George Wilson 

            George Wilson was a very sad and withdrawn character.   “He was a blonde, spiritless man, anemic and faintly handsome.”  He is seen as a ghostly figure and his life is dull and dead except for his wife who has immense vitality.  The story tells us that  “he was his wife’s man and not his own”.  When he found that she was having an affair he became physically sick.  He began to die even more.  So, when Myrtle did die, he died too.  She was his link to life.  Without her, he was not alive and could not go on.  Once she had died he was beside himself with grief.

George's Inner Struggle

As George stared into the twilight, he tried to organize his thoughts, "I can't do this.  She is not supposed to be dead.  She can't be dead, we were supposed to move out West and everything was going to be fine.  I know that she cheated on me, but I could never let her go.  I need her.  I am lost without her.  She has left me alone in this world.  I told her she shouldn't have cheated on me.  I told her that God could see her.  God is right in front of us, staring us down everyday as we live our life.  Just waiting for us to make a mistake.  I tried to tell Myrtle this, but she wouldn't have it.  She had no fear of him.  But, now she is gone." 

(Talks to Michaelis)

"Michaelis doesn't understand.  He does not know what I am talking about.  No one is left here for me.  No one can keep me afloat.  It's just you and me Dr. T.J. Eckleburg.  You would never leave me.  But, you are not Myrtle.  Who could have done this?  It was a yellow car, so it must have been Tom's.  I don't know why he would have done it, but I have to go confront him.  Yes, yes, that is what I will do.  The sun is beginning to rise.  It is still dark, but when it is light enough I will go.  As soon as I get the chance I will go to Tom's house and look for that yellow car.  I will make him admit that he did it.  Myrtle's killer will not go unpunished.  They have ruined the lives of my wife and me.  I feel sick.  Life has no meaning anymore.  I can't think about this.  The more I think the more I feel that I am going mad.  I must get everything over with before I have too much time to think about all that has happened.  I'm leaving now."   

Return to Index                                                                                        Abby Sup