony of his everyday life. With her, he can forget about his responsibilities and obligations and indulge in his desires. Myrtle caters to Tom's every whim and makes him feel important and desired. She listens to him, laughs at his jokes, and flatters him. In her company, Tom feels like a king, and this is something that he cannot find in his own life.

Myrtle's Confidence Attracts Tom

Myrtle is confident and assertive, qualities that Tom finds attractive. She is not afraid to speak her mind and challenge Tom when he is wrong. Tom is used to women who are submissive and obedient, so Myrtle's assertiveness is refreshing for him. He respects her for being independent and strong-willed, even if he does not always agree with her.

Myrtle Represents Freedom

Myrtle represents a sense of freedom and liberation that Tom craves and cannot find in his own life. She is unapologetically sexual and sensual, which deeply attracts Tom. Myrtle is not bound by the same social norms and expectations as Tom's social circle, and this allows her to express herself more freely. With her, Tom can let go of his inhibitions and indulge in his desires without fear of judgment or criticism.

Myrtle Is A Breath Of Fresh Air

Myrtle is a breath of fresh air compared to the conservative and reserved women in Tom's social circle. She is not afraid to be herself and is not concerned about what others think of her. This is something that Tom finds refreshing and liberating. With Myrtle, he can let go of his façade and be himself without fear of judgment or criticism.

Myrtle Fulfills Tom's Desire For Novelty And Excitement

Ultimately, Myrtle fulfills Tom's desire for novelty and excitement. She offers him a glimpse into a different world, one that is filled with passion, unpredictability, and adventure. With her, he can escape the monotony of his everyday life and indulge in his desires. Myrtle may not be perfect, but she offers Tom something that he cannot find in his own life, and that is why he is attracted to her.

Tom's Attraction to Myrtle

The Story of Tom and Myrtle

Tom was a wealthy and married man who lived in the East Egg, one of the wealthiest areas of Long Island. He was married to Daisy, a beautiful and wealthy woman who he loved, but their marriage was not fulfilling for him. Tom was always looking for something more, and he found it in Myrtle Wilson.

Myrtle was a married woman who lived in the working-class area of Queens. She was not wealthy, but she was attractive and had a lively personality. Tom was immediately drawn to her when they met at a party, and he started an affair with her.

Why Tom Was Attracted to Myrtle

Tom was attracted to Myrtle for several reasons:

1. Her Personality: Myrtle had a vivacious and outgoing personality that was different from Daisy's reserved and introverted nature. Tom was drawn to Myrtle's energy and enthusiasm.
2. Her Looks: Myrtle was also physically attractive. She had a curvy figure and wore revealing clothing that caught Tom's eye.
3. Her Social Status: Despite not being wealthy, Myrtle was still part of the social scene in New York City. Tom liked the idea of being with someone who was not part of his own social circle.
4. The Thrill of the Forbidden: Finally, Tom was attracted to Myrtle because their affair was forbidden. He enjoyed the excitement and danger of sneaking around with her behind Daisy's back.

Tom's attraction to Myrtle ultimately led to tragedy. When Daisy found out about the affair, it caused a rift between her and Tom that could not be repaired. Myrtle also ended up getting killed in a car accident that was indirectly caused by Tom's actions.

In the end, Tom's attraction to Myrtle was a fleeting pleasure that led to nothing but pain and heartache for everyone involved.

Closing Message for Blog Visitors About Why Is Tom Attracted To Myrtle

Thank you for reading through this article on why Tom is attracted to Myrtle. We understand that some of the revelations in this article may have been uncomfortable for some readers, but it is crucial to understand the psychology behind Tom's actions.

Throughout the article, we have explored various reasons why Tom might be attracted to Myrtle, including her physical appearance, her vivacious personality, and her willingness to break societal norms. However, it is also essential to acknowledge that Tom's attraction to Myrtle is not entirely based on her as an individual; rather, it is rooted in his desire for power and control.

Tom's attraction to Myrtle is not a romantic or loving one. Instead, it is driven by his need for dominance over others. Myrtle represents a way for Tom to assert his authority and escape from the constraints of his wealthy social circle, even if it means engaging in morally questionable behavior.

It is also important to recognize that Myrtle herself plays a role in this dynamic. She is not a passive victim but an active participant in her relationship with Tom. She chooses to involve herself with a married man, knowing the consequences that could come with it. In many ways, Myrtle is also seeking power and control through her relationship with Tom.

As readers, we must be careful not to romanticize or excuse Tom's behavior towards Myrtle. It is not acceptable for someone to use another person for their own selfish desires, regardless of the circumstances. At the same time, we must also acknowledge the complexity of human relationships and the various factors that can drive people to make poor decisions.

In conclusion, we hope that this article has provided some insight into why Tom is attracted to Myrtle. While we may never fully understand the nuances of their relationship, it is essential to recognize the power dynamics at play and the harm that can come from them. Thank you for taking the time to read through this article, and we encourage you to continue exploring these complex themes in literature and society.

Why Is Tom Attracted To Myrtle?

Introduction

Many readers of The Great Gatsby wonder why Tom Buchanan, a married man, is attracted to Myrtle Wilson, a working-class woman. This question arises from the fact that Tom is already in a relationship with Daisy, his wealthy and beautiful wife. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why Tom is attracted to Myrtle.

Reasons Why Tom Is Attracted To Myrtle

1. Physical Attraction

One of the primary reasons why Tom is attracted to Myrtle is her physical appearance. Myrtle is described as having a full figure and voluptuous curves, which are in contrast to Daisy's slender frame. Tom is drawn to Myrtle's physicality and finds her attractive in a way that is different from his attraction to Daisy.

2. Social Class Differences

Tom comes from a wealthy and privileged background, while Myrtle is a working-class woman. Tom may be attracted to Myrtle because she represents a different world than the one he is used to. Myrtle's rough edges and lack of social grace may be appealing to Tom because they are a departure from the polished and refined world of the upper class.

3. Power Dynamics

Tom is a powerful man who is used to getting what he wants. His relationship with Myrtle is characterized by a power imbalance, with Tom holding all the cards. He can use his money and status to control Myrtle and get what he wants from her. This dynamic may be appealing to Tom because it reinforces his sense of power and control.

Empathic Voice and Tone

It's understandable to wonder why Tom is attracted to Myrtle, given that he is already married to Daisy. However, it's important to remember that attraction is a complex thing and can be influenced by many factors. Tom is not necessarily a bad person for being attracted to Myrtle; he is simply responding to her physical appearance, social class, and power dynamics. We should strive to understand his motivations without condoning his actions.