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The Great Gatsby, a classic literary work by F. Scott Fitzgerald, predominantly revolves around male characters, yet the female figures within the narrative play pivotal roles in shaping the storyline and contributing to the exploration of societal attitudes towards women during the Jazz Age. This essay delves into the distinct characters of Daisy Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, and Jordan Baker, shedding light on their individual roles and how Fitzgerald strategically uses their development to underscore broader themes.
Introduced in the first chapter at a gathering in her opulent home, Daisy Buchanan emerges as the main female character, entangled in romantic relations with both Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby.
Described by Nick as a rich and confident wife, Daisy, despite her self-proclaimed sophistication, grapples with the societal expectations imposed upon her gender. Her face is portrayed as "sad and lovely" (Gatsby 9), reflecting the constant interruptions and dismissive treatment she endures in the male-dominated society.
As the evening unfolds, Daisy's facade of confidence begins to crack, revealing a woman yearning for recognition beyond her physical beauty.
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Even when discussing her daughter, she expresses the desire for her to grow up as "a beautiful little fool" (Gatsby 17), highlighting the societal constraints imposed on women, even within the affluent circles of the Roaring Twenties. Fitzgerald masterfully focuses on Daisy's voice rather than her physical appearance, describing it as "a wild tonic in the rain…following the sound up and down before any words came through" (Gatsby 85).
Intriguingly, even mundane interactions, such as Daisy washing her face, are imbued with significance.
Nick's acknowledgment of the "humiliation of [his] towels" (Gatsby 89) underscores the pervasive disregard for her opinions. The novel subtly portrays the intricate web of challenges women faced during this era – mesmerizing beauty was a trap, garnering attention but failing to secure genuine regard.
Myrtle Wilson, entangled in an affair with Tom Buchanan, represents a different facet of femininity within the social hierarchy of The Great Gatsby. Living on the "edge of the wasteland," Myrtle embodies the average woman of her time, living a life seemingly contiguous to nothing of significance. Nick describes her as a "thick woman" in her thirties, capturing the essence of the average woman in the 1920s.
Myrtle's actions, such as buying an expensive dog immediately upon arriving at her sister's house, and changing her costume, suggest a desperate attempt to fabricate an affluent facade. Nick astutely notes that her personality undergoes a transformation, with the "intense vitality" converting into "impressive hauteur" (Gatsby 30). Myrtle's tragic descent into a woman devoid of self-respect becomes evident when she engages in impassioned discussions with Tom, culminating in him physically assaulting her. This grim portrayal serves as a commentary on the sacrifices some women made in pursuit of societal acceptance and economic security.
Jordan Baker, initially a less prominent character, gains significance in the third chapter, offering a unique perspective on the societal norms of the time. Nick, while acknowledging her "incurable dishonesty," intriguingly notes that dishonesty in a woman is not to be deeply blamed (Gatsby 58), hinting at a mysterious past that shaped her character. Jordan, representing the outgoing "West Eggers," finds the party "much too polite" for her taste, emphasizing the diversity within the wealthy elite of West Egg.
Fitzgerald utilizes Jordan Baker to underscore that not everyone in West Egg belongs to the privileged elite; some are ordinary individuals fortunate enough to be on the wealthier side of the spectrum. By weaving Jordan into the narrative, the author expands the scope of societal commentary, illustrating that wealth alone does not homogenize the individuals within this exclusive community.
Bringing these diverse female characters together, Fitzgerald crafts a microcosm reflecting the multifaceted aspects of women's lives during the Jazz Age. Daisy, Myrtle, and Jordan embody drastically different personalities, collectively offering a comprehensive view of the challenges, aspirations, and societal expectations imposed on women in the 1920s.
Through Daisy's struggle for recognition beyond her beauty, Myrtle's tragic pursuit of an affluent facade, and Jordan's portrayal of the varied individuals within the West Egg elite, Fitzgerald skillfully navigates the complex web of societal dynamics. Each woman serves as a lens through which the reader can explore the intricate interplay between gender, wealth, and societal expectations during a transformative period in American history.
In conclusion, F. Scott Fitzgerald's portrayal of women in The Great Gatsby goes beyond mere character development, serving as a poignant commentary on the treatment and role of women in the society of the Roaring Twenties. Daisy, Myrtle, and Jordan, with their distinct narratives, collectively contribute to a nuanced exploration of the challenges and aspirations of women in a male-dominated world.
By delving into the complexities of femininity through these characters, Fitzgerald invites readers to reflect on the timeless themes embedded in the narrative. The novel stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of its social commentary, urging contemporary readers to ponder the progress made and challenges that persist in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality.
The Influential Women in The Great Gatsby. (2016, May 18). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/influence-of-women-in-the-great-gatsby-essay
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