Examples Of Masculinity In The Great Gatsby

To have a strong American Dream, there must be a fear of failure. In both works, failure is defined as losing manhood, and success is equated with being the “ideal male”. The American Dream becomes an extension of masculinity attained through material possessions, work ethic, and status. Manhood is represented by the determination, achievement, and accomplishment, which makes failure more threatening as it equates to the destruction of the individual rather than his goals. Fear is another motivation which turns the struggles for greatness very personal for the cast. The theme of the film is based on antiquated concept that males are supposed to protect and provide for women; therefore, failing to succeed becomes a threat to the male’s domestic

Instead of a threat that can be taken away, manhood is something that is presented in an strong light with the mention of wars, and hard work toward The American Dream. Tom’s overbearing interactions with Daisy, and William’s way of interacting with Myrtle seems to define an aspect of masculinity that revolves around women as background characters. The Great Gatsby’s version of masculinity is not an initial threat like when Levene was threatened by Williamson in the office, but instead as something honorable and a positive. Instead, masculinity is commodified, packaged and sold as a product. During the sweltering summer heat, Daisy sends an invitation for Nick, Gatsby, Tom, and Jordan to accompany her to lunch. It is here that the theme of masculinity arises in the story. During the outing, Daisy Buchanan states,“ ‘You resemble the advertisement of the man’ ” which shows the theme of masculinity being a form of success and “coolness” where masculinity is seen as a burden in Glengarry Glen Rose (Fitzgerald 157). By comparing Gatsby to an “advertisement of a man”, Daisy mentions that Gatsby is nothing short of perfection, and he is everything that the ideal American Man should become. He is the idea story of an American man who worked himself from poverty

He had come a long way to this lawn and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him (Fitzgerald 149). Gatsby’s failure to realize that his dream was already “behind him” is close to the cast of who are on a never-ending search for better “leads” by the salesmen. Capitalism in The Great Gatsby is portrayed as attainable, yet always out of reach which is a far more optimistic look than Glengarry Ross. Since The American Dream worked for Gatsby, Gatsby fails to be critical of it. By the end of the book, capitalism is presented as a wonderful concept thing gone awry; whereas, capitalism in Glengarry Glen Rose is presented as cut throat, damaging, and only the ruthless like Roma will