Dear AP students:
In addition to using the Marxist perspective to help analyze this novel, let's also apply the Feminist perspective.
Remember, the Feminist perspective recognizes the traditional dominance of males over females that has led to gender inequality, identifies with female characters and thereby challenges the traditional male centered outlook of authors, values women's experiences, and examines women's social roles, and promotes women's rights and issues. As such we look for the following in a novel: gender inequality/discrimination /oppression/sexual objectification/patriarchal relationships/and stereotyping.
I think we can easily spot these features in the Great Gatsby. All the women in this novel are subservient to men, and are definitely treated as objects to be obtained. Give me your thoughts on this matter. Give me some examples.
Of course, the 1920's (the Roaring 20's) is seen a time when women started to become liberated. The "Flappers" wore their hair in a certain way and were allowed to seen in public drinking and smoking. They started to wear the latest fashions which were a bit more risque that in the past. Things were starting to loosen up. Some had actually started to work in factories during World War I when the men were off to war.
Remember, when we apply a different literary perspective or lens we notice things about a novel we ordinarily wouldn't see. What do we see in the Great Gatsby using this Feminist lens?
Regarding the Feminist perspective, I once read that Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy enjoyed reading The Great Gatsby--and he felt sorry that he was too young to have enjoyed living in the Roaring 20's decade. He thought he had missed the good times, so he tried to recreate this era by starting Playboy magazine and the whole aura that goes with the Playboy lifestyle, ie. the Playboy mansion and the parties. I think he sees himself as a modern day Jay Gatsby who has parties that everyone wants to attend. Of course, if you are a feminist, your arch enemy is probably Hugh Hefner because of his desire to objectify attractive females.
In addition to using the Marxist perspective to help analyze this novel, let's also apply the Feminist perspective.
Remember, the Feminist perspective recognizes the traditional dominance of males over females that has led to gender inequality, identifies with female characters and thereby challenges the traditional male centered outlook of authors, values women's experiences, and examines women's social roles, and promotes women's rights and issues. As such we look for the following in a novel: gender inequality/discrimination /oppression/sexual objectification/patriarchal relationships/and stereotyping.
I think we can easily spot these features in the Great Gatsby. All the women in this novel are subservient to men, and are definitely treated as objects to be obtained. Give me your thoughts on this matter. Give me some examples.
Of course, the 1920's (the Roaring 20's) is seen a time when women started to become liberated. The "Flappers" wore their hair in a certain way and were allowed to seen in public drinking and smoking. They started to wear the latest fashions which were a bit more risque that in the past. Things were starting to loosen up. Some had actually started to work in factories during World War I when the men were off to war.
Remember, when we apply a different literary perspective or lens we notice things about a novel we ordinarily wouldn't see. What do we see in the Great Gatsby using this Feminist lens?
Regarding the Feminist perspective, I once read that Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy enjoyed reading The Great Gatsby--and he felt sorry that he was too young to have enjoyed living in the Roaring 20's decade. He thought he had missed the good times, so he tried to recreate this era by starting Playboy magazine and the whole aura that goes with the Playboy lifestyle, ie. the Playboy mansion and the parties. I think he sees himself as a modern day Jay Gatsby who has parties that everyone wants to attend. Of course, if you are a feminist, your arch enemy is probably Hugh Hefner because of his desire to objectify attractive females.
57 comments:
The feminist perspective is definately an easy role to play in the world of books, reality, plays, etc., but it's all based on a women being a damsel in distress. In the Great Gatsby, Daisy is portrayed as this clueless women who depends on Tom for money, clothes, food, support like a father caring for his daughter. She needs to be pampered, is not very independant, and does not also see things beyond her point in life meaning how things are going between her and Tom, family, friends, etc.
What I see using in the book, so far, is that the women are not taking a stand for anything, worrying about money if they've got it (dependant), and also how they are loud, rude, clueless...-to compare these women they are your everyday Desperate House Wives of the West & East Wings.
