Compare the contrast between the affairs of Tom and Myrtle, and Gatsby and Daisy

  • Affair of Gatsby and Daisy :

    • Uneven degree of love : Gatsby really loves her whereas Daisy just aspires for his money
    • Daisy is the incarnation of Gatsby's dreams

  • Affair of Tom and Myrtle :

    • Myrtle sees the affair as being romantic and her chance to escape her marriage with George
    • Tom sees the affair just as another affair, he sees Myrtle as a mistress amongst others
    • Undeniable physical chemistry and attraction
    • Tom's treatment of Myrtle is very violent

  • Tom and Myrtle's affair is a foil to Gatsby and Daisy's

  • Daisy and Gatsby have a history whereas Tom and Myrtle's affair is a recent one

  • Whereas there is attraction between Tom and Myrtle, Gatsby only feels attracted to Daisy's wealth and status (American Dream)