George+Wilson

George B Wilson

Introduction

George B Wilson is first introduced to us in chapter two. Wilson is Myrtle’s husband and owns an old garage in the valley of ashes. He is also the only character who is religious in the novel even though he doesn’t go to church. The first impression that Wilson gave is that he is insignificant and he loves and would do anything for his wife, even though his wife is having an affair with Tom Buchanan. As the novel progresses Wilson develops significance, Daisy’s affair with Gatsby also influences Wilson because the affair puts Tom and Gatsby in the same situation. Wilson killing Gatsby also contributes to him being more significant in the novel even though he ends up killing himself because he couldn’t live with the guilt.

What makes Wilson INSIGNIFICANT the first time he is introduced? Myrtle’s affair with Tom affects Wilson’s insignificance because when a married person has an affair people tend to compare the husband/wife and boyfriend/mistress in this case Wilson and Tom. Married Lives in the valley of ashes Insecure Can’t afford Inferior || Successful Married Lives Confident Gives her more than enough(apartment in New York) superior ||
 * Wilson || Tom ||
 * Un-successful

o “Wiping his hands with a piece of waste ” p29 o ‘ “I didn’t mean that”, explained Wilson quickly I just meant− ‘ o “the only car visible dust-covered wreck of a ford” o “walking through her husband as if he were a ghost shook hands with Tom ”p30 o “I’ll meet you there by the new-stand on the lower level” (myrtle speaking to Tom) o “He’s so dumb he doesn’t even know he is alive”( Tom)

Wilson is already insignificant because Tom is more successful and more confident than him. The way Myrtle and Tom treat Wilson make him seem more insignificant then he is. He also contributes to this by not standing up for himself and allowing people to push him around. The setting of the scene also contributes to Wilson’s insignificance. The scene takes place in Wilson’s garage so he should be in dominant but he is not, also the name of the area where he lives “Valley of Ashes”. Ashes is what remains after something has been burnt. This implies this is it for Wilson.

How and what cause Wilson CHANGE throughout the novel? When Tom realizes that Daisy is cheating on him, it puts him and Wilson in the same position, even though Wilson is unaware of it. The loss of his wife whom he idealized causes him to grieve and show a side to him that the reader wouldn’t have expected. o “ I told her she might fool me but she will never fool god”( he stood up to her ) o “GOD” even though Wilson doesn’t go to church he is the only person who mentions god, he mentions him after Myrtle’s death o His grieve let him to kill Gatsby and himself.

Wilson’s contribution to the novel By killing Gatsby Wilson has put an end to the novel because it is based on Gatsby. He also clears the air for Tom and Daisy’s relationship.

Citation "18544.gif".5Sept2010.