Skip to main content

"Underlying the creation of particular characters in texts are broader ideas about what defines femininity and masculinity." Using this idea, how...

One of the best quotes about gender in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby comes early on in the first chapter, at which point Daisy discusses her reaction to the birth of her daughter: "'I'm glad it's a girl. And I hope she'll be a fool—that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.'"


This quote says a lot about gender relations in The Great Gatsby. First of all,...

One of the best quotes about gender in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby comes early on in the first chapter, at which point Daisy discusses her reaction to the birth of her daughter: "'I'm glad it's a girl. And I hope she'll be a fool—that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.'"


This quote says a lot about gender relations in The Great Gatsby. First of all, it acknowledges the subordinate social status of women. In Fitzgerald's world of elite wealth, men see women as possessions to be acquired. Indeed, though he undoubtedly loves her, Gatsby also undeniably sees Daisy as a possession, another glittering jewel to add to his fortune in order to cement his powerful social status. Likewise, Tom seeks to "own" as many women as possible, and he doesn't let Daisy go at the end, despite the fact that he cheats on her frequently and seems to care little for her happiness. All in all, Fitzgerald explores a world of astounding misogyny. 


Second, Daisy's quote acknowledges the only way women can struggle through this oppressive world: they must cultivate ignorance and foolishness. By hoping that her daughter becomes "a beautiful little fool," Daisy suggests that women can endure male oppression only by playing the fool and being unaware of their subjugation. Thus, Fitzgerald illustrates a grim world for women, one which is utterly controlled by men. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is the meaning of "juggling fiends" in Macbeth?

Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a... Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a sense of guilt, and that man tells him: Despair thy charm. And let the angel whom thou still hast serve...
Post a Comment
Read more

In Martel's Life of Pi, how does writing a diary help Pi Patel build on his leadership skills?

At the end of chapter 73, Pi first divulges the fact that he had started a diary after about a week alone at sea. Pi claims that he wrote about "practical stuff" (208) such as what he caught for food, foreseeable problems and solutions, Richard Parker, and reflections about specific events that occurred. In a sense, Pi is the captain of his ship; therefore, he must take responsibility for himself and his crew. He can... At the end of chapter 73, Pi first divulges the fact that he had started a diary after about a week alone at sea. Pi claims that he wrote about "practical stuff" (208) such as what he caught for food, foreseeable problems and solutions, Richard Parker, and reflections about specific events that occurred. In a sense, Pi is the captain of his ship; therefore, he must take responsibility for himself and his crew. He can do this by writing down events, problems and solutions, and reflections to look back on when confronted with repeated problems. It can ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Discuss movements that were inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and list one success for each group.

African-Americans contributed in a very big way during World War II. These contributions were demonstrated at home and on the battlefield. After the war, African-Americans properly felt it was time for them to achieve equality with white Americans. During the 1950's, the modern Civil Rights Movement was born and it had a number of successes (integration of the military and Brown vs. Board of Education as examples.) This success inspired other activists to demand change... African-Americans contributed in a very big way during World War II. These contributions were demonstrated at home and on the battlefield. After the war, African-Americans properly felt it was time for them to achieve equality with white Americans. During the 1950's, the modern Civil Rights Movement was born and it had a number of successes (integration of the military and Brown vs. Board of Education as examples.) This success inspired other activists to demand change for their agendas. Two examples of moveme...
Post a Comment
Read more