What Is The Role Of Women In The Great Gatsby

In society, money, power, and status are vital in order to survive and continue climbing up the social ladder. These three qualities represent everything. People could have what they desire when they want. There will always be competition for the survival of the fittest. People take advantage of the resources and even other around them to climb higher. Things such as love or friendship don’t matter since it could have just been an act. Once something loses its value, it gets thrown away like trash. In the Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald portrays the reality of life and the relationship between people. He uses the role of women as an example to prove his point. According to Fitzgerald, women use their beauty and oblivion as a mask concealing their personality in search for the American Dream. Women considered to be foolish and do not really know much, only their appearance and status are important. Fitzgerald begins with the introductions of the female characters. In Myrtle’s intro, Fitzgerald describes her as a “thickish figure” that carries her surplus flesh sensuously. This description focuses only on her …show more content…
Women have a strong desire for wealth and position. It is the only thing they see and care about. For example, Daisy exploits Gatsby to fulfill her needs. Knowing that Tom has been having affairs, she uses this reunion with Gatsby to get revenge. There might not have actually been love or true feelings for Gatsby. When Daisy goes over to Gatsby's house, she starts crying. She says how "it makes [her] sad because [she] has never seen such beautiful shirts before." Daisy's response to Gatsby's wealth illustrates her interest in materialism. After she realizes Gatsby is not of the same social circles (the old and new money, and the business) she returns to Tom’s old money and power. As Gatsby tries to explain, Daisy “[draws] further and further into herself.” She no longer has the intention to run away with