Myrtle in the Big City: From Valley of Ashes to High-Rise Shenanigans
Myrtle Wilson, the vivacious (read: bored) wife of George from The Great Gatsby, doesn't exactly live the life of Riley. Stuck in the desolate Valley of Ashes, her days are a monotonous cycle of gas station fumes and dreams of a life beyond the repair shop. But then, like a knight in slightly tarnished shining armor, along comes Tom Buchanan. Enter: New York City!
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| What Does Myrtle Do Once They Arrive In New York City |
From Drab to Fab (or at least Trying Really Hard to be Fab)
Tom whisks Myrtle away to a secret apartment, a luxurious pied-�-terre (fancy French for "love nest") in the heart of the city. Forget grease-stained overalls, here comes the wardrobe upgrade! Myrtle throws on a cream-colored chiffon dress that would make a flapper envious, and struts around the apartment like she owns the place (and maybe, in her head, she kind of does).
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This newfound luxury isn't just about the clothes, though. Myrtle throws a spontaneous soiree, complete with questionable guests (think loud neighbors and a sister with questionable taste in gossip). The drinks flow freely, and Myrtle revels in the attention, even if it comes with a side of condescension from Tom's "society" friends.
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All That Glitters Isn't Gold (Especially When Tom Buchanan is Involved)
But let's not forget, Tom Buchanan isn't exactly Mr. Perfect Boyfriend material. His temper is as short as his morals, and things take a turn for the worse when Myrtle dares to mention Daisy's name. Big mistake. Huge. Tom's fist connects with Myrtle's face with a resounding smack, leaving the party in shambles and Myrtle's dreams of a glamorous city life with a black eye.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
Moral of the story: Maybe a life of luxury isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when it involves a cheating, rage-prone boyfriend.
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Myrtle in the City FAQ
How to throw a last-minute party in a secret apartment?
- Find a wealthy friend with questionable morals and a spare apartment.
- Stock up on bootleg booze (it's the 1920s, what else are you gonna drink?)
- Invite your sister and the neighbors from downstairs, even if they make you vaguely uncomfortable.
- Forget the guest list, the more the merrier (until it isn't).
How NOT to behave at your impromptu soiree?
- Don't get blackout drunk.
- Absolutely, positively do not mention your boyfriend's wife's name.
- Avoid throwing shade at the help (or the help might throw shade right back, literally).
How to avoid a black eye (metaphorical or literal)?
- Ditch the cheating boyfriend.
- Find your own happiness, don't rely on someone else to provide it.
- Live your best life, Valley of Ashes or not!
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