In The Great Gatsby how are Gatsby and Myrtle parallels, considering the values, aspirations and career of each in the story.

These two are great to consider as
parallels.

First, both want what they can't ever have. That
which they both want happens to be attached. Although Gatsby wants Daisy and Myrtle
wants Tom, Daisy's Catholic background prohibits a divorce. So a legitimate relationship
for either pair is out of the question. Thus, Gatsby and Myrtle's continued faithfulness
and devotion to their particular lovers will never get them the outcome they each are
desperately searching for. The both travel on unattainable
journeys.

Second, both look to materialism to fulfill their
needs. This materialism is an avenue or tool to get to the relationship that they want
to be in which, again, is unattainable.

In terms of career,
neither have true careers. From our best guesses about Gatsby, we can read between the
lines and assume he is indeed the bootlegger Tom pegs him to be. Myrtle, on the other
hand, fulfills the role of a wife, but we don't even know how well of a home-maker she
was because we only see the mistress in her character.

Each
character is concerned with what others think of them and will go to great lengths to
achieve approval.