Theme Of Patriarchy In The Great Gatsby

Fitzgerald discussed some issues concerning the gender roles, power, and class. Pelzer ( 2003)pointed out that Daisy's remark and Fitzgerald's novel showed “the power dynamics of gender “didn’t change much in the aftermath of World War I. Sexual and social freedoms weren’t translated into “significant differences” in men's and women's roles and expectations . Through Daisy and Miss Baker, Fitzgerald showed the patriarchal look at women as something “to be possessed” (p.127). Also, Tom’s brutality and philandering another woman shows the patriarchy and the corruption of the society . On the other hand, Maurer (2000) argued that the 1920th was an era of great change especially the role of women as he showed the women of all classes” breaking out of the molds that the society had placed them”(p.10).
Maurer (2000) stated that The Great Gatsby discussed some national issues that has “historical roots” such as “prohibition” (p.10). Manufacturing, selling and trading in alcohol was banned at that time according to the Amendment Constitution of USA in 1920, nevertheless, this prohibited trade was flourished. Also, the issue of immigration is discussed as the people at that time were immigrating to America seeking better life and more freedom but they shocked with the discrimination they experienced from the American citizens. This is clear in Tom’s reaction towards the westerner as he described Gatsby as” Mr. Nobody from Nowhere “ ( Great Gatsby, p.133). Berman (1994) pointed out that Tom was worried about the white race “the dominant”, and keeping control of “the civilization” (p.31). Moreover, the other characters including Nick refers “negatively” to the “immigrants “who live in the” West Egg” (Maurer , 2000,