The reason why Hugh Hefner probably liked the book is because it showed him how fun it was in the 1920's (knowing he was around at that point but mearly a teenager). He could be compared to Gatsby in the story but knowing that everyone knew what he looked like and people probably said such about him that involved having sexual intercourses with many women in different parts of the world. And his life style was different on how he became famous, or the man he is today. His mother gave him $1,000 when he came to California knowing she couldn't support him for so long once he hit 18 years of age. Whereas Gatsby (from reading the book so far) recieved his money a numerous of ways; rumors.
Merry Christmas btw :)
Also many women did not envy Hugh Hefner, they adored him because he is a man who can comfort a women and provide her every need and more. He respected women and they respected him (at least that's what we know) and no one ever had any reason why not to love him, but his age is another thing.
I first noticed the feminist perspective when Nick hears about Daisy's reaction on her first child. Daisy hoped she'll be a fool because that's the best thing she can be. This can mean that women are already accustomed to the idea that they are not taken seriously by men.
So far, the value of women in The Great Gatsby seems to be that they are dependent on men. Daisy is the main example. Although she knows that her husband is cheating on her with another woman, she refuses to leave him and still acts like nothing is wrong. Extras in the book are the women in Gatsby's party such as the one who bought her a $200+ dress. Women in the book seem materialistic but possibly only because they are looked down as someone not powerful in comparison to males.
I agree wholeheartedly with Jubeth Catalma's response. From a feminist perspective, women in this novel seem to be entirely dependent on their male counterparts. Daisy is a perfect example. Instead of living up to her promise of marrying Gatsby, she exchanged vowels with Tom Buchanan instead, with hopes that he would provide her a wealthy lifestyle and be approved by her parents. Daisy is a woman who values materialism and hedonism, which is why she is easily perceived as shallow and insincere.
Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson are the two women who bring about the feminist perspective on this book so far. Both involved in the love life of the rich, authoritative, and selfish Tom making them dependent on his money and not true love. Although Daisy is aware of his affairs with Mrs. Wilson, she continues to be a mere object of a wife to Tom in order to live and be pampered in his rich lifestyle. Myrtle also shows the woman's greed and dependance like a leech who can only survive off a mans rich blood. Mrs. Wilson already has a husband but apparently he is not up to her "standards" when she experiences Toms lavish spending. Mrs. Wilson claimed her husband was a gentleman until she learned that her husband borrowed a suit on the wedding as if a man cannot be a gentleman without money. This shows a the woman's materialism, dependance, and weakness without a rich man to lavish her with thoughtless items rather than love.
taking into account a feminist perspective and point of view, one can clearly see a sense of patriarchy and women dependent on a male partner. one clear example is Daisy, who instead of marrying Gatsby went with Tom the jock for self convenience purposes and now she is unhappy.
Looking through the feminist perspective, I think the author is trying to tell us that women are judged by men unfairly based on their appearances. On page 51, Nick describes Gatsby's party. He sees "old men pushing young girls backward in eternal graceless circles..." The author wants us to understand the contrast between age in the men and woman who dance together. It makes men seem materialistic, and more focused on the beauty of woman, rather than the inner being of the woman they dance with. If that was the case, perhaps Nick would have said something like, "The couples shared intimate dances with one another on the canvas in the garden."
Graeme Scott
Up unto this point, the feminist perspective is made obvious when Nick has a conversation with Daisy concerning her initial thoughts on having a girl rather than a boy. This is a slight disappointment, because Daisy is aware that men have more say than any one women has. Men, no matter social status, carry dominance that a female is not entitled to. Upon realizing that her first child was in fact a girl, Daisy only resolves that the greatest thing her daughter could do was be an utter fool.
By being a fool, a women becomes an object that has to be won over by men. Women were forced to think that they were nothing without them. It is with that mentality that Daisy knew that to be in love was nothing to compare to being financially secure with someone you did not love. Rather than choosing Gatsby for love that remained true, she allowed herself to be taken by Tom, whom she knew had enough riches to suffice her every need (except emotionally).
