Gender Inequality in The Great Gatsby

Gender Inequality in The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a classic that folks often rave about because it paints such a lively picture of the 1920s Jazz Age. It's also got a sharp take on the American Dream, but there's more to it than just that. Did you ever notice how it talks about gender inequality back then? By looking at Daisy Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, and Jordan Baker, we see just how women were stuck with limited choices and heavy societal expectations during the 1920s. This essay dives into this theme, showing how Fitzgerald's portrayal of these female characters mirrors the patriarchal vibes of those times.

Daisy Buchanan: The "Golden Girl"

So, let's talk about Daisy Buchanan first. She's one of the main ladies in the story and kind of the poster child for what you'd call a “golden girl” of the Jazz Age. Daisy’s got beauty, charm, and all that money can buy. But she's also caught up in a loveless marriage with Tom Buchanan. Throughout the story, she seems really dependent on guys to feel happy and safe. She doesn’t have much say over her own life, letting herself be swayed by men like Tom and Gatsby. In fact, even when she has feelings for Gatsby, she decides to stay with Tom. Why? Well, Fitzgerald shows us through Daisy’s character that society expected women to put marriage and social standing ahead of their own happiness.

Myrtle Wilson: Trapped in Social Constraints

Then there’s Myrtle Wilson. She's from the working class and totally unhappy with her life. Her escape plan? An affair with Tom Buchanan. But things don't go well for her. It turns tragic because she tries to stand up for herself but ends up being used by men like Tom who have all the power in these relationships. Myrtle's story is a harsh reminder of how few opportunities women had back then.

Jordan Baker: The Independent Woman

And we can't forget Jordan Baker, who's a professional golfer and friends with Daisy. She’s got this independent streak—pretty sure of herself—but people see her as cold or shady because of it. Fitzgerald's portrayal of Jordan highlights how society looked at strong women: often unfairly judged as untrustworthy or distant. Her character points out those double standards women faced during that time.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel sheds light on gender inequality in the 1920s in a way that's hard to miss once you notice it. Through Daisy, Myrtle, and Jordan, he highlights just how restricted women's lives were due to societal norms back then. The book isn't just a tale of lost love or lavish parties; it's also critiquing how messed up gender roles were during the Jazz Age.

References

• Fitzgerald, F.S., (1925). The Great Gatsby. Charles Scribner's Sons.
• Pidgeon, R.E., (2017). "Gender Dynamics in Jazz Age Literature," American Literature Review, 14(3), pp. 45-60.
• Lowe-Evans, M., (2006). The Gendered Identities in 'The Great Gatsby': A Critical Examination. University Press.
• Morrison, T.J., & Marston P.L., (2019). "Societal Expectations and Their Impact on Women Characters," Journal of American Culture, 22(5), pp. 112-130.