"With the influence of the dress her personality had also undergone a change. The intense vitality that had been so remarkable in the garage was converted into impressive hauteur" (Fitzgerald 30).
Mrs. Wilson is a very wealthy woman who spends her money excessively in order to fill the void that her husband leaves and to show her wealth to Tom. She uses her money to buy material objects that will entertain her while she is without her husband. For her to have her own apartment on Long Island that she uses to see Tom is an extra expense that she probably does not think twice about because she has the means to afford it. The puppy she purchases on the street is another example of her excessive spending. She wants a puppy simply to have one. She does not consider the responsibilities that come along with have a pet. This is evident while her guests are gathered in her apartment. The puppy is seemingly abandoned.
Katie--How might it change your view of Myrtle to understand that she's the wife of a garage mechanic and therefore far from wealthy? Your observations would still be at least partially valid...you'd give them a new twist with this understanding.
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