In The Great Gatsby women are portrayed as dependent, and excessively materialistic. Again, Daisy is overwhelmed with tears when Gatsby shows her the fine clothing he has in his wardrobe. She is overcome by emotion because apart of her wishes that Gatsby was rich when they first fell in love.
Up unto this point, the feminist perspective is made obvious when Nick has a conversation with Daisy concerning her initial thoughts on having a girl rather than a boy. This is a slight disappointment, because Daisy is aware that men have more say than any one women has. Men, no matter social status, carry dominance that a female is not entitled to. Upon realizing that her first child was in fact a girl, Daisy only resolves that the greatest thing her daughter could do was be an utter fool.
By being a fool, a women becomes an object that has to be won over by men. Women were forced to think that they were nothing without them. It is with that mentality that Daisy knew that to be in love was nothing to compare to being financially secure with someone you did not love. Rather than choosing Gatsby for love that remained true, she allowed herself to be taken by Tom, whom she knew had enough riches to suffice her every need (except emotionally).
In The Great Gatsby women are portrayed as dependent, and excessively materialistic. Again, Daisy is overwhelmed with tears when Gatsby shows her the fine clothing he has in his wardrobe. She is overcome by emotion because apart of her wishes that Gatsby was rich when they first fell in love.
LauraLee Johnson
There's some sort of trend present in works of literature from earlier times, when it concerns women at the very least. In the beginning as Nick converses with his cousin, he sees her as beautiful, a lucky woman in a sense but when he has the time to talk to her, he sees that her opinion has been twisted, hurt even by the cards she's been dealt. Her husband isn't necessarily faithful, her cousin missed her wedding much to her dismay, and even if she has so many luxuries, it doesn't imply happiness.
Thus, Daisy submits herself to oppression, inequality, falling to 'fate', if it can be called that. She sees no further than the sky, believes that to be the limit, but for a woman such as herself? The limit has always been the ground, even lower than that with her hopes for her daughter to be a fool, no matter how glad she is for her first-born.
The feminist perspective can be seen between the relationship of Daisy and her husband. Daisy does not leave him when he has been cheating on her. This might suggest that from the author's point of view that women are dependent and unstable when on their own. Gatsby is also portrayed as a shallow, and superficial character.
Yuji Usami
Through the lense of a female perspective, I was dissapointed through how Daisy thought of her child to grow up to be an utter fool just because her baby was born to be a girl instead of a boy. It show's that even Daisy knew the inequality between the gender as men no matter the social status would always be dominant over woman. This idea was introduced as she was disspointed that her child was a girl and she knew that her child would have to live in a society where her baby girl would not have the power to have an equal opinion because of her gender.
The Great Gatsby also constinuesly portrays woman as a materialistic creature through the sense of how they measure each other through fashion and wealth as if they had no deeper thoughts in their heads.
I agree that the feminist perspective is easy to point out,and I also concur that women are seen as objects. What we see in this chapter is that women are powerless and meaningless in matters of the world. Nick displays this factor by showing in the party a term called "machismo", meaning men show their dominance by all means to women, demostrating that men are the head of everything. In relation, Nick shows his dominance over the weak, Wilsom, over women, a basic bully.
Clear in the "Great Gatsby" the women are portrayed as subservient to man. Daisy claims that since her baby was a born a girl she would grow up an "utter fool" because she did not bore a son. Daisy is also aware of the fact that Tom is having an affair, yet she still remains with him. Tom also has the power to do whatever he pleases because he wastes money on lavished expenses for his two women such as a dog. Also, the women that are involved with Tom clearly are dependent on him economically because Daisy did not leave Tom knowing he is having an affair. She seems to be stuck to him because without Tom she would not be able to survive alone since he is a very wealthy man. Back in the day, men were the ones that owned the property and all the money because they believed that women were not able to take care of such finances.
Through the feminist lens, you can spot fire at the beginning of the book. When Nick meets up with his cousin Daisy and her husband Tom, you already see that the patriarchal system is still prominent. Like in all atomic families, Tom is the leader and is the main source of income for his family. You also realize that Daisy is subordinate by how she responds submissively to Tom. She also takes no strides to violate Tom's privacy although it is obviously suspicious.
