Understanding the Incident
Did Tom blame Gatsby for Myrtle’s death? This question has been a topic of debate among readers of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, “The Great Gatsby.” The incident in question occurs towards the end of the novel, where the tragic death of Myrtle Wilson, Tom’s wife’s cousin, unfolds. To delve into this question, let’s explore the events leading up to the incident and the characters involved.
The Characters Involved
Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, and Jay Gatsby are the central characters in this tragic incident. Tom is a wealthy and influential man from the old money elite, while Myrtle is his wife’s cousin and a woman of lower social status. Gatsby, on the other hand, is a self-made man who has fallen in love with Myrtle, despite her marriage to Tom.
| Character | Role in the Incident |
|---|---|
| Tom Buchanan | Myrtle’s husband and Gatsby’s rival |
| Myrtle Wilson | Tom’s wife’s cousin and Gatsby’s lover |
| Jay Gatsby | A self-made man who loves Myrtle |
The Tragic Incident
On the evening of the tragic incident, Myrtle, driven by her love for Gatsby and her dissatisfaction with her marriage, meets him at his mansion. Meanwhile, Tom, who is suspicious of Gatsby’s intentions, follows Myrtle to the mansion. In a fit of rage, Tom confronts Gatsby, leading to a heated argument. The situation escalates when Tom accidentally shoots Myrtle, who dies from the gunshot wound.
Tom’s Reaction
After the incident, Tom’s reaction to Myrtle’s death is complex. He is initially in denial, trying to convince himself and others that the shooting was an accident. However, as the truth unfolds, Tom’s guilt and responsibility for Myrtle’s death become apparent. While he never explicitly blames Gatsby for her death, his actions and words suggest that he holds Gatsby responsible for the entire situation.
Gatsby’s Involvement
Throughout the novel, Gatsby is portrayed as a man who is obsessed with winning Myrtle’s love. He throws lavish parties, hoping to impress her and gain her affection. However, Gatsby’s involvement in Myrtle’s death is indirect. He is not present during the shooting, and his actions leading up to the incident are driven by his love for Myrtle, not by any intention to harm her.
Public Perception
Despite the evidence suggesting that Tom is responsible for Myrtle’s death, public perception leans towards Gatsby. This perception is partly due to Gatsby’s mysterious background and his lavish lifestyle, which makes him appear guilty of some sort of crime. Additionally, Tom’s social status and influence contribute to the belief that he is above reproach, while Gatsby is seen as an upstart who deserves to be blamed for the tragedy.
Conclusion
Did Tom blame Gatsby for Myrtle’s death? While Tom never explicitly states that Gatsby is responsible for her death, his actions and words suggest that he holds Gatsby accountable for the entire situation. However, public perception and the novel’s portrayal of the characters contribute to the belief that Gatsby is the one to blame. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of obsession and jealousy.
