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Essay / Gender Inequality in The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is often celebrated for its vivid depiction of the 1920s Jazz Age and its critique of the American Dream. However, the novel also provides insight into the gender inequality that was prevalent at the time. 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 inequality between gender in The Great Gatsby, analyzing how Fitzgerald's portrayal of female characters reflects the patriarchal values of the time. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on 'Why violent video games should not be banned'? Get the original essay One of the central female characters in The Great Gatsby is Daisy Buchanan, who is portrayed as the quintessential 'golden girl' of the jazz era. Daisy is beautiful, charming and wealthy, but she is also trapped in a loveless marriage to Tom Buchanan. Throughout the novel, Daisy depends 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 stay with Tom despite her feelings for Gatsby. Fitzgerald's portrayal of Daisy reflects the societal expectation that women 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 plight is a stark reminder of the limited opportunities and agency women had in the 1920s. Jordan Baker, professional golfer and friend of Daisy, is another female character in The Great Gatsby who experiences inequality between the sexes. Although Jordan is portrayed as independent and self-confident, she is also portrayed as callous and morally ambiguous. Fitzgerald's portrayal of Jordan reflects the societal perception of assertive, independent women as cold and untrustworthy. Jordan's character serves as a commentary on the double standards and societal expectations placed on women during this time period. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby paints a nuanced portrait of gender inequality in the 1920s. Through the characters of Daisy Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, and Jordan Baker, Fitzgerald highlights highlight the limited action and societal expectations placed on women during this period. The novel serves as a critique of the patriarchal values and gender dynamics that were prevalent in the Jazz Age, highlighting the struggles and constraints faced by women in the 1990s. 1920..