Furthermore, you catch more wrongs against the feminist when Tom reveals that he has a mistress whom he sees quite often. Even this mistress is under a patriarchal system in which she has a husband. Moreover to insult the feminist, the mistress is seen as a sort of "gold digger". This is seen when she childishly asks Tom to buy her a puppy.
At Gatsby's party, you also find out that most of the women there are married. At one instance, Nick describes a women in emotional distress because she sees her husband flirting with another woman.
In almost every corner of this story, there is something violating the feminist beliefs. This quite the irony due to the fact that women at this time period were more free in society and not bounded to the tradition.
-Eriel Carino
From the feminist perspective, you can see in this novel that women rely on men. For example, Daisy relying on Tom to provide her happiness with wealth, despite the fact that he's cheating on her. In The Great Gatsby, most of the women seemed to be greedy for money, materialistic possessions, fashion, male counterparts, and reputation. So to me the novel seems to concentrate on a negative attribure a women or man may have.
Stephen Davis
I mean negative attributes of a women or men may have.
Stephen Davis
Daisy is clearly controlled by Tom. Even though she is aware that Tom has another woman, she still decides to stand by his side. She is clearly not in love with him. While at the Plaza Hotel, Daisy shows the audience that Tom does effect her decisions. I think she would have gone with Gatsby, but she might have been afraid of Tom. What he is capable of doing.
I believe Fitzgerald also wanted to show the positive side of women by introducing Jordan. A very successful young woman who plays the sport that is usually dominated by men. She is more stable than Daisy.
The feminist perspective can be seen through Daisy and Tom's relationship. Daisy stays with Tom despite knowing of his affair in New York. This conveys that women are dependent on men. Women are also portrayed as pursuing self interest, seen through Daisy marrying Tom even though she was in love with Jay Gatsby.
-Alex Sonnenberg
The feminist perspective is one of the many focus lens that the novel takes on because of the women who are exploited or abused throughout the novel. For example, Tom Buchanan cheats on his wife and is currently seeing a mistress behind his wife's back. In addition to cheating, Tom also abuses his mistress to some degree but yelling at her and acting in a condescending way towards her for instance when he told her to the train station.
The feminist perspective can also be seen in a flattering way because of how Gatsby acts towards certain women he fancies. For example, Daisy, Gatsby, and Nick were having dinner together and Nick said that they were both embarrassed.
James Lee
I think the feminist perspective does connect to this book. It seems like "Daisy" is an object in Gatsby's eyes. Yes, Gatsby does love Daisy but if we think about it. Gatsby has all the money, possessions, the only thing left is Daisy. It's like a kid playing puzzle and wanting the last piece to create the picture. Also, the way Tom calls his mistress as "his girl", it seems degrading for a woman to be called a girl.
The feminist perspective can be applied to this book in several ways. I agree with the other students that believe the women in this book are dependent on and subservient to men. I agree with Jubeth when she points out that Daisy is a perfect example: she knows her husband is cheating on her but is still his wife, acting like nothing is wrong. It seems that unlike the men of this book who can't settle and want more, the women settle for less. Daisy marries someone she does not love and stays with him even though he is a cheater. Also, women are portrayed as materialistic with the fancy dresses and things they buy or receive from men. For example, Tom buys his mistress a puppy right after she says she wants one.I think women are looked down upon and expected of to be fools because Daisy states the "best thing a girl can be" is a "beautiful little fool."
-Christine De Lara
I agree with the others, about Buchanan’s treatment of his mistress Myrtle and his wife Daisy. Although Tom begins to suspect Daisy and Gatsby of having an affair, he becomes furious even though he himself has a mistress of his own. But Myrtle chooses Tom because of his wealth, who treats her as an object. The women throughout the book become heavily dependent on the men for their money since the qualities of the women become interested in their materialistic desires. Daisy is rich but is dependent on men while Myrtle represents the lower class. When Toms says, “The trouble is that sometimes she gets foolish ideas in her head and doesn’t know what she’s doing” his attitude becomes hypocritical when finding out about Gatsby and Daisy. He seems to control her which makes the women throughout the story seem insensible, they lack fighting for themselves and don’t have authority to have control.
