Examples Of Masculinity In The Great Gatsby

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In "The Great Gatsby," F. Scott Fitzgerald uses characterization to show the effects of toxic masculinity in his male characters many different ways, One way he does this is by demonstrating how toxic masculinity can lead to destructive behavior. He shows the way that toxic masculinity is showed through societal valuies of what man should be during the 1920’s. It shows the worst of what following those idealistic values of masculinity, money, and wanting to fit the values would lead you to becoming less of a man. Fitzgerald uses characterization in "The Great Gatsby" to demonstrate the destructive effects of toxic masculinity on the lives of his male characters, and to critique the societal norms and mashismo culture that allow this behavior …show more content…

This behavior is a result of his toxic masculinity, which allows him to believe that he is entitled to treat others in this way. He is racist due to him being scared of losing his position in society if things change it’s up to us, who are the dominant race, to watch out or these other races will have control of things” (Fitzgerald 13. )Another way Fitzgerald uses characterization to show the effects of toxic masculinity is by demonstrating how it can lead to a lack of empathy and a lack of concern for others. He constantly cheats on his wife, Daisy with his mistress Myrtle and doesn't even care for her but would rather use her for a quick escape, and would do anything to keep her from his real life. Even hurting her both pyschhically and mentaalyt in the process. Tom Buchanan broke Myrtle’s in chapter 2 nose with his open hand.Tom is also characterized as being indifferent to the suffering of others, and is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants, …show more content…

He is obsessed with the idea of being seen as powerful and successful, and uses his wealth and status to try and win the affection of Daisy Buchanan, a woman who he is deeply in love with but who does not truly care about him.Throughout the novel, Gatsby is portrayed as a man who is deeply insecure and constantly seeking validation from others, especially women. This is seen in the way he constantly tries to impress and win over Daisy, even going so far as to throw lavish parties and buy extravagant gifts in an attempt to win her affection. He wants to appear to be a bigshot in order to compete with Tom. Gatsby's obsession with Daisy is driven by his desire to be seen as a successful and powerful man, and his toxic masculinity is evident in the way he uses his wealth and status to try and control her and win her over rather than what made them fall in love in the first

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