Who is Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby?

 

Table of Contents

 

- Introduction

  - Who is Jordan Baker?

  - Jordan's background

- Jordan's personality and behavior

  - Dishonest cheater

  - Careless and irresponsible

- Jordan's relationship with other characters

  - Friendship with Daisy

  - Romantic involvement with Nick 

- The significance of Jordan's character

  - Represents new liberated woman

  - Contrasts with Daisy

  - Drives plot through affairs

- Conclusion

  - Essential yet unlikable character

  - Embodies themes of social change and carelessness

- Frequently Asked Questions

  - 10 detailed questions and answers

 

Who is Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby?

 

Jordan Baker is one of the most intriguing and unforgettable characters in F. Scott Fitzgerald's acclaimed 1925 American novel, The Great Gatsby. In the book, Jordan is portrayed as a professional golfer and a friend of the main female character, Daisy Buchanan. Jordan becomes romantically involved with the story's narrator, Nick Carraway, over the course of the novel.

 

Through her interactions with Nick, Daisy, and Jay Gatsby, Jordan serves as a driving force behind the plot and themes, while also embodying the emergence of independent, working women in American society during the liberated Jazz Age of the 1920s. While complex, layered, and vital to the story, Jordan is ultimately an unlikable character defined by her dishonesty, immorality, carelessness, and lack of empathy for others.

 

Jordan's Background

 

Jordan Baker grew up in Louisville, Kentucky along with Daisy Fay, who later went on to marry the wealthy and arrogant Tom Buchanan. Jordan comes from a prominent Southern family that was part of the established social elite. Based on the timeline of the novel, Jordan was likely born sometime around the turn of the 20th century.

 

During her youth, Jordan forged a close friendship with Daisy Fay that continued into adulthood. However, unlike many young women of the time who aimed to find husbands and start families, Jordan rebelled against traditional gender norms by pursuing athletics. In particular, Jordan became a champion golf player, which was highly unusual for women in the early 20th century when golf was an elitist sport almost entirely dominated by men.

 

By the time the events of _The Great Gatsby_ take place in 1922, the now-adult Jordan Baker has established herself as a famous figure in the world of golf, a sport that was previously off-limits to women. She competes in tournaments, hobnobs with wealthy businessmen and sponsors, and is even suspected of cheating in matches, suggesting a willingness to bend rules if it suits her purposes. Jordan's fame, financial independence, and luxurious lifestyle stem from her golf success, making her one of the first women athletes to achieve national prominence in America.

 

Jordan's willful rejection of traditional gender roles and pursuit of her chosen path connects her with the liberated mindset of the "New Woman" that emerged during the 1920s. Attitudes and society were rapidly changing in the Jazz Age, with more women working, voting, drinking and smoking in public, driving cars, and feeling empowered to make their own choices. As a young, unmarried woman living independently and following her own ambitions, Jordan epitomizes the bold spirit of empowered female independence that defined the Roaring Twenties era.

 

Jordan's Personality and Behavior

 

-         Dishonest Cheater

 

One of the most definitive traits that shapes Jordan Baker's personality and drives her behaviors is her willingness to be dishonest, break rules, and cheat in order to gain an advantage or get what she wants.

 

Even from a young age as a burgeoning golf star, Jordan faced accusations of cheating and improperly moving her golf ball around to secure a win. The suspicions surrounding Jordan's dishonesty as a golfer dogged her throughout her career. When Nick first meets Jordan through Daisy, Gatsby tells him that Jordan is "incurably dishonest" and cheated in her first major golf tournament by shifting her ball position when no one was looking.

 

Despite the accusations, Jordan is never penalized thanks to the connections of her family and her expert charm and manipulation. Her dishonest streak in golf reflects Jordan's larger tendency toward flexible morality and willingness to cut corners rather than play by the rules. For Jordan, integrity matters less than coming out ahead and achieving what she wants by any means necessary. This makes her epitomize the deterioration of social values that Fitzgerald sought to critique in jazz age America.

 

Beyond golf, Jordan exhibits dishonesty in how she treats relationships. She casually dates men but drops them abruptly when she gets bored or a better option comes along, lying about her true feelings and intentions. Jordan keeps Nick in the dark about the details of Daisy and Gatsby's affair even as she facilitates their secret meetings. Her duplicitousness makes Jordan an unreliable and unstable romantic partner and friend.

 

Ultimately Jordan feels no guilt over her social dishonesty and cheating at golf because in her view following rules and being sincere are less important than self-fulfillment. This makes her emblematic of the careless, immoral pleasure-seeking of the idle rich that Fitzgerald portrays in the novel.

 

-         Careless and Irresponsible

 

In addition to being dishonest and willing to cheat, Jordan possesses a careless disregard for others and refuses to take responsibility for the consequences of her actions. She leaves messes and problems for other people to deal with while she floats away unbothered to her next amusement.

 

Jordan's carelessness manifests in her atrociously reckless driving. She borrows Gatsby's lavish yellow Rolls Royce only to careen around curves and narrowly escape police traps, showing no concern for public safety. Jordan then lets someone else drive the car and lies about her carelessness when the car gets wrecked.