Naturally, women in The Great Gatsby are portrayed as submissive and weak. The 'flappers' decorated outfits and outgoing personalities may have been a call for attention and respect in the 1920s. In the novel, I noticed Nick's subtle descriptions when different women were mentioned. "[Daisy] leaned forward with a conscientious expression" and "Miss Baker's lips fluttered". Evidently, women were seen as uncertain and 'dainty'.
The women in Fitzgerald's story are distinctly portayed as weak and passive. Tom Buchanan, Daisy's husband, plays the role of a dominant male. His behavior of slaping women when it suits him shows women aren't treated fairly and can't stick up for themselves. Tom also thinks it's okay to see other women, but when he finds his wife has feelings for Jay Gatsby he is outraged. When Daisy, in fear, tells Tom she has no feelings for Gatsby, Tom realizes he is still in control. Showing women are weak and fear the dominance of man.
The females in the Great Gatsby were seen as objects to gained. Such as Daisy. She married Tom because of his money and all. She relys on him for everything. Eventhough she found out that her husband was cheating on her, she didn't care about it as long as he is still with her. At one part of the novel,when Gatsby confronted Tom that Daisy never loved him. They were forcing to say something about it and bith didn't even feel teh pain she is going through. They never tried to hear her out, and when she did, Tom was putting her down and saying things that a woman would think is very sweet. Women during those era were never taken seriously. Thank godness i was not born during that era.
Tiny Rose Medallo
Throughout the book the feminist perspective has been portrayed through its female characters. Daisy Buchanan is a classic example because she is very dependent on the males in her life and is mystified with the wealth that they have, and only their wealth. She is seen as a gold digger. Also the incident with Tom hurting his mistress over an argument shows women as being helpless and dumbfounded human beings.
Alyssa lagasca
The feminist perspective is shown when Nick hears Daisy's reaction on her first child. This shows how women are not taken seriously by men in the story. Daisy is the feminst perspective in the story because she is cluless and needs Tom to help make her life easier. Although, Tom treats her as if she is nobody and she must do as he wishes. This gives the image that men are in control of women at that time period and that the women are not as smart at that stage. Women don't stand up for themselves and could easily be compared to robots in the sense that she seem to have no feelings. This passage shows how women at that time period, were very dependent on men.
Through the feminist perspective on, "The Great Gatsby," we see women who voice their opinions more freely, even against their own husbands. However, they are still quite submissive and are treated as objects. When Daisy suspects that Tom is cheating on her, she doesn't do anything to stop him but cry as if she is powerless to do anything about it. The strange repetitive description of Daisy and Jordan sitting on the couch together creates the illusion that they are like furniture, objects to a man.
I agree with Adrianna. I feel that despite the negative depiction of women in this novel, Jordan serves to counterbalance the others. Jordan is an athlete, and supports herself without the need of a man. In fact it is quite ironic because Daisy was worried about Jordan's well-being when all along it was Jordan that was able control her life and not be brought by the men in her life. For the 20's Jordan is actually a very positive figure for women. How many independent, successful, female athletes have your read about from this early history?
I actually feel that Fitzgerald was making more of a comment on the irrationality of the wealthy (Tom, Daisy and Gatsby) by contrasting them to hard workers who earn their money on their own through legal and moral means. (Jordan and Nick) Therefore, I feel that the marxist perspective is much more important to this novel than than the feminist.
The Feminist perspective is a bit eased in this novel so far. Daisy is the ultimate damsel in distress. She is dependant on Tom and before Tom she was dependant on Gatsby but he didn't have her necessity's so she had to let him go. Knowing that she needs support makes me wonder if all woman in the 1920's needed this much support from a man; money, clothes, shelter, food, etc.
