Gender Roles In The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald

Historical events in America have determined that gender roles are not something "God-Given" or natural- gender roles are more of a social structure created by society. However, these historical events lead to society deeming roles necessary to keep certain groups in check. The 1920s was a significant time due to social change and the aftermath of World War II. It was a time when women began protesting and fighting for equality in a society filled with inequality. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald highlights the problematic stereotypical roles given to genders in American society.

Daisy had to hold a reputation as a rich woman living in a society where women could not move so freely. Fitzgerald says, "It's a great advantage not to drink

An example of this is the way Tom is introduced. Fitzgerald says, “ Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward. Not even the effeminate swank of his riding clothes could hide the enormous power of that body”(Fitzgerald 7). In making this comment, Fitzgerald is emphasizing and foreshadowing not just the “power” of Tom's physical body and the “dominance” of his eyes, but the power he holds as a character in the book and the dominance he holds against other characters later on in the book. Tom has complete control of myrtle and daisy. As he continues to have his separate life with Myrtle and their love affair, he knows when to use his “power.” Fitzgerald says, “ .. Discussing in impassionate voices whether Mrs. Wilson had any right to mention Daisy's name… Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand” (Fitzgerald 37). Tom had no issue with hitting Myrtle in front of everyone because he knew the power he held and how he would have no repercussions because of his use of power. He used his physical strength to shut Myrtle down when he felt that he was being disrespected and about to lose control over

Gatsby wanting to take Daisy away from Tom felt as if he was fighting for an object rather than a human. Gatsby never really sat down and asked Daisy how she felt because in reality he didn’t care other than wanting her in his possession. Fitzgerald says, “Her voice is full of money,” he said suddenly. That was it. I’d never understood before. It was full of money—that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbals’ song of it.” (Fitzgerald 120). By gatsby saying “Her voice is full of money” he is implying that he can only buy her and believes she is only materialistic. He is not seeing Daisy's true self and regardless of Daisy already being married Gatsby wants her as a token for his new