During their interactions, George Wilson affords the wealthy Buchanan credibility because of his socio-economic position, believing Tom to be superior to him. Because he is deluded about his wife Myrtle, Wilson never suspects Tom of being her lover.
Much like Gatsby, George Wilson is a dreamer who unrealistically affords people virtues they do not possess. Certainly, he puts more faith in his wife than he should, and he cowers to Tom Buchanan. For instance, he asks Tom when he is going to sell him a car promised him, not realizing that Buchanan uses this promise merely as a pretense to come by and let his mistress, George's wife Myrtle, know that he is going to New York City so she can meet him.
"Hello, Wilson, old man," said Tom.... "How's business?"
"I can't complain," answered Wilson unconvincingly. "When are you going to sell me that car?"
"Next week; I've got my man working on it now."
"Works pretty slow, don't he?"
"No, he doesn't," said Tom coldly. "And if you feel that way about it maybe I'd better sell it somewhere else after all."
Clearly, George Wilson is a weak, submissive man who is defeated by his poverty and lack of success. He places hope in the wealthy Tom, believing that his association with Buchanan will somehow help him break from his life in the Valley of Ashes.
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