Introduction to does tom buy myrtle perfume
The question of “does Tom buy Myrtle perfume” is a fascinating one, primarily because it’s rooted in the iconic novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This seemingly simple query opens a window into the world of wealth, relationships, and the subtle language of gifting. In Gatsby’s world, the exchange of gifts, especially those with an air of luxury, like perfume, held significant meaning. This article delves deeply, not just into whether Tom, the brutish and wealthy husband of Daisy Buchanan, would purchase perfume for Myrtle Wilson, his mistress, but also into the underlying implications and the broader context of fragrance within their complex relationships. We’ll explore the types of perfumes that might have been relevant in the 1920s, the motivations behind gifting them, and how these choices reflect the characters’ personalities and desires. This is more than just an investigation of a hypothetical purchase; it’s an exploration of character, societal norms, and the power of scent.
How We Selected the does tom buy myrtle perfume
To effectively evaluate the question of “does Tom buy Myrtle perfume,” we need to consider several factors beyond a simple “yes” or “no.” We’ve approached this by drawing upon historical context, character analysis, and an understanding of the significance of perfume during the 1920s. Our selection process involves:
- Historical Accuracy: We’ve researched the types of perfumes available in the 1920s, their price points, and their association with different social classes.
- Character Analysis: We’ve examined Tom’s personality – his materialism, his possessiveness, and his lack of genuine affection – to assess his likely gifting habits.
- Myrtle’s Desires: We’ve considered Myrtle’s aspirations and her desire for a life of luxury, which would heavily influence her preferences.
- Symbolic Meaning: We’ve analyzed the symbolic weight of perfume as a gift, particularly its association with romance, status, and escape.
- Literary Context: We’ve considered the narrative itself and Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism and imagery.
These factors, combined, allow us to paint a realistic picture of whether Tom would buy Myrtle perfume and, if so, the type of fragrance he’d likely choose.
Top 10 does tom buy myrtle perfume - Complete Rankings
The following list isn’t a ranking of actual perfumes Tom might have bought (since that’s impossible to know definitively). Instead, it’s a ranking of potential fragrance types, considering both Tom’s character and the era.
1. Expensive, Oriental Perfumes - Best for does tom buy myrtle perfume
- Description: Think rich, heady scents like those containing amber, musk, and exotic spices. These perfumes were incredibly popular among the wealthy and represented luxury and sophistication.
- Why Tom might buy it: Tom, being obsessed with his wealth and status, would likely choose a perfume that screams opulence. An oriental fragrance would fit the bill perfectly, signaling his financial prowess.
- Why Myrtle might like it: Myrtle craves a glamorous lifestyle. An expensive, oriental perfume would be a symbol of the high society she desperately wants to be a part of, reinforcing her aspirations.
- Pros: Demonstrates wealth and status. Long-lasting and memorable.
- Cons: Can be perceived as ostentatious or overwhelming. May not suit everyone’s taste.
- Price/Availability: High-end perfumes were expensive in the 1920s. These would be found at high-end department stores and perfumeries.
2. Strong Floral Perfumes - Great does tom buy myrtle perfume Choice
- Description: Heavy floral scents, possibly including rose, jasmine, or tuberose, were common. These perfumes were often associated with sensuality and femininity.
- Why Tom might buy it: Tom likely sees Myrtle as a sexual object, and a strong floral perfume would accentuate her perceived femininity and allure.
- Why Myrtle might like it: Myrtle, seeking attention and trying to elevate her image, would embrace this type of fragrance to feel more attractive and desirable.
- Pros: Evokes sensuality and romance.
- Cons: Can be overwhelming if not applied carefully.
- Price/Availability: Readily available but the quality would vary.
3. Eaux de Cologne - A Practical does tom buy myrtle perfume Option
- Description: Lighter, citrus-based fragrances. These were suitable for daily wear and provided a sense of freshness.
- Why Tom might buy it: Tom, being practical and not particularly romantic, might opt for something less extravagant and more readily available. It would be a simple gift.
- Why Myrtle might like it: While not as luxurious, it would still be a fragrance, and the freshness could be appealing.
- Pros: More affordable and accessible. Suitable for everyday use.
- Cons: Less memorable and less associated with luxury.
- Price/Availability: Widely available and relatively inexpensive.
4. Imported French Perfumes - A does tom buy myrtle perfume Sign of Status
- Description: Perfumes from renowned French houses were highly coveted and represented the pinnacle of luxury.
- Why Tom might buy it: Tom would likely be aware of the prestige associated with French perfumes and would use them to impress Myrtle and showcase his wealth.
- Why Myrtle might like it: Myrtle would associate a French perfume with sophistication and a life of glamour.
- Pros: High-quality, luxurious, and highly coveted.
- Cons: Very expensive and difficult to obtain.
- Price/Availability: Very expensive, only available in select stores.
5. Single-Note Perfumes - A does tom buy myrtle perfume Option for Simplicity
- Description: Perfumes focused on a single dominant note, such as rose, violet, or lilac.
- Why Tom might buy it: Tom may have chosen a simple scent if he lacked the knowledge or inclination to select a more complex fragrance.
- Why Myrtle might like it: Simple, elegant, and easy to wear.
- Pros: Easy to understand and less likely to offend.
- Cons: Less distinctive and memorable.
- Price/Availability: Varied, depending on the note.
6. Powdery Scents - A does tom buy myrtle perfume for Femininity
- Description: Perfumes with a powdery, soft, and subtly sweet aroma. Often associated with a vintage, refined aesthetic.
- Why Tom might buy it: He may have chosen a scent that was popular and considered feminine at the time.
- Why Myrtle might like it: It could complement her desire for a classic, stylish appearance.
- Pros: Creates a sense of elegance and sophistication.
- Cons: Not as bold or attention-grabbing as other options.
- Price/Availability: Widely available.
7. Fougère Fragrances - An Unlikely does tom buy myrtle perfume Choice
- Description: While primarily a masculine fragrance, fougère perfumes (with notes of lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin) were starting to gain popularity during this period.
- Why Tom might buy it: Tom might inadvertently purchase a fragrance more suited for a man, showing his lack of thoughtfulness.
- Why Myrtle might like it: Unlikely, as it wouldn’t align with her desires.
- Pros: Not applicable in this scenario.
- Cons: Not a good fit for Myrtle’s preferences.
- Price/Availability: Variable, but generally accessible.
8. Homemade Perfumes or Perfume Oils - A does tom buy myrtle perfume Sign of Affection (Unlikely)
- Description: Perfumes or oils crafted at home or purchased in small quantities from local vendors.
- Why Tom might buy it: Extremely unlikely. Tom would not likely take the time or effort, nor would it represent the status he craves.
- Why Myrtle might like it: Myrtle may appreciate the sentiment if she was particularly fond of a specific scent.
- Pros: Can be customized to individual preferences.
- Cons: Less luxurious and less long-lasting than commercially produced perfumes.
- Price/Availability: Variable depending on ingredients and source.
9. A Gift Set with Multiple Fragrances - A does tom buy myrtle perfume Display of Abundance
- Description: A set containing several different perfumes or scented items (soap, powder, etc.).
- Why Tom might buy it: Tom might choose a gift set to showcase his generosity and wealth.
- Why Myrtle might like it: Myrtle would appreciate the variety and the perceived abundance.
- Pros: Provides a range of scents to choose from.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than a single perfume.
- Price/Availability: Readily available.