H1: Unraveling the Truth in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby': The Motive Behind George Wilson's Tragic Act

H2: George Wilson's Misguided Vengeance

One of the most perplexing—and tragic—acts in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is the murder of Jay Gatsby by George Wilson. The question often arises: did Wilson kill Gatsby out of revenge for slewing around with his wife, as Myrtle Wilson was described, or is there another possibility?

George Wilson's main motivation for killing Gatsby is his deep-seated grief and anger over the death of his wife, Myrtle Wilson, and the implication of Gatsby in their relationship. Myrtle was killed in a hit-and-run accident involving Gatsby's car, which was being driven by Daisy Buchanan at the time.

H2: George's Misunderstanding of the True Relationship

While Gatsby and Daisy had a romantic relationship, George was not aware of this. His grief and anger were fueled by a misunderstanding. He believed that the driver of the car that hit Myrtle was also her lover, causing him to seek revenge on Gatsby. However, the true circumstances of the car accident were more complex:

Tom Buchanan, Myrtle's lover, had initially driven the car to New York City. When returning from New York City, Daisy was driving with Gatsby as a passenger, and it was Daisy who was at fault for the hit-and-run accident.

George's misinterpretation of the events, compounded by his emotional distress, led him to pursue Gatsby, whom he mistakenly believed was responsible for Myrtle's death and her affair.

H2: God’s Revenge and Misguided Justice

George's actions were further driven by his deranged state of grief and a belief in divine retribution. He believed that killing Gatsby would serve as a form of justice, and he often referred to the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg on the billboard at Wilson's garage as a symbol of divine watching and judgment. In a moment of delusion, George saw the eyes as more than just a billboard and believed they represented a higher power.

When George confronts Gatsby, he tells him: "Youainted wit it. But I saw him coming, I saw him this afternoon. And I gave him a chance, that's what made it worse. I didn't want to hurt a friend, but I saw that fellow sitting out there, and could have left you alone, but I couldn't take it." He then proceeds to admit that he shot Gatsby, the man who was not his enemy but his victim.

H2: The Complex Dynamics in The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is known for its intricate portrayal of relationships, class, and societal norms. The conflict between Gatsby and George Wilson ultimately comes down to misguided loyalties, misunderstandings, and a deep-seated pain. Fitzgerald’s novel often explores themes of the American Dream, social class, and the futility of such dreams in the face of societal and personal failures.

In conclusion, George Wilson's decision to kill Jay Gatsby is a tragic and complex act rooted in grief, misunderstanding, and a false belief in divine justice. The true story of the hit-and-run accident involving Myrtle Wilson and Gatsby's car adds depth to our understanding of the characters and the emotional turmoil that drives the plot forward. Through the lens of The Great Gatsby, we see a powerful exploration of the human condition, where misplaced trust and misunderstanding can lead to destructive actions.

Keywords: The Great Gatsby, George Wilson, Jay Gatsby, Myrtle Wilson, Revenge