This image represents how much women were restrained from being independent and prevented from making their own decisions throughout The Great Gatsby.
Gender roles are established in the first chapter of the novel. It begins with Tom who goes on a racist rant to Nick, but interjects when Daisy tries to join in because he believes that she couldn't be smart enough to understand his thoughts. However, Daisy shows a deep level of intelligence and understanding of society when she says to Nick about her young 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.” (The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald, 22) This shows how men in the 1920s objectified women and believed they were inferior and unintelligent. This is also a recurring theme throughout the novel with Jordan Baker, who is a professional golfer. Tom repeatedly questions how her family could, “let her run around the country this way.” (Fitzgerald, 23) He believes that it is unladylike of her to take part in sports and to be living independently. Additionally, Fitzgerald often refers to the stereotype that women are bad drivers. Nick has a conversation with Jordan and she admits to it, and when Daisy drives at the end of the book, she causes an accident. Fitzgerald fully employs the gender stereotypes that were believed at the time the novel was written, however he also questions them and investigates their validity. This was considered innovative in the 1920s, however Fitzgerald likely invoked thought about the subject and inspired many others to adopt a similar mind-set and work towards gender equality.