From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023

What is the significance of the character George Wilson in “The Great Gatsby”?

George Wilson, a character in F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece "The Great Gatsby," assumes a role of profound significance, embodying themes of disillusionment, moral decay, and the destructive nature of the American Dream. As the owner of a desolate garage in the Valley of Ashes, George Wilson represents the decay and despair that permeate the novel, offering a stark contrast to the opulence and glamour of the wealthy elite.

The significance of George Wilson lies in his position as a symbol of the working class and the harsh realities of the American Dream. While characters like Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan pursue wealth, status, and the illusion of happiness, George remains trapped in a cycle of poverty and unfulfilled dreams. His struggle to make ends meet and provide for his wife, Myrtle, underscores the harsh realities faced by those who are excluded from the lavish lifestyle of the upper class.

George's character serves as a reflection of the moral decay and corruption that exists within society. Despite his own desperation, George maintains a semblance of decency and morality, contrasting with the morally bankrupt characters who surround him. His sincerity and loyalty to Myrtle, even in the face of her infidelity, highlight his innate goodness and moral compass.

Furthermore, George's significance is heightened by his role in the tragic chain of events that unfold in the novel. Unaware of his wife's affair, George becomes a pawn in the destructive games played by the wealthy characters. When Myrtle is tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident, George's grief and desire for justice lead him to seek vengeance, ultimately leading to the downfall of Gatsby and the unraveling of the illusions that have been carefully constructed throughout the story.

George's pursuit of the truth and his tragic demise symbolize the inevitable collision between the lower and upper classes. As George becomes consumed by his desire for justice, he embodies the frustration and anger of the working class, who bear the brunt of the social inequality and moral decay perpetuated by the wealthy elite. His actions serve as a stark reminder that the consequences of societal injustice and the pursuit of material wealth can have devastating effects on individuals and communities.

Moreover, George's character represents the loss of innocence and the destruction of dreams. He is a man worn down by the hardships of life, with his dreams and aspirations gradually eroded by the harsh realities of his circumstances. George's garage, located in the desolate Valley of Ashes, becomes a symbol of the broken dreams and lost hopes of the working class. His ultimate fate serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the destructive consequences of unfulfilled aspirations and the disillusionment that can accompany the pursuit of the American Dream.

Additionally, George's character serves as a commentary on the fragility of identity and the role of perception in society. He is a relatively minor character, often overlooked or dismissed by those around him. His humble existence in the Valley of Ashes contrasts sharply with the grandeur and glamour of the wealthy characters in West Egg and East Egg. George's invisibility and lack of agency within the narrative highlight the marginalization and powerlessness experienced by those on the fringes of society.

The significance of George Wilson in "The Great Gatsby" lies in his representation of the working class, the harsh realities of the American Dream, and the moral decay that permeates society. George's character serves as a moral compass, highlighting the contrast between goodness and corruption, and ultimately becomes a tragic figure caught in the web of deception and destructive desires. Through George, Fitzgerald provides a critique of the social inequality and moral bankruptcy that define the world of the novel, shedding light on the consequences of societal injustices and the illusionary nature of the American Dream.