I agree with the other students that the women portrayed in The Great Gatsby are subservient to men. I also agree with Christine when she makes the point that Daisy is still with her husband even though she knows that he his cheating on her. It shows that women of this time almost had an obligation to their husbands and families. They were more of the typical "house wife" to take care after the house and husbands.
Also in this book you see men as the wealthy ones and the head of the household. Tom is the head of his household and although he only inherited his money, he is still thought of as the wealthy one. Gatsby, is also very wealthy. Although he gets his money illegally, he can be portrayed as a single figure, powerful man who is wealthy and at a higher class to those below him. The book does not speak of women holding the higher position of wealth or the household
In a feminist point of view it is clearly seen here in Great Gatsby that they are dependent on their man and that they are subservient to them. Even though Daisy knows that Tom is cheating on her she still stay with him because she probably doesnt know what to do with her life if she's not rich with Tom. Women also in this era seem to be only paying attention to men with money and this portrays them as "gold diggers"
Kevin Mendoza
When the Feminist perspective lenses are applied, it can be seen that during this time, women are expected to be highly dependent on males. “Gold digger” is a modern, derogatory phrase targeted at certain women because women who commit themselves to certain men primarily for their money are normally criticized today. Moreover, these women are criticized because the gender gap in economic equality is much narrower today, and women who are completely unwilling earn their own money are, for example, perceived as lazy. In the novel, Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson are the archetypes of this.
In her past, Daisy was in love with Gatsby, back then known as James Gatz. However, it is constantly emphasized during these flashbacks of how Gatsby was serving in the military and was “poor”, which makes it apparent that the emphasis is the reason why Daisy became impatient and abandoned him—eventually marrying the wealthy Tom Buchanan two years later (137).
Myrtle, compared to Daisy, is more direct and aggressive with regards to her personal value in having money. She speaks very lowly of her husband, Chester Wilson, snobbishly stating that “he wasn’t fit to lick [her] shoe” (39). However, she confesses to Carraway that what first drew her to Tom was his “dress suit and patent leather shoes…” demonstrating her high level of materialism (40).
Women are still seen lower than men in society. It's true! Yes women's status has improved over the years, they can achieve jobs, education, and serve in the Military just like men but behind all that women are somewhat still subservient to men.
Daisy is such a wonderful girl who depends on her hubby to provide steak and lobster on her plate. She does not argue to her husband because women at this time could not stand for themselves.
-brandon jose
i have to agree with LauraLee Johnson in that women are shown as foolish and materialistic. Daisy is the primary example of this because she went with tom becasue he was richer than gatsby (at that time) and also foolish becase she allowed herself to marry tom, even though she still loved tom.
-Daniel Hernandez
The feminist ways are such a simple mind set on how the men go to work and the women stay home and clea, but as the '20's come around it all changes. This role of damsel in distress can be viewed in movies,plays,and even this book. Although surprisingly the women in this novel dont fully become dependant on their men. For example Daisy, she is more of a materialistic woman and enjoys the finer things in life and instead of marrying Gatsby she turns around and marries Tom, a wealthier man.
^^^^^^^ Dayton:)
Looking upon one of the most important quotes of the book (in such scene where Daisy speaks of her own daughter), Daisy states "I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool." This quite indefinitely stands out to me as one shouts this feminist perspective. With Daisy already subservient to an arrogant husband, she blandly states that a women in this life can be nothing more than what she attains in her own life: a sense of dullness to which she does NOT value intelligence in women. But at the same time, concurring with this time period, we do find that the rights of women are slowly brought forth into consideration. In Daisy's perspective, she miserably plays the role that society see's women as during this time to cover her true unhappiness beneath: the brooding nature of her husbands extramarital affair & and her underlying love for Gatsby.
These were fast times. As such roaring times calls for, it would be most obvious that Hefner himself would enjoy this thematic statement of patriarchal dominance: being that this heightened sense of wealth and possession is overtaken by the male in the relationship. As Daisy can do absolutely nothing about her husbands extramarital affair, it comes to show her own, and better yet society's own, reluctance to overstep this patriarchal power.
