How Does Jordan Baker Criticize In The Great Gatsby

During the early 20th century, it was uncommon to see women in positions of power. For some women, the acquisition and maintenance of power were not through hard work, but rather through immoral and maneuvering mannerisms. People oftentimes claimed that women did not sit in positions of authority, yet still fooled others into believing they did. F. Scott Fitzgerald explores this when Daisy Buchanan, Jordan Baker, and Myrtle Wilson exhibit these wrongful behaviors in relations with men in order to achieve their desired power. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, he uses the main female characters’ social status, wealth, and sexuality to criticize the idea that manipulation is necessary for women to gain power. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald

Initially, Jordan seems to have a ‘soft spot’ for Nick and his carefulness. When the two leave Gatsby’s party after getting to know each other better, Jordan makes it clear that she is interested in Nick. As Nick comments on carelessness, Jordan remarks, “‘I hate careless people. That’s why I like you’”, implying that Nick’s awareness is attractive to Jordan (58). After reading this quote, one would believe that Jordan is encouraging this relationship with Nick and that she likes him for his personality. At this point, manipulation has not been prominent in Jordan quite yet as she seems to be content with Nick. She ensures Nick in her happiness and attraction to him which initially establishes her as a straightforward and truthful character. The contrasting truth of the situation is noticed when their relationship status changes after Gatsby’s death, and when Nick reveals that Jordan has moved on at a rapid pace in comparison to himself. Jordan states that she got engaged to another man, saying “‘I don’t give a damn about you now, but it was a new experience for me, and I felt dizzy for a while’” (177). Not only do her emotions now contrast how she felt not too long before, but she is extremely blunt with her facade of sureness. Jordan acts as if it is obvious and justified that she does not care about

George Wilson is Myrtle’s ideal husband in that he is oblivious to her affairs and focused on his garage business. His unawareness allows Myrtle to take advantage of him, and escape reality through her affair with Tom Buchanan. When Tom visits the Wilson home, both Myrtle and him deceive George into believing Tom’s intentions include business inquiries. Nick describes Myrtle to be “walking through her husband as if he were a ghost” as she tells George to “‘get some chairs … so somebody can sit down”’ (26). Although Myrtle is not exactly slick, George is oblivious enough for her to get away with her secrets. Her power is fostered through the manipulation of her husband as Myrtle deceitfully uses, disrespects, and dismisses George. Clearly, Myrtle takes control of the relationship with assertion, while her husband complies and agrees for her satisfaction. This idea is further developed through Tom’s perception of Myrtle. He knows that Myrtle gets what she desires whether it be through manipulation, deceit, or alternative techniques. Tom takes Nick to his apartment in the city shortly after they pick up Myrtle. Fitzgerald develops Myrtle to be controlling when Tom tells Nick that “‘Myrtle’ll be hurt if [he doesn’t] come up to the apartment'’”, even when Nick openly exclaims that he is not interested in coming along (28).