Myrtle's Treatment Of Women In The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “The 1920s was a decade of the liberation of humanity not only for women but for men as well.” Even Though the 1920s is often perceived as a time of freedom, in reality, such liberation was not extended to women. Fitzgerald represents women in their stereotypes failing to live up to his words of liberation of women. The Great Gatsby provides a social commentary on women from his perspective. He criticizes women for being in pursuit of wealth and status failing to realize that women were victims of oppressive gender norms and societal expectations.

Daisy is often perceived as a self-centered and selfish individual. Who prioritizes her wealth and social status, seemingly oblivious to the time she lived in. This

During the party in Tom and Myrtle’s apartment heavily highlights Fitzgerald’s view of women. “Because I thought he was a gentleman, I thought he knew something about breeding, but he was not fit to lick my shoe.”(Pg34). This expression portrays Myrtle as a rude and shallow character. Myrtle feels betrayed, she imagined George possessed the skills and money to improve their lives, however, Geroge’s inability disappointed her. The author reiterated that women are shallow beings, forgetting the reason being Myrtle’s behavior was the fact she truly believed that her marriage with Geroge was disastrous, she blamed George, a symbol of society, for her marriage. At the same party, Tom Buchana broke her nose by punching her. (Pg37). Many might view this view as Tom standing up for Daisy but it reflects more on his treatment of women, how he views Myrtle as a toy rather than a human being. Instead of shining light on Tom and his actions, the author shifts focus to Myrtle trying to protect the expensive furniture. Fitzgerald's focus on Myrtle's need for money reiterates she only loves money ignoring the fact she was trying to protect her escape from her reality with George. These expensive pieces of furniture were her only way of making sure to escape from the clutches of poverty and live a life of luxury. Even during her death, the author does not let her die in peace. “Her left breast was swinging loose like a flap”(Pg137) Even during her death she is described as a mere piece of meat, one that served as a toy to Tom. She was robbed of her ambitions and dreams. The author does not forget to sexualize her at the brink of death. This heavily reflects the author and society's view of women, as objects that exist to pleasure