Examples Of Femininity In The Great Gatsby

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The Great Gatsby, Feminist Criticism Theory
Women in flapper dresses, men in suits, and smoke from both filling up the room. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, women are objectified, repressed, and monopolized by men. After reading the novel and taking the feminist criticism theory into consideration, the fine line between masculinity and femininity became exceedingly clear. However, in some cases, the roles are switched between two characters. The Great Gatsby prominently displays the stereotypical definition of man and woman, and in what manner they should act, dress, and look. Masculinity is distinguished by Fitzgerald as one who is tough, dominant, and powerful. Tom Buchanan, an intimidating character, fits the portrait of the …show more content…
The women are thought lesser than men in several ways. They are not subject to do whatever they want, as men are. Daisy Buchanan is the prime example of a female stereotype. She is not distinguished by what she says, but rather how she sounds and looks while saying it. As Nick describes, her voice was seductive and capturing, yet he never acknowledged what was said. However, Daisy knows the tradition of what is to be expected from women. “I’m glad it’s a girl. And I hope she’ll be a fool--that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool,” (Fitzgerald 17). Her best wish for her daughter is that she will be a fool. Women are degraded to being no more than foolish people without knowledge. They are submissive to the men in a way that almost influences the men to dominate. They act as fools in their marriages, knowing that their husbands are cheating yet staying with them for money and social status. Women are also characterized by their appearance. Myrtle is almost solely admired for her physical attributes and the way she presents herself in a sensual form. Both Daisy and Myrtle are strong illustrations of the feminine qualities that women are expected to
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