The Great Gatsby Theme of Gender

The Great Gatsby gives us a glimpse into the gender roles of post-WWI America. Gender roles are in part decided by societal roles, as Tom’s upper class masculinity (strength, intimidation, virility) is contrasted with Wilson’s lower class version (hard working nature, naiveté). Unfaithfulness is a trait of both women and men, as we see in the text’s prevalent adultery. Women take physical abuse at the hands of Tom’s overly-macho persona, which seems a right of his gender at the time. His abuse is a form of the control that he exercises over both his mistress and his wife. Even Gatsby, who treats Daisy as if she is the most precious jewel in the world, does not ultimately understand women. He treats his love as a prize, rather than a person. Daisy and Jordan, interestingly, seem to do as they please – but they still define themselves by their ability to attract men.

1. What are the expectations for male behavior depending on class?
2. Of all the men in The Great Gatsby, which comes closest to society’s expectations? Why?
3. What is "work life" like for men of Tom’s class, Nick’s class, and George Wilson’s class?
4. How do men treat women in The Great Gatsby? How does Tom treat his wife Daisy and his mistress Myrtle? How does Nick treat Jordan? How does Gatsby treat Daisy? How does George Wilson treat his wife Myrtle? More interestingly, how does the way that a man treats a woman comment on his character in this text?
5. What are the expectations for female behavior and how do they vary by class?
6. How do females behave at Gatsby’s parties? Is this behavior "normal" or induced by alcohol?
7. Does Daisy present the "ideal woman" of the upper class? Why or why not?
8. What do women want from men in The Great Gatsby? Is it different for different women?

Although the reader’s inclination is to pass judgment on the men in The Great Gatsby, one must remember that they were living up to the expectations society placed on them: to be in charge and in control and to take care of women.

Although the majority of the men in The Great Gatsby are selfish, both George Wilson and Gatsby are willing to sacrifice their own lives for the women they love. This is what sets them on a moral high ground above Tom.

In The Great Gatsby, neither men nor women appear to have a mitigating influence on each other’s desires; rather, they seem to inflame and incite selfish behavior, leading ultimately to tragedy.

Women in The Great Gatsby are consigned to minor roles, in which their major function is to entice and subvert men.