Gender Inequality in The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby, is often celebrated for its vivid portrayal of the 1920s Jazz Age and its critique of the American Dream. However, the novel also provides a glimpse into the gender inequality that was prevalent during the time period. Through the characters of Daisy Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, and Jordan Baker, Fitzgerald highlights the limited agency and societal expectations placed on women in the 1920s. This essay will explore the theme of gender inequality in The Great Gatsby, analyzing how Fitzgerald’s portrayal of female characters reflects the patriarchal values of the time.

One of the central female characters in The Great Gatsby is Daisy Buchanan, who is portrayed as the quintessential “golden girl” of the Jazz Age. Daisy is beautiful, charming, and wealthy, but she is also trapped in a loveless marriage with Tom Buchanan. Throughout the novel, Daisy is shown to be dependent on male figures for her happiness and security. She is often passive and lacks agency, allowing herself to be controlled by the men in her life. This is evident in her relationship with Gatsby, where she ultimately chooses to remain with Tom despite her feelings for Gatsby. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of Daisy reflects the societal expectation for women to prioritize marriage and social status over personal happiness and fulfillment.

Another female character who experiences gender inequality in The Great Gatsby is Myrtle Wilson. Myrtle is portrayed as a working-class woman who is dissatisfied with her life and seeks escape through her affair with Tom Buchanan. However, Myrtle’s attempts to assert herself and break free from her social constraints ultimately lead to tragedy. Her affair with Tom is a reflection of the power dynamics at play, where men like Tom have the ability to manipulate and exploit women like Myrtle. Myrtle’s fate serves as a stark reminder of the limited opportunities and agency available to women in the 1920s.

Jordan Baker, a professional golfer and friend of Daisy’s, is another female character in The Great Gatsby who experiences gender inequality. Although Jordan is portrayed as independent and self-assured, she is also depicted as callous and morally ambiguous. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of Jordan reflects the societal perception of assertive and independent women as cold and untrustworthy. Jordan’s character serves as a commentary on the double standards and societal expectations placed on women during the time period.

In conclusion, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, provides a nuanced portrayal of gender inequality in the 1920s. Through the characters of Daisy Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, and Jordan Baker, Fitzgerald highlights the limited agency and societal expectations placed on women during the time period. The novel serves as a critique of the patriarchal values and gender dynamics that were prevalent in the Jazz Age, shedding light on the struggles and constraints faced by women in the 1920s.