Are they all victims?

Are they all victims? An analysis of Myrtle, Daisy, Gatsby and Tom in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby

Författare

Elisabeth Kynaston

Summary, in English

Patriarchal ideologies, gender equality and the conflict between the old and modern ways of
life have always been topics of discussion in contemporary society. In 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald
published The Great Gatsby, when patriarchal ideologies were dominant in American society
and American literature. Additionally, there is an ambivalence showing that although times
were changing, the gender stereotypes and classes depicted by both male and female characters
in Fitzgerald’s novel appear to prevail. By applying theories of feminist and post-colonial
criticism, it can be suggested that although it seems that the characters in the novel embrace the
social changes by being depicted as the “New Woman” or as an advocate for the American
dream, they still follow the rules of the patriarch and are submissive to the ruling class. The
purpose of this essay is to discuss how men and women in The Great Gatsby realistically
conduct their lives during a time of social development. Many scholars have previously written
their concerns regarding these issues although this essay will deal with how men and women in
The Great Gatsby are all victims and that despite the liberating times and post-colonial attitudes
what can be considered “the other” prevails.

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