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Margaret Atwood's Portrayal Of Women In The Great Gatsby

543 Words3 Pages

Throughout many works of literature, there is a reoccurring expectation and norm set by society concerning gender roles. Many depictions of women are found in King Lear by William Shakespeare, the handmaid's tale by Margaret Atwood, the awakening by Kate Chopin, the bell jar by Sylvia Plath, and The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. Each of these portrayals either agrees or disagrees with the established gender norms and expectations. In King Lear, patriarchal systems have a big impact on how women are portrayed. Shakespeare's portrayal emphasizes the restrictions placed on women in a society ruled by men, where their behavior is frequently guided by expectations from their families and the wider community. Additionally, because of their selfish desire for their father's kingdom, Goneril and Reagan, the two eldest daughters, are portrayed as cunning and selfish young ladies. This strengthens the belief held by society that women are fundamentally dishonest and unreliable, especially when it comes to positions of authority and power. …show more content…

Women's positions in Gilead are limited to those of handmaids, wives, or servants. Atwood addresses themes of injustice, resistance and the resiliency that is sometimes overlooked in women through the main character Offered. Similarly, Kate Chopin’s, The Awakening, illustrates the journey towards femininity. Edna Pontellier, the main character, sets off on a journey of self discovery and challenges social norms in order to seek independence. In an attempt to avoid reality, she goes as far as to move out and live alone after divorcing her husband and leaving her kids behind. Chopin's narrative shows the limitations placed upon women by societal norms and the search for individualism that came from said

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