The Men of Gatsby

"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." Men have a primary role in the home, and that is to make the money and be happy with their lives. Tom is one of the wealthiest men in the novel, he likes to polo and make sure is life is the most extravagant one there is even if that means trying to verbally lower his opponents such as Gastby. Tom sees another woman, Mrytle Wilson, and although he is in a secretive relationship with her he still loves Daisy, and would never leave her.

Jay Gatsby is the other wealthy man in the novel, he makes his money by being a bootlegger. Gatsby is trying to sweep Daisy off her feet and take her away from Tom, but Tom won't let that happen. The last main man is Nick Carraway. He is very different from the other two, he is not wealthy, he is not trying to steal woman, and he does not judge others. Nick knows that Tom is seeing Mrytle, and he knows that Gastby is a bootlegger but he does not judge them. Theses are the Great men of Gatsby.

Work Cited

"The Great Gatsby " Shmoop. 25 May 2010 http://www.shmoop.com/great-gatsby/gender-theme.html