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The women of Gatsby

A time of rebellious behavior and living life according to the new founded American Dream. The women of this era are portrayed in two different lights in the novel which are defiant and foolish. Women began to take a step forward in society during the 1920's. As women start to detach themselves from the stereotypical proper and prim manner in society, there are new stereotypes created. It is perfectly all right for women to drink and control themselves wildly at parties just as men do. They express their views much more and begin to take control of their newly established place in society. Daisy was treated as a lower person for years in her relationship with Tim. She allowed herself to be degraded as her husband committed acts of infidelity. Daisy eventually liberates herself when she has an affair with Gatsby. Now Daisy has found a way to bring Tom under her thumb. On the other hand, women also are portrayed as extremely foolish and easily used by men. Myrtle is an example for Tom is using her. To Tom, Myrtle is a game. He uses her for fun and never intends on having a real relationship with her. He goes to her when he pleases and she will always be there waiting for him. Tom does not treat her with respect, yet she continually returns to his side. Another view of women shows them as gossipers and out of control. When attending parties at Gatsby's house the women are intoxicated to where they can no longer walk or think properly. The women are said to have ripped their dresses, jumped in the fountains and danced wildly. At Tom and Myrtle's party, Myrtle's sister Catherine and her friends are gossiping the entire time. Catherine gives false information about Daisy, Tom and Myrtle. The American dream has a lot to do with the behavior patterns of the women in the novel. The novel shows women as becoming obessed with the 'perfect American life.' The women of gatsby will do whatever it take to fit in, which is recklessness, defiance and foolishness.

Who is Dan Cody? Dan Cody was Gatsby’s best friend. Gatsby also has a picture of him hanging in his wall. Gatsby’s new life began on the lake when he met Dan Cody. Dan Cody was a wealthy copper minor from Montana. Cody and Gatsby sailed around the world three times over the next five years. During this time, Gatsby served as steward, mate, skipper, and secretary for Dan. Gatsby chose then to abstain from alcohol forever after witnessing the destructive behaviors of Cody during his periods of drunkenness. Gatsby even had to jail Cody on occasion to prevent him from committing dangerous acts.
Dan is a somewhat coarse man who became immensely wealthy during the Gold Rush. He mentored Gatsby when he was a young man and gave him a taste of elite society. He taught him how to do business and he taught him all he new. Dan Cody also left Gatsby a large amount of money before he died because Gatsby had helped him and had taken care of him. Gatsby used this money to start the business that he is in now. And he uses what Dan Cody taught him to run his business. (http://www.novelguide.com/thegreatgatsby/characterprofiles.html)