 

Beyond driving, Jordan makes plans with people then forgets to show up or cancels at the last minute without apology. Her apartment is described as a disaster, suggesting she leaves cleaning and tidying for servants to handle. Jordan does favors and gives advice about relationships but only when it serves her whims and entertains her.

 

Jordan's carelessness and apathy extends even to Nick's feelings. When she and Nick break up near the end of the novel, Jordan is utterly unapologetic about stringing him along and indifferent to the pain it causes him. All she cares about is gossiping with friends about the lavish trip she's soon to depart on.

 

Ultimately Jordan drifts thoughtlessly through life leaving a trail of damage in her wake which others must repair. Her carelessness highlights the emptiness and narcissism of the jazz age elite along with their inability to see beyond having fun and fulfilling their own desires.

 

Jordan's Relationship with Other Characters

 

-         Friendship with Daisy 

 

Jordan Baker has been close friends with Daisy Buchanan ever since they were young debutantes growing up together in Louisville, Kentucky's high society. Their long-lasting friendship is likely what brings Jordan into the social circle of East Egg despite having less wealth than the Buchanans and their elite set.

 

Jordan's friendship with Daisy primarily involves her listening to Daisy discuss herself, her problems, and the dramas of her love life. Unlike Daisy, Jordan has no desire for a husband or traditional domestic life, but she humors Daisy's fixation on men and romantic intrigue. Jordan also looks out for Daisy's interests by facilitating her affair with Gatsby when she realizes both still love each other from five years prior. Their friendship is rather one-sided though, with Jordan serving more as Daisy's confidante and enabler than an equally invested companion.

 

Though close since childhood, Jordan and Daisy have vastly different personalities and embody diverging womanhood ideals. Where Daisy is traditional, genteel, and dependent on men, Jordan is modern, raucous, and independent. Daisy repeatedly seeks male attention and validation through beauty and charm, while Jordan seeks thrills and personal fulfillment. At times, these differences create friction, as when Daisy accuses Jordan of being too openly cynical and tries to make her act more feminine. But Jordan ignores Daisy's judgement and persists in living life on her own terms.

 

Overall, Jordan's long friendship with Daisy provides Jordan social clout, access to moneyed society, and an entertaining companion who fuels drama and gossip that Jordan thrives on. For Daisy, Jordan provides loyalty and service by discretely arranging Daisy's affair with Gatsby and keeping her secrets. Though different in temperament, their bond endures as both Jordan and Daisy share the carelessness and moral flexibility of the wealthy leisure class that Fitzgerald portrays as so corrosive.

 

-         Romantic Involvement with Nick

 

In the novel, Jordan forms a romantic connection with Nick Carraway, the story's narrator. Their attraction begins soon after being introduced by Daisy, who hopes to make the perpetually single Jordan jealous by flirting with Nick. This initial meeting sparks an interest between Jordan and Nick, who both seem intrigued yet ambivalent about each other from the start. 

 

As an independent, vivacious golfer who smokes, drinks, and swears, Jordan represents liberation, modernity, and the athletic "New Woman" to Nick - qualities he finds appealing after time with more traditional young ladies from his native Midwest. Yet Nick also finds her morally dubious reputation for dishonesty disconcerting. Meanwhile, Jordan seems drawn to Nick's humility and earnestness while also being slightly bored by his simple ways. 

 

Their tepid romance continues with Jordan stringing Nick along, stand up dates, and unfulfilled promises of future plans. Neither seems to put much effort into the relationship beyond enjoying having an attractive companion for social events. For Jordan, Nick represents little more than amusement, intrigue, and a status symbol proving she can attract respectable men along with scoundrels. 

 

Ultimately Jordan's excessive social recklessness combined with her lack of sincerity dooms the romance. After Jordan gets Nick's borrowed car destroyed through her careless driving, Nick sees clearly how she is too immoral, selfish, and irresponsible to commit to long term. By the end, Nick breaks off the relationship, leaving Jordan unaffected and already scheming about her next spectacle. Their failed affair represents the incompatibility between Midwestern morality and the careless moneyed elites of the Jazz Age. It also shows the superficiality and fleetingness of romance among the wealthy set.

 

The Significance of Jordan's Character

 

-         Represents New Liberated Woman

 

One of the most important functions of Jordan Baker's character is that she represents the rise of the independent, working, liberated "New Woman" of the 1920s who rebelled against prior Victorian norms of American womanhood.

 

As a professionally accomplished golfer competing in a traditionally male sport, financially self-sufficient, romantically free, and living alone, Jordan epitomizes female empowerment and rejection of traditional domesticity. She wears fashionable masculine garb like riding breeches rather than frilly dresses. Jordan also displays behaviors like smoking, drinking, swearing, and taking lovers that were previously unthinkable for women. Her job allows her to mingle among powerful businessmen and celebrate her wins and achievements, rather than merely supporting a husband's success.

 

Overall, Jordan's independence, self-sufficiency and pursuit of her own dreams mirror the bold new freedom in women's choices that emerged as gender equality advanced during the 1920s. She serves as Fitzgerald's quintessential depiction of the adventurous, modern New Woman who embodied women's liberation in the Jazz Age.

