The feminist elements in the Great Gatsby

By

Noor al-huda bassam

F. Scott Fitzgerald's work The Great Gatsby delves into the social and cultural
upheavals of the 1920s in America, particularly the rise of the "new woman". The
novel depicts several facets of feminism via its female protagonists, who question
traditional roles and expectations of women in a patriarchal society. However, the
narrative demonstrates the limitations and repercussions of their decisions, as they are
eventually subjugated and used by the male characters.

The novel's primary female characters are Daisy, Jordan, and Myrtle. They all
reflect different forms of the "new woman," who is autonomous, contemporary, and
free from home responsibilities. Daisy is a rich and attractive woman who married
Tom Buchanan because of his money and rank. She is unhappy in her marriage since
Tom is disloyal and abusive. She rekindles her affair with Gatsby, who is enamored
with her and attempts to woo her back with extravagant parties and illicit money.
Daisy is characterized as a superficial, self-centered, and reckless woman who utilizes
her charm and innocence to deceive men. She is also a negligent mother who shows
no concern for her daughter. Daisy is eventually unable to break away from her social
class and gender constraints, choosing to remain with Tom and abandoning Gatsby
after his death.

Jordan is a professional golfer and Daisy's pal. She is a cynical, self-sufficient, and
adventurous lady who appreciates the freedom and thrill of city life. She is also a
dishonest and ruthless lady who cheats in her sport and deceives Nick, the narrator
and her romantic interest. Jordan is not interested in marriage or commitment since
she wants to follow her own norms and standards. She is one of the few characters in
the story who survives the disaster because she is adaptable to changing times and
situations.

Myrtle is a working-class woman who married George Wilson, a poor and failed
mechanic. She is unsatisfied with her existence and want to escape to a more beautiful
and rich environment. She has an affair with Tom, who treats her like a mistress and
sex object. She is rude, materialistic, and ambitious, attempting to emulate the upper-
class lifestyle and manners. She is also deluded, believing that Tom loves her and
would abandon Daisy for her. Daisy violently kills her, running her over with
Gatsby's automobile.

The story implies that the feminist goals of the 1920s were not completely
achieved, as women endured continued tyranny and discrimination from men and
society. The story also condemns the American ideal, demonstrating how the pursuit
of riches, prestige, and love results in corruption, bloodshed, and death. The story
argues that the "new woman" is not a positive or progressive character, but rather a
sad and imperfect one, condemned by her own choices and circumstances.