Who was driving the car that killed Myrtle, and why does it matter in the grand scheme of things?

The question of who was driving the car that killed Myrtle is one that has haunted literature enthusiasts and casual readers alike for decades. This pivotal moment in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is not just a plot device but a profound commentary on the moral decay and recklessness of the Jazz Age. The identity of the driver—Daisy Buchanan—and the circumstances surrounding the accident reveal layers of societal critique, personal responsibility, and the tragic consequences of unchecked privilege.

The Accident: A Catalyst for Tragedy

Myrtle Wilson’s death is a turning point in the novel, marking the beginning of the end for several characters. The accident occurs when Myrtle, desperate to escape her dreary life with her husband George, runs into the road, believing the approaching car to be driven by Tom Buchanan, her lover. Instead, it is Daisy, Tom’s wife, who is behind the wheel. Daisy, in a moment of emotional turmoil, fails to stop the car, leading to Myrtle’s fatal collision.

This moment is rich with symbolism. The car, a symbol of wealth and modernity, becomes an instrument of destruction, reflecting the destructive power of the American Dream. Daisy’s inability to control the vehicle mirrors her inability to control her own life, trapped as she is in a loveless marriage and a world of superficiality.

Daisy Buchanan: The Unwilling Driver

Daisy’s role as the driver is crucial to understanding her character. She is often portrayed as a passive figure, swept along by the currents of her life rather than actively shaping them. Her decision to drive the car that night, however, is one of the few moments where she takes decisive action—albeit with tragic consequences.

Daisy’s actions after the accident further illuminate her character. She does not stop the car or take responsibility for what has happened. Instead, she allows Gatsby to take the blame, setting off a chain of events that leads to his death. This act of cowardice underscores the moral emptiness at the heart of Daisy’s world, where self-preservation trumps accountability.

Tom Buchanan: The Indirect Culprit

While Daisy was the one driving the car, Tom Buchanan bears significant responsibility for the accident. It is Tom’s affair with Myrtle that sets the stage for the tragedy. His manipulation of both Myrtle and Daisy creates a volatile situation that ultimately leads to Myrtle’s death.

Tom’s reaction to the accident is equally telling. When he learns of Myrtle’s death, he is more concerned with protecting his own reputation than with mourning her loss. His decision to reveal Gatsby’s involvement to George Wilson is a calculated move to deflect blame and maintain his position of power. In this way, Tom embodies the moral corruption of the upper class, where loyalty and integrity are sacrificed for personal gain.

Gatsby’s Sacrifice: A Tragic Hero

Jay Gatsby’s decision to take the blame for Myrtle’s death is one of the most poignant moments in the novel. Gatsby, who has spent his life chasing the illusion of Daisy’s love, sees this as an opportunity to protect her. His willingness to sacrifice himself for Daisy is both noble and tragic, highlighting the depth of his devotion and the futility of his dream.

Gatsby’s death at the hands of George Wilson is the final blow in a series of events set in motion by the accident. His demise serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of living in a world where appearances are valued over reality, and where the pursuit of an unattainable ideal can lead to ruin.

The Broader Implications: A Critique of the American Dream

The question of who was driving the car that killed Myrtle is not just a matter of assigning blame; it is a lens through which Fitzgerald critiques the American Dream. The characters’ actions and reactions reveal the hollowness of a society that values wealth and status over human life and moral integrity.

Daisy’s recklessness, Tom’s selfishness, and Gatsby’s idealism all contribute to the tragedy, but they are also symptoms of a larger cultural malaise. The novel suggests that the American Dream, with its promise of upward mobility and personal fulfillment, is ultimately a destructive force, leading to moral decay and personal ruin.

Conclusion: A Question Without Easy Answers

The question of who was driving the car that killed Myrtle is one that resists easy answers. While Daisy was the one behind the wheel, the responsibility for the accident extends to Tom, Gatsby, and the society that shaped them. The tragedy serves as a powerful critique of the values and aspirations of the Jazz Age, revealing the dark underbelly of the American Dream.

In the end, the question is not just about who was driving the car, but about what drove them to make the choices they did. It is a question that forces us to confront the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our actions, making The Great Gatsby a timeless exploration of the human condition.