Jordan Flashcards
How is Jordan Baker described physically in Chapter 1?
Jordan is described as “erect” and “like a young cadet.”
What career is Jordan pursuing and what does this signify?
Jordan is pursuing a career as a professional golfer, representing her as a ‘New Woman’ who resists old gender expectations.
How does Jordan’s role as a woman in the novel differ from traditional gender norms?
Jordan has a subversive role, transcending gender norms and fitting in with the changing ideas related to the ‘flapper’ and female sexuality of the 1920s.
What does Jordan’s gender-ambiguous name symbolize?
Jordan’s gender-ambiguous name symbolizes her representation of the wild, liberated ‘New Woman’ of the 1920s.The quote “‘Golden shoulder’ - connotes wealth. Objectification of women. Wealth, prosperity and beauty. Even when women try to subvert gender norms, they are still ultimately forced to operate under the confines of the patriarchy.”
Describe Jordan’s personality as a socialite.
Jordan is a confident socialite, cynical, and prone to gossip.She is described as “incurably dishonest.”
How might Jordan’s self-confidence serve as a protective mechanism?
Jordan possibly uses faux self-confidence as a shield to protect herself against an oppressive society, unlike Daisy who uses charm and foolishness to draw admirers.
How does Jordan’s tactic for dealing with the world differ from Daisy’s?
While Daisy uses her charm and foolishness to draw admirers, Jordan keeps people distant with her self-confidence to protect herself from the world’s cruelty.
‘Jordan Baker instinctively avoided clever, shrewd men’
What initially attracts Nick to Jordan, and what might he be subconsciously attracted to?
Nick is initially attracted to Jordan’s unconcerned attitude towards life, but on a deeper level, he may be attracted to the privilege that allows her to be so unconcerned.
How does Nick’s attraction to Jordan mirror Gatsby’s feelings for Daisy?
Nick’s attraction to Jordan’s privilege mirrors Gatsby’s love for Daisy, suggesting that Gatsby might actually be in love with money rather than Daisy herself.
What physical traits are used to describe Jordan?
Jordan is described as “hard” and “muscular.”
What is one critic’s opinion about Jordan Baker’s character?
Frohlich argues that Jordan’s sexual ambivalence towards men, her desire to keep unintelligent men around, and her dishonesty indicate that she is gay and trying to hide her sexuality.
