How Old Is Myrtle In The Great Gatsby

So, there I was, sipping my morning coffee, the sun just peeking through the curtains, and I found myself wondering, "Just how old is Myrtle Wilson in The Great Gatsby?" I mean, it's not like she's the main character, but she's certainly a pivotal one, and her age always seemed to slip my mind. I figured it was high time we dug into this, don't you think?

First Things First: Who's Myrtle Wilson?

Alright, let's get you up to speed if you're new to the Gatsby party. Myrtle Wilson is the wife of George Wilson, the guy who runs the garage near the valley of ashes in The Great Gatsby. She's a bit of a wild card, having an affair with Tom Buchanan, and ultimately plays a significant role in the tragic events that unfold.

But enough about her backstory, let's get to the nitty-gritty. How old is she?

Age: The Elusive Detail

Here's where things get a bit tricky. F. Scott Fitzgerald, in his infinite wisdom, never actually tells us Myrtle's age. I know, I know, it's frustrating. But hey, Fitzgerald was more interested in her character and her role in the story than her birthdate. So, we're left to piece together clues and make some educated guesses.

First off, let's consider Myrtle's relationship with Tom. She's his mistress, and we know Tom is around 32 years old (Fitzgerald tells us this). Now, Myrtle is likely younger than Tom. How much younger? That's where things get fuzzy.

Clues from the Text

Fitzgerald does give us a few hints. Myrtle is described as having "a fresh, well-bred voice" and is said to have been "a waitress in a small town near New York." These details suggest she's not some weathered, older woman. She's young, probably in her early to mid-twenties.

The Great Gatsby INTRODUCING THE CHARACTERS SETTING THEMES

Moreover, when Myrtle talks about her husband, she refers to him as an "old man." This could be a relative term, but it's another clue that she's likely younger than him.

The Popular Theory

Most scholars and readers agree that Myrtle is probably in her mid-twenties. Some even put her age at around 23 or 24. This makes sense given her character description and her relationship with Tom.

But remember, this is all speculation. Fitzgerald never gives us a definitive answer. So, we're left to draw our own conclusions based on the clues he provides.

Myrtle wilson the great gatsby | The great gatsby 2013, Isla fisher

Why Does It Matter?

You might be wondering, "Why does it even matter how old Myrtle is?" Well, her age does provide some insight into her character and her motivations. If she's young, it could explain why she's so eager to escape her dull life with George and why she's so drawn to the glamorous world represented by Tom.

Plus, it's just fun to geek out over these kinds of details, right? It's like solving a little mystery within the bigger story.

So, What's the Verdict?

In the end, we can't say for certain how old Myrtle Wilson is. But based on the clues in the text, it's safe to say she's likely in her mid-twenties. So, there you have it. Next time you're discussing The Great Gatsby, you can drop this little tidbit of knowledge and impress your friends. You're welcome.

And with that, it's time for me to refill my coffee. Until next time, happy reading!