In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, a large focus is put on the evolving presence of women in society throughout the early 20th century. During the period following World War One, and predating the Great Depression, women began to be seen in a different light. They were granted some of the same fundamental freedoms as men. They were given the right to vote in elections; the right to property ownership as well as the ability to work in roles formerly filled by men. In popular culture the introduction of the “flapper” was made. The term “flapper” was coined in reference to a woman whose hem fell above her knee, and who would smoke and drink among the men. The generation prior viewed the flapper women as rebellious and troublesome.
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The main thing differing Jordan from Daisy is that she is not merely a trophy for her male counterparts, and is in fact given the role of a professional golfer. Nevertheless, she is not exempt from the superfluous character traits. Time and time again Jordan is described as being beautiful with “slender, golden arms” (Fitzgerald 19). Though her beauty is built up continually, little is developed in regards to her character, other than her being a cold-hearted, cynic. Fitzgerald’s character, Jordan Baker, can be described as shallow in all forms of the word. She is also revealed to be a cheat, ramping up her game on the green illegally, immorally even, on more than one occasion (162). Throughout the beginning of the novel the narrator, Nick Carraway, shows interest in Jordan. When he describes her with admiration, he uses traits that typically would be bestowed, especially in the 1920s when the novel was written, upon men. Nick refers to her physical appearance as being firm or muscular, similar in fashion to that of a “young cadet” (19). Personality wise, she is described as athletic, confident and self-reliant. All positive aspects of her character that are referenced in a way that considers her masculine, as though she could not possess typical femininity in addition to a strong character (Froehlich 83). Jordan lacks most common emotions, despite
The main thing differing Jordan from Daisy is that she is not merely a trophy for her male counterparts, and is in fact given the role of a professional golfer. Nevertheless, she is not exempt from the superfluous character traits. Time and time again Jordan is described as being beautiful with “slender, golden arms” (Fitzgerald 19). Though her beauty is built up continually, little is developed in regards to her character, other than her being a cold-hearted, cynic. Fitzgerald’s character, Jordan Baker, can be described as shallow in all forms of the word. She is also revealed to be a cheat, ramping up her game on the green illegally, immorally even, on more than one occasion (162). Throughout the beginning of the novel the narrator, Nick Carraway, shows interest in Jordan. When he describes her with admiration, he uses traits that typically would be bestowed, especially in the 1920s when the novel was written, upon men. Nick refers to her physical appearance as being firm or muscular, similar in fashion to that of a “young cadet” (19). Personality wise, she is described as athletic, confident and self-reliant. All positive aspects of her character that are referenced in a way that considers her masculine, as though she could not possess typical femininity in addition to a strong character (Froehlich 83). Jordan lacks most common emotions, despite