In The Great Gatsby, gender roles are a significant theme, highlighting the constraints and expectations placed on women in the 1920s. The novel portrays women as dependent on men for social standing and financial security, while also showing their limited power through beauty and manipulation. Despite the era's new freedoms, women like Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson remain trapped in traditional roles, unable to break free from societal norms.

Daisy Buchanan's life exemplifies the societal constraints on women. Despite her wealth and beauty, she is trapped in a marriage with Tom Buchanan, who is neglectful and unfaithful. Daisy's famous wish for her daughter to be "a beautiful little fool" underscores her belief that ignorance is bliss for women in a male-dominated society. Her affair with Gatsby represents a fleeting attempt to escape her unhappiness, but ultimately, she cannot leave the security Tom provides. Daisy's dependence on Tom's wealth and status highlights the limited options available to women of her time.

Myrtle Wilson, in contrast, is trapped by poverty. She marries George Wilson, believing he can provide for her, but soon realizes his financial limitations. Myrtle's affair with Tom Buchanan is her attempt to grasp a life of wealth and glamour. However, she remains a mere "toy" for Tom, who uses her for his desires without any intention of marrying her. Myrtle's inability to see beyond her social class confines her to a life of unfulfilled dreams, illustrating the rigid social hierarchy that restricts women's independence.

The novel also reflects the societal changes of the 1920s, where women began to experience new freedoms. However, these changes are superficial for characters like Daisy, who remains bound by traditional expectations. Despite the flapper era's influence, Daisy cannot break free from her role as Tom's wife. Her reluctance to assert her love for Gatsby over Tom demonstrates her internal conflict between desire and societal pressure. This tension between new freedoms and old constraints highlights the complex gender dynamics of the time.

Overall, The Great Gatsby presents a world where women are dominated by men, yet possess a limited power through beauty and manipulation. Daisy and Myrtle's lives revolve around their relationships with men, reflecting the societal norms that dictate their roles. Despite the era's evolving gender roles, the novel portrays women as ultimately unable to escape the constraints of their social positions.