Daisy Buchanan And Jordan Baker In The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald

The dinner party scene also introduces the theme of societal expectation by contrasting two very different characters: Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker. Daisy is portrayed as an almost angelic or fairy-like figure, first seen lounging on the couch: “buoyed up as though upon an anchored balloon” (12). One could infer that the phrase ‘anchored balloon’ symbolizes the constraints and expectations placed upon women during the 1920’s. In this way, Daisy represents the life led by traditional women during this era. Expectations were as such; women were to marry young, have children, devote their lives to raising families and were completely dependent on their husbands. Daisy’s dependence on Tom is represented by her childlike characteristics: “She

laughed an absurd charming little laugh” (13). Moreover, her ‘white’ dress represents purity and emphasises her innocence and childlike traits. The author uses Daisy to illustrate the many limitations and constraints placed upon women in 1920s America.

In contrast, the author presents Jordan Baker as hardy and masculine, describing her posture as one of a young man training for the armed forces: “She was a slender, small breasted girl, with an erect carriage, which is accentuated by throwing her body backward at the shoulders like a young cadet” (15).

By contrasting Daisy’s very feminine physique against Jordan’s robust build, Fitzgerald draws attention to the change in expectations placed upon women in regards to physical appearance. Moreover, Jordan demonstrates her independence and freedom by playing golf for a living. This contrasts against Daisy’s complete financial dependence on Tom. Thus, Jordan represents women during the 1920s who were much more liberal than the previous generation. In this manner, the dinner party scene offers insights into the lives led by different upper-class women whilst conveying the author’s perception of the American Dream to be, in practice, unattainable for many women. Daisy’s financial dependence on Tom and the expectation that she should be compliant for him represents this. She does not have the option of divorcing him and pursuing her own career. According to James Truslow Adams definition of the American Dream, any man or woman should be able to attain their goal given they work hard. In this manner, Fitzgerald shows how societal structure and expectations meant many women could not fulfill their American

Dream.

Fitzgerald also uses the dinner party and the attendants’ banter as a means of exposing corruption within the elite class.

For example, Tom reveals himself to be racist through his belief that the white race is superior: “It is up to us who are the dominant race to watch out or these other races will have control of things” (17). Tom’s arrogance also manifests itself through his elitist attitude. This is evident by the way he believes his education and class have given him a deeper understanding of the world, making his opinion indisputable: “‘Well these books are all scientific’ insisted Tom” (17). One could infer that his elitist and racist views are, in part, due to the fact he was born into money and has very little appreciation for hard work and honesty. This lack of honesty is revealed during dinner, as he leaves the table to answer a phone call from his mistress: “Tom’s got some woman in New York” (19). Tom represents men from old and established families, thus revealing the author’s perception of his class to be immoral and often

prejudice.

The dinner party is used to develop the characters of Tom, Daisy and Jordan, within it offering a critique on society and ultimately the American Dream. Tom and Daisy have not become successful through hard work and integrity, but have merely inherited their wealth and connections. Looking at this from the perspective of James Truslow Adams definition of the American Dream, success should be determined by an individual’s hard work and honesty. However, despite living privileged lives and viewing themselves as successful, neither Tom nor Daisy display either of these traits. Furthermore, Tom’s racist and elitist beliefs give insight into society at the time and reveal how not anyone from class or race could achieve his or her dream, regardless of hard work and talent. In this manner, Fitzgerald conveys how race and circumstance of birth play a large role in determining the success of an individual.

Throughout the Buchanans’ dinner party scene the unfulfillment in each of the characters lives is revealed. For example, at first glance it appears that Tom has achieved his American Dream- he is wealthy, lives in a mansion and is married to a beautiful woman. Over the course of the evening however, it becomes evident that his dream life is merely an illusion. This is demonstrated through his unethical behavior, not only showing he is unfulfilled in his marriage but also reflecting his ultimate unfulfillment in life. Similarly, Daisy’s initial beauty and charm is shown to be an illusion as her