Women of Gatsby

The novel, The Great Gatsby, takes place in the 1920's: a time of rebellious behavior and living life according to the new founded American Dream. The women of this era are portrayed in two different lights in the novel: defiant and foolish.

As women in the novel start to detach themselves from the stereotypical proper and prim manner in society, there are new stereotypes created. In the novel, it is perfectly all right for women to drink and conduct themselves wildly at parties just as men do. They express their views much more, and begin to take control of their newly established place in society. Daisy, the common prim woman, was treated as in inferior for years in her relationship with Tim. She allowed herself to be degraded as her husband committed acts of infidelity. However, Daisy eventually liberates herself when she has an affair with Gatsby. Now, Daisy has found a way to bring Tom under her thumb.

On the other hand, women also are portrayed as extremely foolish, and easily used by men. Myrtle is an excellent example of his, for Tom is using her. To Tom, Myrtle is a game. He uses her for fun, and never intends on having a substantial relationship with her. He goes to her when he pleases, and she will always be there waiting for him. Tom does not treat her with respect, yet she continually returns to his side.

The American dream has a lot to do with the behavior patterns of the women in the novel. It seems that the novel shows women as becoming infatuated with the 'perfect American life.' The women are shown to anything to meet the unachievable standards that the American Dream puts forth. And this recklessness, defiance and foolishness are clearly shown in The Great Gatsby.

http://www.shmoop.com/great-gatsby/gender-theme.html

http://www.novelguide.com/thegreatgatsby/characterprofiles.html

It wouldn't let me add any more pictures.