What Does Tom Do to Myrtle? Unraveling Their Tragic Relationship

Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson have a complicated, dysfunctional relationship that plays a crucial role in The Great Gatsby. But what exactly does Tom do to Myrtle? Well, buckle up because it's a lot darker and more complex than it might first seem.

Tom and Myrtle: The Affair That Leads to Tragedy

A Relationship Based on Power and Control

First of all, let's talk about the core of their relationship. Tom is not really interested in Myrtle as an equal. For him, Myrtle is a means to an end—someone to have an affair with, someone to control and possess. He doesn't view her as an individual with her own thoughts or feelings; to him, she's just another woman to manipulate.

Honestly, I don’t know about you, but when I think about Tom’s treatment of Myrtle, it honestly makes my blood boil. He treats her like an object—something to flaunt and then discard when he's done with it. In fact, he does exactly that, too.

What Tom Does to Myrtle: The Physical Abuse

Well, here’s where it gets really ugly. Tom physically assaults Myrtle in one of the most shocking moments of the novel. During a heated argument in New York, Myrtle starts repeating Daisy's name, which sends Tom into a rage. In front of everyone, he slaps her hard across the face. The way Fitzgerald describes it, it's brutal and inexcusable. Tom’s violent actions reveal so much about his character: a man who feels entitled, who thinks that because he’s rich and powerful, he can do whatever he wants, to whoever he wants.

Honestly, I remember reading this scene for the first time and just feeling disgusted. It's such a clear demonstration of the power imbalance between them, and it’s heartbreaking to see Myrtle, a woman desperately seeking a better life, being put down so cruelly by Tom.

Tom’s Manipulation of Myrtle: Using Her for His Own Pleasure

Tom's Exploitation of Myrtle’s Desire for a Better Life

What really bothers me about Tom's actions is how he manipulates Myrtle’s desires. Myrtle is married to George Wilson, a man who isn't wealthy or glamorous. She’s looking for an escape from her dull life, and Tom is more than happy to offer her that—though in the worst possible way.

You can see this in the way Tom flaunts their affair, bringing Myrtle to expensive restaurants and treating her like a toy. Myrtle is swept up in the idea that she can climb the social ladder, but Tom only uses this to his advantage. Honestly, it’s a little heartbreaking to see how blind Myrtle is to the reality of her situation. She's so eager to escape her marriage to George that she ignores the fact that Tom sees her as nothing more than an indulgence. For him, she’s disposable.

Myrtle's Hope for a Better Future

I think what’s so tragic about Myrtle is how much she truly believes that Tom could offer her a better life. She's convinced that if she just plays along, she’ll eventually be able to escape her unhappy marriage to George. She looks at Tom as a ticket out of her situation, not realizing that he sees her as an accessory, someone to amuse him when he's bored. In the end, she’s just another woman that Tom can discard when he’s had enough.

The Aftermath: The Fatal Consequences of Tom’s Actions

Myrtle's Death and Its Impact

Well, here’s the ultimate consequence of Tom’s relationship with Myrtle: her tragic death. After an argument between Tom and Daisy at the Buchanan’s mansion, Myrtle, in a desperate attempt to escape, runs into the street and is struck by a car. And this car—driven by Daisy, not Tom—kills Myrtle instantly. Tom’s callous behavior indirectly leads to Myrtle’s death, and it’s a shocking culmination of all the manipulation, exploitation, and abuse that he’s subjected her to.

Honestly, I don’t think Tom ever feels the weight of his actions. Sure, he seems momentarily shaken, but he quickly brushes it off. In the end, he goes back to his life of privilege, seemingly unaffected by the damage he’s caused to Myrtle and George.

The Broader Consequences: The Corruption of the American Dream

Tom’s treatment of Myrtle is more than just a reflection of his character—it’s also a commentary on the corrupting power of wealth and privilege. Tom's actions toward Myrtle symbolize the way the American Dream has been distorted. Myrtle, in her desperation to improve her life, is willing to sacrifice her dignity, and Tom, in his privilege, exploits that.

I think that’s what really struck me when I read The Great Gatsby again. It’s not just about the love story between Gatsby and Daisy—it’s also about the way society, especially wealthy individuals like Tom, dehumanizes others. Myrtle, in her pursuit of a better life, becomes nothing more than a casualty in Tom’s pursuit of pleasure.

Conclusion: Tom's Role in Myrtle's Tragic Fate

So, what does Tom do to Myrtle? He abuses her, manipulates her, and ultimately contributes to her death. It's a story that shows how power, wealth, and privilege can corrupt people and lead to tragic consequences. Tom’s relationship with Myrtle isn’t about love—it's about control, manipulation, and exploitation. It’s a devastating commentary on the darker side of the American Dream, and it’s a painful reminder of the consequences of unchecked privilege.

Honestly, thinking about it all makes me feel a mix of anger and sadness. Myrtle had so much potential, but she was exploited by someone who saw her as disposable. It’s a sad, cautionary tale about the ways in which people like Tom take advantage of those who are vulnerable.

Have you ever thought about how much power these rich, privileged characters have over others in the novel? It’s a pretty tough pill to swallow.

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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.