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George Wilson - Characters Sketch, The Great Gatsby | The Great Gatsby - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels PDF Download

Poor George. He really gets the short end of the stick in this one. And, seeing as he's one of the few characters without staggering flaws, he doesn't even deserve it. From what we can tell, Wilson is hard-working and not cheating on his spouse. He's in a marriage with a woman who doesn't love or respect him, who walks through him as though he's a ghost; and meanwhile he just does what she says: "'Oh, sure,' agreed Wilson hurriedly" (2.15)—and we think not for the first time.

After Myrtle's death, Wilson is in serious emotional pain. He cries out "Oh, my God" over and over—but because his wife is dead? Because he just found out she was having an affair? Or because he feels guilty for making her run out into the street?

The other thing to note about Wilson is that he's the only character who talks about God. He tells Myrtle that she "can't fool God," that "God sees everything" (8.105). His comment reminds us that, unlike the rich careless classes, the lower classes can't just retreat "back into […] money" (9.136). Wilson and his class actually have to take responsibility for their actions, and they don't have trips to Paris to make it all more palatable.

No wonder Wilson decides that he doesn't want to live with the consequences.

George's Timeline

  • George is introduced as the ignorant husband of Tom’s mistress.
  • When Nick and Tom fill up with gas on the way to the city, they chat with George and he asks Tom if he will sell his car to him so he can fix it up and sell it for more money.
  • George realizes his wife is having an affair.
  • Tom and Nick and Jordan stop by again on their way into the city one day (the day Tom confronts Daisy and Gatsby) and he looks like a sick, broken man.
  • After Myrtle is hit and killed, George sinks into a severe depression and grief.
  • He reveals to Michaelis that, before his wife died, he warned her that God was always watching.
  • According to Michaelis, Wilson fixated on the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg for a long time after.
  • George Wilson seeks the name and identity of the person driving the car that struck and killed his wife, thinking that it is also the man with whom she was having an affair.
  • Finding his way to West Egg, he kills Gatsby and then himself.
  • We find out later that it was Tom who gave Wilson Gatsby’s name.
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FAQs on George Wilson - Characters Sketch, The Great Gatsby - The Great Gatsby - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels

1. Who is George Wilson and what is his role in The Great Gatsby?
Ans. George Wilson is a character in The Great Gatsby. He is the husband of Myrtle Wilson and owns a garage in the Valley of Ashes. George plays a significant role in the novel as his actions and decisions have far-reaching consequences for the other characters.
2. How does George Wilson contribute to the overall theme of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby?
Ans. George Wilson's character represents the disillusionment and tragedy often associated with the American Dream. He is a hardworking man who aspires to improve his social and economic status, but his dreams are shattered when he realizes his wife's infidelity. His desperate attempt to save their marriage leads to tragic events, highlighting the corrupting nature of the American Dream.
3. What is the significance of George Wilson's garage in The Great Gatsby?
Ans. George Wilson's garage symbolizes the decay and despair of the lower class in the novel. Located in the desolate Valley of Ashes, the garage represents the harsh reality of the working class and their struggle for survival. It also serves as a contrast to the luxurious and extravagant lifestyles of the wealthy characters in the story.
4. How does George Wilson's relationship with Myrtle contribute to the plot of The Great Gatsby?
Ans. George Wilson's relationship with Myrtle is pivotal to the plot of The Great Gatsby. Myrtle's affair with Tom Buchanan, a wealthy and married man, sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to tragedy. George's discovery of the affair and his subsequent actions drive the narrative forward, exposing the corrupt morals and consequences of the upper class's actions.
5. In what ways does George Wilson's character development reflect the themes of social class and identity in The Great Gatsby?
Ans. George Wilson's character development reflects the themes of social class and identity in The Great Gatsby by showcasing the struggles and limitations imposed on individuals based on their social status. As a lower-class individual, George is constantly striving for a better life, but he is ultimately trapped in his circumstances. His desperation to fit into the upper class and retain his marriage highlights the complexities of social class and the sacrifices individuals are willing to make for their perceived identity.
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