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Objectification Of Women In The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald

1471 Words6 Pages

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the main idea, the American Dream is demonstrated through the presence of material items and the objectification of women. First, society is portrayed in a flashy way, hinting that guests at Gatsby’s parties only cared about his wealth. Each guest embodied the idea that this is what they wanted to achieve. By coming to these parties, they were able to live their American Dream through Gatsby without even really knowing him. Women are prevalent in this novel as their connection to men controlled their destiny. Because women were not valued in society, they did not have the same opportunities as men. In addition, women had a different American Dream; While they desired affluence, their dream also included …show more content…

Even Gatsby who loved Daisy elevated her status because of her wealth. This tells the reader that Gatsby viewed Daisy as another status symbol he wanted to acquire. This is evidence, again, that the male American Dream was based around wealth and objects, including women. Throughout the novel, the reader is lead to believe that Gatsby is one of the only men who respects women. His love for Daisy is demonstrated, yet we begin to see that he didn’t just love Daisy for Daisy, but for the status she brings him. The point that stands out most is when Gatsby talks about the many men who have loved Daisy, this explains that, “...it increased her value in his eyes (Gatsby 149).” The word “value” is important in this sentence because it shows that Gatsby really thought of Daisy as more of an object than a person. Similarly, Gatsby spoke about Daisy’s house and material items, rather than Daisy herself which is an indication that he cared more about what she had to offer him. The admiration towards Daisy’s house rather than her is illustrated when Nick says, “It amazed him-he had never been in such a beautiful house before.” This quote, among many other instances, is a representation of Gatsby’s attitude towards women. He may have loved Daisy, but he loved her status more. Admittingly, Gatsby brought up Daisy’s riches rather than her traits. Another instance of this is expressed when Gatsby tells Nick, “Her voice is full of money (Gatsby 120).” Because that is the case, Gatsby was drawn to a women with money. Not only does it make Daisy seem of greater importance, but it put Gatsby and Daisy in the same social class; a position Gatsby wanted to achieve. Gatsby and the other men of this social class viewed their women as objects to be

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