Inequality In The Great Gatsby

Kenneth Huang

Mrs. Tourtellotte

Mr Jefferson

English/History

7 January 2023

The Great Gatsby Essay

After World War I, a new and improved era, known as the "Roaring 20s," blossomed in America throughout the 1920s. During this time, women saw more significant opportunities in life as most men dominated society. Women enjoyed more freedom in America, but there were still concerns about inequality issues, and men were given preference overall. In the novel The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald depicts how women in the 1920s used greed and deceit to advance in life through the characters Daisy and Myrtle. In the novel, the character Myrtle uses manipulation to improve her life since she is desperate for fame and money. Men profited in the 1920s

This included unfair wages, politics, and limited job options. In the novel, Myrtle lives in the valley of ashes with a low income, married to George Wilson. Wilson has little money, so Myrtle gets into a secret relationship with Tom Buchanan to seek money and comfort. In the middle of chapter two, Myrtle says, "I married him because I thought he was a gentleman, I thought he knew something about breeding, but he wasn't fit to lick my shoe" (Fitzgerald 34). Catherine, Myrtle's younger sister, questions Myrtle about her marriage to George Wilson. In her response, she briefly explains how she believed that Wilson would improve her life. Instead, Myrtle feels restrained in her marriage with Wilson and feels her only option is to have a secret affair with Tom. By entering into a relationship with Tom and trying to improve her social status, Myrtle is attempting to take control of her life and find some happiness. Clearly, this quote from Myrtle explains how women in the 1920s didn't look for true love, it was only about wealth. Another example is when Myrtle sees Gatsby's car driving past her house. Tom and Gatsby both agree to switch cars to drive around

During the 1920s, "flapper" was a term created to describe women who enjoyed freedom and independence. They were known for their energetic, carefree attitude, their love for dancing, and new fashions. Daisy portrays the flapper, and like Myrtle, Daisy is trapped in an unhappy marriage with Tom Buchanan. Daisy is only in the relationship for money and freedom. She ends up controlling Gatsby due to his love for her. Daisy ultimately influences Gatsby, tricking him into thinking she cares for him. In the middle of chapter seven, Daisy says, "I did love him once, but I love you too" (Fitzgerald 132). Daisy is persuaded by Gatsby to confess to Tom that she has affection only for him and not for Tom. Daisy cannot say she doesn't love Tom because she secretly still has affection for him. She is unable to decide whom she loves more and refuses to pick a side. Daisy's ability to manipulate Tom and Gatsby into believing different lies is an example of her manipulative nature. She is aware of both of the men's devotion towards her, yet she continues to be selfish and maintain a relationship with both Gatsby and Tom for freedom, money, and fame. Another prime example of manipulation by Daisy is when she explores Gatsby's mansion without Tom knowing, keeping their relationship private. She enters the mansion and is overwhelmed by Gatsby's wealth. Daisy knows that if she stays with