Role Of Women In The Great Gatsby

Throughout history, women were expected to be conservative, ladylike, and conform to society. However, during the 1900’s, the role of women began to change. Women wore short their hair short in a hairstyle, known as a bob, and broke out of their traditional attire. The novel, The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, demonstrates how women tried to break out of the social norms by becoming flappers, but ultimately were held back due to the stereotypes placed upon them by men. Although the role of women was changing during the 19th century, in the novel, The Great Gatsby, women were still viewed unequal to men, because of the sexist stereotypes placed, which ultimately holding back the progression of women. Before this time period, women dressed in very traditional and modest attire. Underneath their dresses and skirts, they wore petticoats, a light, …show more content…
Around the 1920’s, women became Flappers to further break away from their traditional ways.In the novel, The Great Gatsby, women tried to break free from these traditions, as well, however; they were held back by their men due to their sexist views and their overcontroling personalities. Tom talks about how women go after too many men, meanwhile he has had multiple affairs while being married to Daisy. Myrtle attempts to break away from George, but when George becomes aware of her affair, he watches her every move. This ultimately leads to women being held back from evolving from their previous traditions. For example, when Daisy is confronted about her affair, both Gatsby and Tom fight over her as if she is a prize, rather than a person. Gatsby also has a very specific image of Daisy in his mind, that Daisy can simply not live up to anymore, because that is who she was in the past. Although women tried to break away from the old customs they were forced to follow, they ultimately