Mistreatment Of Women In The Great Gatsby
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, the changing and conflicting roles of women and their persistent mistreatment by males emphasizes the struggle for women’s equality in the 1920s. Fitzgerald uses the differences between Daisy and Jordan’s lifestyles to highlight the changing roles of women at the time. Although the female characters in the novel appear to progress toward independence, the persistent mistreatment by male characters stresses the lack of acceptance for women within upper-class society. The lack of strong, independent female characters shows the absence of progression and the mindset that “the best thing a girl can be [is] … a beautiful little fool.” (17). The lack of strong, female viewpoints portray the gender
…show more content…
Tom’s physical abuse of his mistress, Myrtle, reveals his need for dominance over women. When Myrtle mentions Daisy’s name, Tom’s extreme anger causes him to break “her nose with his open hand.” (37) Tom’s need to exert physical control over Myrtle emphasizes his sexist need for control. His infuriation over her mentions of Daisy illustrate his inability to see Myrtle beyond an object for his sexual gratification. Furthermore, his immediate invalidation of his mistress’s accusations of infidelity portray his ignorance of female opinions, again exemplifying his need for dominance over the women in his life. Moreover, Tom’s disregard for Daisy and their family by having an affair further emphasizes his lack of respect for women. Additionally, Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy’s wealth displays his glorification of money and reveals his view of Daisy as a tool to break out of the confines of poverty. While describing Daisy as a “nice girl,” Gatsby focuses on her “rich house” and “rich, full life.” (149) His fixation on her material wealth reveals his identification of her as a means to achieve his desired success. This objectification of Daisy further highlights the overall dehumanization of women. Tom’s marginalization of Myrtle and Gatsby’s advantageous use of Daisy illustrate the ultimately negative and condescending attitude toward women throughout society, particularly in the wealthiest
Tom’s physical abuse of his mistress, Myrtle, reveals his need for dominance over women. When Myrtle mentions Daisy’s name, Tom’s extreme anger causes him to break “her nose with his open hand.” (37) Tom’s need to exert physical control over Myrtle emphasizes his sexist need for control. His infuriation over her mentions of Daisy illustrate his inability to see Myrtle beyond an object for his sexual gratification. Furthermore, his immediate invalidation of his mistress’s accusations of infidelity portray his ignorance of female opinions, again exemplifying his need for dominance over the women in his life. Moreover, Tom’s disregard for Daisy and their family by having an affair further emphasizes his lack of respect for women. Additionally, Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy’s wealth displays his glorification of money and reveals his view of Daisy as a tool to break out of the confines of poverty. While describing Daisy as a “nice girl,” Gatsby focuses on her “rich house” and “rich, full life.” (149) His fixation on her material wealth reveals his identification of her as a means to achieve his desired success. This objectification of Daisy further highlights the overall dehumanization of women. Tom’s marginalization of Myrtle and Gatsby’s advantageous use of Daisy illustrate the ultimately negative and condescending attitude toward women throughout society, particularly in the wealthiest