Looking at this story through the feminist perspective i see that women are being portrayed as a helpless female who only holds beauty. The women in this story are looked at for their external beauty rather than their internal beauty and what intellectual potential they have. For example, Daisy in the story is portrayed as a helpless, clueless, and dependent woman.
Jillian Buenviaje
In the feminist perspective, the women are portrayed as dependent to their man. For example, Daisy gets cheated on by Tom but she doesnt leave him because Tom buys her what she needs. Also, it seems like Daisy is just an object that Gatsby can buy with his money, it may be his love for her but its disrespectful, which leads to Daisy's cluelesness because she doesn't recognize that.
Ciarra Gagan
From the Feminist perspective, women are dependent on their spouse. For example, Daisy despite being cheated on by tom, she is portrayed as useless and only has an object. Yet, she stays with tom regardless because he provides for her.
I first began to notice the negative perspective on women in this novel upon the first meeting of Daisy at the Buchanan's house. From the very beginning, she was portrayed as ditsy, silly, and naive. Throughout the novel, she continues to further this character flaw by staying married to a man she didn't love, ignoring the fact that he was cheating on her, and even treating her own daughter as a type of doll. At one point she even says "I hope she grows up to be a fool."
Besides the fact that Daisy is characterized and unintelligent and child-like, she allows herself to be objectified by the men around her. Tom puts her down constantly, but she complies to marrying him anyway. Then, when Gatsby makes an appearance in her life for the first time in 5 years, she allows him to woe her away from her husband. However, when the time comes to make a choice between the two she breaks down and can't say no to either of them. By allowing everyone to make decisions for her and push her around, Daisy not only allows herself to be objectified; she promotes it.
Chloe Slovinsky
i agree with Jubeth completely.From the feminist perspective you can see the women are very dependent on men. Daisy’s choice to stay with Tom for financial interests shows values of materialism which can be betrayed as superficial. although Daisy is aware of tom's affair with Mrs. Wilson, she tends to ignore the affair to live a comfortable rich life.
-Yoli Valdez
Well agreeing with a lot of other people I do see that all the women in the story have and need a male counterpart. Also all the women are said to be beautiful and caring. But one woman really stands out from the rest. Jordan Baker is very different because she seems to be the most independent women. She provides for herself by being a professional golfer. Also she does not seem interested in finding a man. She plays a very different role then the other women that are typical found in literature of this era.
the feminist perspective and point of view of a male dominant society declares a high portion of the story. an example is daisy choice for merage towards tom and living unhappy as tom was characterized as rude by his actions such as cheating
Imran S. Hoque
In this novel, women are portrayed as weak, and extremely materialistic and shallow.For example, Daisy knows that Tom is having an affair, but decides to turn a blind eye because Tom can provide things for her that she on her own cannot. Mrs. Wilson is shown as weak, because she depends on both Tom and her husband, and is portrayed as materialistic because she gives away her dress like it's nothing. Lastly, Daisy mentions that "the best thing a girl can be is a fool". This shows the deep embedded idea that women are weaker than men, and are therefore dependent on them.
-Kimberly Parra
From a feminist perspective women are portrayed as objects and are subservient to men. In the Great Gatsby men cannot be happy without the love of women, as Gatsby would not be happy until he won the love of Daisy. Daisy could also be seen as anti-feminist. She gives women the image that they do not need to be pro-active, and just become wealthy through inheritance and without hard work. In the novel we also see that women are oppressed. This was evident when Tom punched Myrtle in the nose, causing her to bleed.
This novel has a very anti-feminist perspective. In many cases, the primary players are the men. The women are seen as disposable and naive. There is a very open affair by the Tom, and the Daisy does nothing. The women also have a less educated view of everything, almost immediately in the novel Tom flaunts whatever book he was reading, and provides insight--the women mock him for being educated and want a "dumber" conversation. The one woman who could rival the men in societal significance is Jordan, but even she is tainted. She is seen as a cheat. Tom even slaps his mistress and there are no consequences. There is quite a bit of condescension from the males as well.
