Myrtle Wilson married George Wilson for several reasons, including social status, financial security, and her desire to escape her current life.
Initially, Myrtle is portrayed as a woman who is dissatisfied with her marriage and her social standing. George, a mechanic who owns a garage in the ‘valley of ashes’, represents a lower socioeconomic class, which Myrtle seeks to rise above. Despite George’s earnestness and love for her, it’s clear that Myrtle does not truly love him; instead, she views him as a means to an end.
Throughout the novel, Myrtle’s aspirations are evident. She is drawn to Tom Buchanan, who offers her a glimpse of the wealth and sophistication she craves but cannot attain through her marriage to George. However, her relationship with Tom is also flawed: he objectifies her and treats her as a mere plaything.
When Myrtle married George, it was likely a decision influenced by the circumstances of her life at that point. She may have seen in George someone who could provide stability, even if he wasn’t the man of her dreams. Ultimately, Myrtle’s marriage reflects her complex motivations: her desire to escape her current reality, her pursuit of a better life, and her unfortunate entanglement with men who don’t fulfill her emotional needs.