Function of Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby

So, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's book, The Great Gatsby, there's this character named Jordan Baker who really adds a lot to the story and helps show off some big themes. She's a golfer, friends with Daisy Buchanan, and kind of shows off how the 1920s were all about money and not-so-great morals. Let's dive into what makes Jordan tick, how she shakes things up for other characters, and her part in the bigger ideas like the fake American Dream and crumbling morals.

The Goals and Motivations of Jordan Baker

Even though Jordan Baker doesn't pop up on every page, she's got some clear goals that push the story along. For one, she's all about keeping her spot as a top socialite. The book even calls her "incurably dishonest," showing how she'll twist stuff to stay on top (Fitzgerald, 57). Plus, she's chasing success as a golfer. She wants to be one of the best out there, which makes her super competitive—even if it means breaking some rules. Her career ambitions fit right in with the 1920s vibe where people were hungry for money and fame.

Jordan Baker's Impact on Other Characters

Jordan definitely has an effect on the people around her in the book. She's got this fling with Nick Carraway, who's basically our main guy. This thing between them gives us more insight into Nick. He's drawn to how cool and independent she seems at first but starts questioning what she stands for as he gets to know her more. It makes you wonder about integrity—what does it even mean anymore?

Then there's her link to Daisy Buchanan—Nick's cousin—and Jay Gatsby's love interest. Jordan’s connection with Daisy complicates their whole love triangle situation even more. The choices Daisy makes because of Jordan eventually lead to some pretty intense stuff towards the end.

Jordan Baker's Contribution to Themes

Jordan is kind of like a symbol in this story. She shows off how chasing the American Dream can be a total illusion when it's all about material things. Her drive in golfing reflects how people in the '20s went after success and status like there was no tomorrow. But here’s the kicker: Jordan’s success comes at a cost—her honesty goes out the window—which highlights just how empty that pursuit can be.

Also, her character shows us how morals were pretty much falling apart back then. She's sneaky and manipulative just like others in their rich circle, showing off their shallow behavior. It really points out how beneath all that glitz and glamor of those times lay some serious moral rot.

Conclusion

Wrapping it up: Jordan Baker plays a vital role in The Great Gatsby. She's not just about being morally questionable; she helps dig into major themes like fake dreams and shaky morals too. With her ambitions affecting others’ lives—and these themes running through—it becomes clear that Fitzgerald used her well in telling his cautionary tale about chasing wealth at any cost.

As we follow along with what unfolds around Jordan, we see just how hollow society was back then while asking ourselves what real success looks like without losing one's values? This novel serves as a reminder—don’t let money change who you are inside despite whatever pressures might come your way.

Bibliography

• Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.
• Berman, Ronald L., “The Great Gatsby” and Fitzgerald's World of Ideas (University of Alabama Press; 1997).
• Taylor, Bobbie Ann Mason - A Study Guide for F.Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" (Gale Group Inc.; Thomson Learning; 2003).
• Tredell N., Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby (Palgrave Macmillan; New York; 2007).