What do you think about the view that there are no women in The Great Gatsby with whom the reader can sympathise?

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Sympathy in novels can be defined as: the reader sharing an emotion with a character; usually achieved by creating pity for the character and making them relatable to. In The Great Gatsby no women achieve this criteria.

Daisy does not draw pity from the reader, nor can the reader relate to her – meaning they do not sympathise with her. Although, it is possible to argue that being unhappy in a marriage – shown by her reaction to Tom speaking to his lover during dinner – is something she has in common with 1920’s America. However, she takes action, on this feeling, in her deliberate attempts to punish Tom by ‘kissing’ Gatsby behind his back. This is not common in contemporary America, which was still very traditional, as the flapper movement was just starting to gain momentum. Furthermore, it is apparent throughout the novel that she is immoral and materialistic – Fitzgerald does criticise the materialistic nature of society, however, it is portrayed negatively so is not relatable to. This immorality comes to fruition when she acts ‘careless[ly]’ with Gatsby’s emotions, a character which is sympathised with, meaning she becomes hated. Therefore, not only does Daisy not fulfil any of the criteria to earn sympathy but she is, in fact, at the other end of the scale – hated, for her actions to Gatsby.

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Jordan is not sympathised with either, however, for different reasons. One contrasting line is that Jordan ‘met another bad driver’ in Nick and was therefore hurt, something which does create pity and is relatable to. However, the pity that is created is limited as she states that she does not ‘give a damn’ about the relationship ending. An obvious lie, but it does suggest she will soon move on – reducing the amount of pity created. Furthermore, the reader is unable to relate to her as she is presented to be hypocritical in the idea that she understands she is ...

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