The Tragic Timeline- Unveiling the Moment of Peter’s Demise in ‘The Great’
When does Peter die in “The Great Gatsby”? This is a question that has intrigued readers for generations. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, published in 1925, is filled with mystery and intrigue, and the fate of its protagonist, Jay Gatsby, is well-known. However, the question of Peter’s demise remains a topic of much debate and speculation.
The character of Peter in “The Great Gatsby” is a complex figure, representing the wealthy industrialists of the 1920s. He is associated with the Valley of Ashes, a desolate area between West Egg and New York City, where he lives with his wife, Myrtle Wilson. Peter’s role in the novel is significant, as he is involved in the tragic events that unfold around Gatsby and Myrtle.
The first mention of Peter’s death comes in Chapter 7, when Tom Buchanan, Gatsby’s rival, tells Nick Carraway about a car accident involving Myrtle and her husband, George Wilson. The incident occurs after Myrtle, driven by her affair with Gatsby, attempts to run Tom down in the street. Instead, she hits George Wilson, who is driving a car, and he is killed instantly.
The question of when Peter himself dies is not explicitly stated in the novel. Some readers believe that Peter is the man driving the car that hits Myrtle, leading to his death. However, others argue that it was George Wilson who was driving the car at the time of the accident, as he is the one who dies immediately.
The ambiguity surrounding Peter’s death adds to the novel’s intrigue and symbolism. If Peter is indeed the one who dies, it can be seen as a representation of the corrupt and morally bankrupt nature of the wealthy industrialists of the era. On the other hand, if George Wilson is the one who dies, it may symbolize the tragic consequences of infidelity and the destructive power of jealousy.
In conclusion, the question of when Peter dies in “The Great Gatsby” remains a subject of debate among readers. The novel’s ambiguous ending leaves the fate of Peter open to interpretation, allowing for various interpretations of the story’s themes and symbolism. Whether Peter dies or not, his character and the events surrounding his potential demise play a crucial role in the overall narrative and message of the novel.
