IndexIntroductionBody ParagraphsCounterargumentsConclusionReferencesIntroductionF. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby features a rich tapestry of characters who reflect the social values ​​and moral complexities of the 1920s. Two of the most intriguing female characters in the novel are Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson, both involved in extramarital affairs with the protagonist, Jay Gatsby, and his friend, Tom Buchanan, respectively. This essay will compare Daisy and Myrtle, focusing on their social status, desires, and ultimate destinies, to reveal the novel's larger themes and the social expectations that shape their lives. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Body Paragraphs Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson come from very different social backgrounds. Daisy, born into a wealthy family, embodies the upper-class ideal of the American dream, with her elegance, refinement and charm. In contrast, Myrtle, a working-class woman married to a garage owner, aspires to the same level of wealth and status that Daisy possesses (Fitzgerald, 1925). Both Daisy and Myrtle are driven by their desires for love, excitement, and the material. wealth. Daisy, disillusioned by her marriage to Tom, seeks the romantic ideal she once shared with Gatsby. However, her materialistic nature and need for security ultimately prevent her from leaving her husband. Myrtle, on the other hand, seeks to escape her mundane life and achieve upward mobility through her relationship with Tom. Her desire for a more luxurious lifestyle leads her to adopt the superficial values ​​of the upper class, ultimately resulting in her tragic end (Fitzgerald, 1925). The social expectations and gender norms of the 1920s play a significant role in shaping Daisy's life. and Myrtle. Both women are limited by the limited options available to them, as they are expected to perform the traditional roles of wives and mothers. Daisy, despite her dissatisfaction with her marriage, remains trapped in her gilded cage, unable to free herself from the constraints of her social status. Myrtle, in her search for a better life, becomes a victim of the very society she seeks to join, as her relationship with Tom leads to her death (Fitzgerald, 1925). Counterarguments While Daisy and Myrtle share similar desires and are both influenced by society's expectations, some critics argue that the differences overshadow the similarities. For example, Daisy's passive nature and reluctance to act contrasts sharply with Myrtle's assertiveness and willingness to challenge the boundaries of her social class. However, these differences can also be seen as a reflection of the disparities in power and opportunity that exist between the two women, highlighting the broader social inequalities that define their lives. Furthermore, the contrasting fates of Daisy and Myrtle serve to highlight the consequences of challenging social norms. While Daisy, despite her moral failings, remains protected by her wealth and social status, Myrtle, who dared to cross the boundaries of her class, meets a tragic end. This disparity reveals the inherent injustice and cruelty of a society that punishes those who seek to rise above their station by protecting the privileged from the consequences of their actions. Conclusion In conclusion, the comparison and contrast between Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson in The Great Gatsby offers valuable insights into the social expectations and moral complexities of the 1920s. By examining their social background, their desires, and their ultimate fate, we gain more understanding.