How Does Fitzgerald Present Myrtle In The Great Gatsby

In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald conveys Tom and Myrtle's relationship as purely sexual, free of any morals or shame. Unlike Daisy and Gatsby’s emotinal affair, Tom and Myrtle’s is only physical. Particularly, the author contrasts Myrtle’s sexual appeal with Daisy’s traditional elegance persuading the reader that there is a perverted atmosphere to the character. Myrtle carries “ her surplus flesh sensuously as some women can,”(pg 25). While suggesting that Tom’s mistress may be a little “stout” Fitzgerald extentuates the erotic aura that she has. Additionally the environment of the affair is secretive and forbidden. Nick illustrates the ambience of the private apartment as contributing a “share of human secrecy to the casual watcher in the