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"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, 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. 

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