From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023

What is the significance of the character Jordan Baker in “The Great Gatsby”?

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, "The Great Gatsby," the character of Jordan Baker assumes a role of intriguing significance, contributing to the exploration of themes such as illusion, corruption, and the ephemeral nature of the American Dream. As a professional golfer and a love interest of the protagonist, Jay Gatsby, Jordan represents the world of wealth, glamour, and moral ambiguity that permeates the narrative.

The significance of Jordan Baker lies in her portrayal as a symbol of the reckless and morally bankrupt society that Gatsby and other characters inhabit. In the midst of the decadence and extravagance of the Jazz Age, Jordan embodies the spirit of the "flapper" - a young woman who defies traditional gender roles and embraces a more liberated lifestyle. Her independent and self-assured nature, coupled with her disregard for social conventions, serve as a critique of the superficiality and moral decay that characterizes the upper echelons of society.

Firstly, Jordan Baker represents the illusion and deceit that permeate the lives of the characters in the novel. As a professional golfer, she is adept at manipulating appearances, using her charm and skill to deceive others and gain an advantage. Her reputation as a dishonest player on the golf course mirrors the larger theme of deception that runs throughout the story, highlighting the facade that many characters, including Gatsby himself, present to the world. Jordan's penchant for bending the truth and her lack of moral scruples underscore the pervasive atmosphere of dishonesty and artifice that defines the social elite.

Furthermore, Jordan's relationship with Gatsby illuminates the theme of unattainable love and the disillusionment that accompanies it. While initially involved with Nick Carraway, the novel's narrator, Jordan becomes entangled with Gatsby, becoming a link between him and the world of wealth and privilege he seeks to infiltrate. Their relationship is marked by superficiality and a sense of transience, mirroring the broader notion that the pursuit of material wealth and social status can never truly fulfill one's emotional needs. Jordan's presence in Gatsby's life serves as a reminder of the inherent emptiness and futility of his romantic aspirations.

Moreover, Jordan's character challenges traditional gender roles and expectations of women in the 1920s. As a "new woman" of the era, she embodies the spirit of independence and assertiveness, defying societal norms and expectations. Her career as a professional athlete and her refusal to conform to traditional notions of femininity challenge the patriarchal order and highlight the changing role of women in society. However, despite her apparent independence, Jordan remains entangled in the materialistic world of the wealthy, ultimately succumbing to the pressures and compromises that come with it. This paradoxical portrayal of Jordan raises questions about the limitations and contradictions faced by women seeking to assert their agency in a society driven by materialism and superficiality.

Furthermore, Jordan's presence in the novel serves as a narrative device, allowing the reader to gain insight into the lives of the wealthy and privileged. As a confidante of Daisy Buchanan, the object of Gatsby's desire, Jordan becomes a source of information and a window into the hidden lives and secrets of the upper class. Her involvement in the unfolding events and her connections to the central characters provide the reader with a nuanced understanding of the intricate web of relationships and power dynamics at play.

Lastly, Jordan Baker's character serves as a reflection of the transient and impermanent nature of the American Dream. Her name, evoking the symbolism of the automobile, underscores the fleeting nature of success and the temporary nature of material wealth. Like the speeding cars that populate the novel, Jordan represents the fast-paced, ever-changing world of the 1920s, where fortunes can be made and lost in an instant. Her character reminds the reader that the pursuit of wealth and status is often accompanied by moral compromise and a sense of disillusionment.

The significance of Jordan Baker in "The Great Gatsby" extends beyond her role as a secondary character or a mere love interest. Through her portrayal as a symbol of illusion, corruption, and societal decay, Jordan offers a critique of the superficiality and moral bankruptcy of the Jazz Age. Her relationships, her defiance of gender norms, and her insights into the lives of the wealthy contribute to the larger themes explored in the novel. Jordan's presence reminds the reader of the elusive and transitory nature of the American Dream and raises important questions about the pursuit of material wealth and the sacrifices it demands.