Myrtle's Role In The Great Gatsby

Throughout the existence of the human species, men have always been superior to women. It could of been a biblical standpoint that created this ideology, but it influenced many American literature today and for many years. In Fitzgerald's novel, “The Great Gatsby,” is describes life after the second world war, and since prohibition is in effect, many become wealthy through bootlegging. Nick Carraway, the main character, is the cousin of Daisy, and the neighbor of Gatsby, and plays the ultimate role in Gatsby’s and Daisy’s affair. Women for the most part in this book, are seen truly as trophy wives, encouraging the concept of being seen and not heard, "All right, I'm glad it's a girl. And I hope she'll be a fool-that the best thing a girl can

Tom is seen using Myrtle, while abusing the power he has over his wife. While Myrtle was taunting Tom about his wife, he breaks her nose, “Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand."(Fitzgerald pg. 32). The awful thing about this, is that he dominated Myrtle in front of an audience, in their New York apartment. It is socially acceptable for the man to dominate the female during this period of time, but to do it in front of other people, is seen as morally wrong. Once again, the concept of women in the book as being seen and not heard is seen here. It is socially acceptable to beat your wife, just as long as nobody is there to witness it. This physical abuse Myrtle endures is seen as radical feminism, because of Tom’s feeling that he can only control Myrtle through a physical means. Tom uses his physical, social and economic authority to suppress both Myrtle and Daisy. Women ultimately have no power, even when they try to achieve

Through the actions of the characters, and their goals does it appear the patriarchal hierarchy that exists in the society of the 1920’s. Women were ultimately subjected to whatever to man wanted, regardless of how the felt. Daisy, one of the main characters, made it a point that the best thing a girl could be is beautiful and dumb. This ideology that she has arose from the affairs that her husband takes part in. She believes that if she was not as intellectual as she is, she wouldn't know or even care about Tom’s affairs. Then Tom Buchanan, ultimately the most abusive character throughout the book. He is the ultimate reason for Gatsby’s death, and takes constant advantage of his wife. He knows that Daisy is aware of his mistress, yet knows his power triumphs hers, so he continues to do it. Then, when his mistress brings up Daisy at a party, he becomes physically abusive, breaking her nose. Tom Buchanan uses his money and masculinity throughout the book to become more powerful. And finally Gatsby, all he has wanted for the past few years is to win daisy back, and live the life he has always dreamed with her. Even though he is wealthy, Daisy cannot be with him, primarily because he smothers her in the idea of being together. Ultimately, the societal norms in the book are seen to encourage patriarchal hierarchy, and the idealism of trophy