How Does Fitzgerald Use Gender Roles In The Great Gatsby

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The author of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, uses Tom Buschan as a symbol of gender roles during the period of Roaring Twenties. Tom is the narrator, Nick's friend from college and they are having a reunion. Nick describes Tom as having, “Two arrogant eyes [that] had established dominance over his face,” (page 14). Fitzgerald chose to include the word “dominance” because men controlled almost everything during this time period. Tom is a prime example of men controlling their women, even with their eyes. By using “arrogant,” Fitzgerald illustrates how Tom carries himself with pride and superiority. Tom knows that because he is a man, he rules the household and has control over everything, so he uses it to his advantage. Men during this