Elsa: The Great Gatsby is Definitely Not a Love Story

When we first started reading The Great Gatsby, and "love story" was used to describe the book, it immediately seemed wrong. We read about these characters having quite dysfunctional relationships from start to finish. No one ends up happy, and no one changes their situation to make themselves happy. I agree with this chapter's analysis of each characters own fear of intimacy. What especially drew my attention was the analysis of Myrtle Wilson. Tyson's conclusion of the way Myrtle displays her fear of intimacy seemed like a stretch. It seemed more likely that Myrtle is opportunistic and materialistic rather than afraid of intimacy. Myrtle married Mr. Wilson becasue she thought he was wealthy, not becasue he provided the type of relationship that allowed her to keep some distance.