Why does Gatsby take the blame for Myrtle’s Death?

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, the character of Jay Gatsby is presented as a quintessential American dreamer, a self-made man who rises from humble beginnings to become a wealthy socialite in the Roaring Twenties. However, beneath the glamour and excess of Gatsby's lifestyle lies a deeper narrative of class struggle and false consciousness, which is exemplified by his decision to take the blame for the death of Myrtle Wilson.

At the heart of Gatsby's decision lies his love for Daisy Buchanan, a wealthy and privileged socialite who is married to Tom Buchanan, a powerful and influential figure in the world of finance. Despite his wealth and status, Gatsby is acutely aware of the class differences that separate him from Daisy and her social circle. This awareness is reflected in his obsession with acquiring wealth and status, which he believes will enable him to win Daisy's love and acceptance.

However, Gatsby's belief in the American dream is a form of false consciousness, which blinds him to the reality of the power dynamics that exist between him and Daisy. As a member of the upper class, Daisy wields a significant amount of power and influence over Gatsby, and her rejection of him is a direct reflection of this power differential. In this context, Gatsby's decision to take the blame for Myrtle Wilson's death can be seen as a desperate attempt to win Daisy's love and approval by demonstrating his loyalty and devotion to her.

Ultimately, Gatsby's decision is a tragic one, as it reflects the ways in which false consciousness and class differences can lead to self-destructive behavior. Through a Marxist analysis of Gatsby's decision, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex power dynamics that exist between individuals of different social classes, and the ways in which these power differentials can shape our beliefs and actions.