Josh Rodriguez
I think it shows the starting of feminism, but no real effects. There is only one female with any real power in this book, all of the others stay at home and do what they are told.
Through the feminist perspective, there are both postive and negative outlooks on women. In the anti-feminisit lens, women are portrayed as dependent and not able to fend for themselves. They depend on the support of their husband to make themselves looks better. There is also the other side of this where there are exceptions. For example, Jordan Baker who is the exact opposite of this description. She is actualy very independent and headstrong, able to speak her mind. How Daisy is portrayed in the story can be seen as both pro and anti. The fact that Gatsby can look at Daisy as a mere prize implies the way men treat women like objects. It is positive though, in that most characters in the book including Gatsby and Nick saw Daisy as beautiful, flawless and bright. They did't really say anything negative against her and in that it can show the admiration men have for women.
-Dominique Rillo
It is evident that there is a feminist topic /theme in The Great Gatsby, yet I belive it is shown in a different light. It is obvious that Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway both treat women with respect and do not see them as objects, demonstarted when Nick looks down upon Tom's infedelity, and Gatsby's love and determination to find Daisy. But I find it interesting, that the women in the novel do not seem to care whether they are treated as objects, as long as they have the rich lifestyle they're accustomed to. Daisy, for example, is full aware of her husbands infidelity, and yet does nothing regain her husband. And on the instance where Nick was at her house, Daisy talked about the day she had her child, and thatonce she found out it was a girl she told the nurse, " '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.' "(21). The mere fact that she hopes her daughter will have nothing in her head but hot air is completely anti-femminist! The women themselves put theirselves down in this novel, so in all honesty, it is kind of expected for the men to do the same thing!
Through the feminist perspective, we can see that The Great Gatsby thinks of women as objects to obtain and to follow on what the man has to say, without question. Daisy seems to be the main object that Gatsby wants to own. Also, the way in which Tom refers to his "other prize" as "his girl", shows that men do not have much regard to the equality and fairness of that for women.
The feminist perspective is greatly shown throughout this novel. The women in the book for example are totally dependent on the men. Also the narrator Nick is in support of the feminist perspective as he sympathizes for the women. As when the men do not, they degrade the women in a way. An example is how Tom has a mistress and Daisy does not really care. She knows about it.
Coming from the feminist perspective I definately would like to focus on Jordan. She seems to carry on the role of what is to become of women. Jordan is the only woman who does not seem to be intimidated by these powerful men who surround her. Also she plays a sport professionally, and not just any sport but golf which tends to be aimed more towards men than women. Although she may not be the most memorable female character in literature, compared to the rest of the women in this book she is the strongest.
Alexandra Daigle
If one analyzes this book through the feminist perspective, one will see that women are mistreated and underappreciated. This can be best be seen by Tom's treatment of women. For example, he doesnt completely appreciate his wife Daisy; it seems like he just likes having her around. In addition, he undermines their relationship by having a relationship with another woman. He also shows his lack of respect of women by hitting his mistress in the face.
Jesse Montes
The feminist perspective in this novel is especially exemplified in the three main female characters Daisy Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson and Jordan Baker. Jordan Baker is the most boisterous of the three, earning a living on her own, becoming a famous female golfer, enjoying fabulous parties as well as sporting the “flapper” lifestyle almost. In this time period, for a woman to wear more risqué clothing and cut her hair close to her chin in a bob, work for themselves was revolutionary. Women had just received the right to vote and were beginning to be allowed to step outside the limits and readjust the inequality between men and women. Women were confined to do what they were told and to be foolish and to please the men in their lives, just as Daisy feels. She even comments on how she wishes her own daughter to be foolish and live in her footsteps as a housewife and nothing more. Myrtle on the other hand, is more of a daredevil compared to Daisy and exercises her new ability to voice her opinion to both her lover and her husband. Viewing through the feminist lens, knowing that Myrtle dies and Jordan does not marry Nick shows how the author believes if you do not do as your husband wishes, etc., you will never prosper in the society where the inequality is still relevant and obvious.
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