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Essay / George Wilson from The Great Gatsby
Table of ContentsIntroductionConclusionBibliographyIntroductionGeorge Wilson, a character in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, plays a crucial role in depicting the American dream and themes of disillusionment and tragedy . His personality, depicted several times in the text, highlights the struggles and complexities of the working class during the Roaring Twenties. This essay will explore the personality of George Wilson and his significance in the novel, arguing that his character is a symbol of the disillusionment and despair experienced by individuals trapped in the pursuit of the American dream. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay George Wilson's personality is initially described as one of determination and ambition. Despite his modest background, he aspires to realize the American dream of success and prosperity. In Chapter 2, Fitzgerald describes George's dreams of owning his own business, stating that "he earned money to buy a company in a garage" (Fitzgerald, 27). This ambition, however, is ultimately shattered by the harsh realities of the times, as he struggles to compete with wealthy and privileged individuals like Tom Buchanan. As the novel progresses, George Wilson's personality undergoes a transformation, revealing his desperation and vulnerability. His wife, Myrtle, is having an affair with Tom Buchanan, which further exacerbates his feelings of powerlessness and insignificance. In Chapter 7, George confronts Tom about the affair, shouting, "I want to know who owns that yellow car!" (Fitzgerald, 123). This outburst demonstrates her desperate attempt to regain control of her life and protect her marriage, highlighting the depth of her vulnerability. George Wilson's personality takes on a tragic dimension as the novel reaches its climax. After Myrtle's death, he is consumed by a single-minded determination to seek revenge and find the person responsible for her disappearance. This is evident in chapter 8, where George proclaims, “I'm going to have him...I've got my man” (Fitzgerald, 149). This tragic determination ultimately leads to George's own downfall, as he wrongly believes that Gatsby is responsible for Myrtle's death and takes matters into his own hands. The personality of George Wilson is a symbol of the working class in the novel. His struggles and eventual demise represent the difficulties faced by individuals trapped in the pursuit of the American dream. Fitzgerald portrays George as a victim of the corrupt and unattainable ideals of the wealthy elite, highlighting the stark contrast between the glamorous lives of characters like Gatsby and the harsh realities of those like George.ConclusionIn conclusion, George Wilson's personality in The Great Gatsby reflects the themes of disillusionment and tragedy predominate throughout the novel. Her determination and ambition are overshadowed by her desperation and vulnerability, which ultimately leads to a tragic downfall. George is a symbol of the working class, highlighting the struggles and complexities of individuals caught in the pursuit of the American dream. Fitzgerald's portrait of George Wilson highlights the harsh realities of the Roaring Twenties and the disillusionment experienced by those unable to achieve the wealth and success promised by the American dream. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.Get a custom essayBibliographyFitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.