Social Norms In The Great Gatsby

Daisy was not perceived as a fool but simply she was a product of a social environment that to a large extent did not except intelligence. It would appear Daisy conforms to the social standards of American femininity as she was expected to tolerate what would be seen as the social norms in 1920s America. Daisy displays how her daughter should be a ‘beautiful fool’ in order to survive in society. “And I hope she will be a fool- that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” Daisy comprehends the subordinate role women play and are expected to play. This, to an extent, reveals Daisy’s opinion on the dynamics of 1920s America, conveying that she is not the fool she sometimes is masqueraded as. The social standards …show more content…
Throughout the novel Daisy lacks contact with her daughter and only interacts with her child when it is of convenience. Daisy promotes her child like she is an accessory, “That’s because your mother wanted to show you off.” It would appear that Daisy does not acknowledge her child in the way that would be expected . Like anything the Buchnanans liked to show off their wealth and this consequently also appeared the same for their daughter. Fitzgerald may be suggesting how Daisy treats her child as an object, this can be supported by the lack of responsibility and concern she appears to have for her child, not appreciating the preciousness of her daughter’s childhood. This contrasts with the way in which Tom treats Daisy like an object. Tom fails to give Daisy the attention she seeks, this may suggest why Daisy reignited her bond with Gatsby. His devotion provided her with the attention that was absent from her husband. Furthermore Daisy’s and Tom’s relationship has introduced a type of detrimental love which has influenced the way in which they nurture their …show more content…
Lady Bracknell assesses Cecily’s social background and only considers her when she learns that Cecily has a large sum in her dowry. “Miss Cardew seems to me a most attractive young lady, now that I look at her.” Lady Bracknell reconsiders Cecily as she will inherit more money when she becomes of age. The irony here is that, Lady Bracknell claims that she does not believe in ‘mercenary marriage’ however she is familiar with Algernon’s debts and solely took her into consideration because of the money she would attract. Lady Bracknell’s cynical behaviour towards the marriage of Algernon and Cecily may suggest what may be seen as the ignorance and shallowness of the upper class. Alternatively, this may suggest how the aristocracy can predetermine love and the pursuit of a lady which ultimately counteracts the real intention of being wedded for love. Wilde’s sardonic tone in relation to love and marriage would suggest the lack of sincerity and absence of genuine love as the actual notion of love is more predominant conveying the fraudulence within