The Great Gatsby

How is George Wilson important to The Great Gatsby?

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George is a used car dealer, lacking in drive, personality and charisma. Myrtle is his wife, sensual and ambitious. Myrtle is the mistress of Tom Buchanan, indulged by him and allowed to live the life she believes she deserves. She is still, however, loved by her husband - or, at least, viewed as his wife. His efforts to resume control over her result in her death which, in turn, triggers in him an obsession with her killer that leads to Gatsby's death. In the portrayals of the Wilsons, as in the portrayals of so many of the other secondary characters, self-indulgence in feeling and desire is the dominant, and ultimately destructive, trait. George also serves as a symbol of those hurt by "careless" characters.

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The Great Gatsby