Who George Wilson is
George Wilson owns a garage near the valley of ashes, between West Egg and New York. He is tired and pale, working among the dust where the city's cinders are dumped.
His workplace shows a side of the novel far from Gatsby's crowded parties and the Buchanans' comfortable home. Through George, Fitzgerald shows the hard work and small rewards that exist beside conspicuous wealth.
What George Wilson wants
George hopes to make a little money and build a better future. His hopes sit within a world where prosperity is uneven and the poor bear the costs of other people's comfort.
George Wilson and the others in the story
George is married to Myrtle Wilson, whose longing for a more glamorous life draws her toward Tom Buchanan. Tom visits George's garage and speaks to him with a smooth, careless manner.
When Tom brings Nick Carraway to the garage, the visit introduces Nick to Myrtle and Tom's secret relationship. George's working life and Myrtle's attraction to wealth bring the novel's divisions of class into their marriage.
Questions
Who is George Wilson in The Great Gatsby?
George Wilson is a hardworking garage owner and Myrtle Wilson's husband. His garage stands near the dusty valley of ashes.
What does George Wilson want?
George wants to earn money and improve his future, though his work brings little reward.
How is George Wilson connected to Tom Buchanan?
Tom visits George's garage and has an affair with George's wife, Myrtle. Their connection brings Tom's wealthy world into contact with George's working life.