 

-         Contrasts with Daisy

 

In addition to representing female independence, Jordan Baker also serves as an important contrast to Daisy Buchanan's traditional femininity and pretense of helplessness. Where Daisy plays the demure housewife dependent on her husband, Jordan lives alone and answers to no man. Daisy is portrayed as delicate, charming and dressed in white dresses, floating waifishly through scenes, while Jordan is athletic, frank, and wears androgynous riding clothes.

 

Daisy constantly seeks male attention and depends on her beauty and aura of weakness to attract men like Gatsby to protect and worship her. Jordan uses no such female wiles or pretensions - if she attracts men, it is on her own terms rather than through an act. Daisy allows herself to be confined to domesticity in her marble mansion while Jordan roams freely across the country golfing, socializing, and living as she pleases.

 

While Daisy is held up as a traditional belle, Jordan rejects ladylike restraints and pursues the same pleasures, vices, and sexual freedom as men. Their contrast symbolizes the split between old and new womanhood occurring as a result of shifting gender roles in the 1920 jazz era. While Jordan is unappealing in personality, she nonetheless represents progress and the future as a harbinger of female liberation.

 

-         Drives Plot Through Affairs

 

Finally, Jordan impacts the plot of _The Great Gatsby_ through her facilitation of Daisy's affair with Gatsby as well as her own dalliance with Nick. Without Jordan's meddling, Daisy likely would never have reunited with Gatsby and they would not have begun their tragic affair that drives the novel's climax.

 

It is Jordan who puts aside her ambivalence towards Gatsby and brings Daisy to one of his lavish parties knowing it will intrigue her. Then at the tense tea party reunion, Jordan blithely engineers it so that Daisy and Gatsby can sneak off alone together, allowing romantic feelings to reignite. Jordan later aids their affair by arranging secret rendezvous and serving as a discreet cover whenever needed, despite the harm it may cause others.

 

Meanwhile, Jordan's callous toying with Nick's affections provides insight into the immoral behaviors and broken social values of the idle rich during the Jazz Age. Through her careless destruction of Nick's car and feelings, Fitzgerald shows how the wealthy care only for their own pleasure without thought for consequences.

 

Without the character of Jordan enabling affairs and manipulating people for entertainment, the central events of the story would likely not have occurred. So in many ways, Jordan's reckless meddling with relationships is the catalyst for the novel's primary love triangle and tragic outcome.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, Jordan Baker plays a vital role in _The Great Gatsby_ through her connection to both main female character Daisy and narrator Nick Carraway. She provides a window into changing female roles and emergence of independent women in the fast-living Jazz Age.

 

However, Jordan also demonstrates the emptiness and amorality of the rich leisure class through her careless and selfish attitudes and willingness to use dishonesty and manipulation to avoid responsibility. She drives the plot forward through engineering affairs yet remains unmoved by the damage left in her wake.

 

Ultimately Jordan is an unlikable character - cold, snobbish, pretentious, dishonest and elitist. But her complexity and nuance makes her one of the most memorable characters in Fitzgerald's American masterpiece. Jordan embodies the heady mix of liberation and corrosion swirling through 1920s high society. Through this golfing "New Woman's" eyes, readers gain unique insight into desire, human frailty, and themes of social change in _The Great Gatsby_.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who is Jordan Baker and what role does she play in The Great Gatsby?

 

Jordan Baker is a young, wealthy, professional golfer and childhood friend of Daisy Buchanan. She first appears in the novel as Daisy's friend who is dating narrator Nick Carraway. Jordan facilitates the reconnection and secret love affair between Daisy and Jay Gatsby by bringing Daisy to Gatsby's parties and arranging for them to secretly meet. As an independent career woman, Jordan represents the rise of modern liberated women in the 1920s.

 

What are Jordan Baker's key traits and characteristics?

 

Jordan is known for being dishonest and willing to cheat in golf by illegally moving her ball to improve her shots. She is also extremely careless such as when driving cars recklessly. Jordan lacks concern for how her reckless behavior impacts others. She is very independent, focused on fun and her own wishes rather than traditional roles for women. Overall, Jordan represents female empowerment of the 1920s but also the immorality and dissolution of the rich.

 

How did Jordan Baker meet Jay Gatsby? Why does she help him?

 

Jordan first meets Jay Gatsby through her friend Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby utilizes Jordan to help arrange a reunion with Daisy, his lost love from five years prior. Jordan sees how much Gatsby still cares for Daisy and thinks they are well-suited despite the problems of Daisy's marriage. Helping facilitate their affair adds drama and interest to Jordan's own life. As Daisy's friend, she wants to make Daisy happy by reuniting her with her true love, despite the consequences for others.

 

What does Jordan Baker symbolize in the novel?

 

As an independent career golfer, Jordan Baker represents the advent of the liberated "New Woman" in the 1920s who gained more freedoms like voting and working. She epitomizes female empowerment through exercising agency over her future rather than depending on a husband. However, her carelessness and dishonesty also symbolize the deterioration of morals and values among the idle wealthy class of jazz age America that Fitzgerald criticized.

 

Why does Nick Carraway break up with Jordan Baker?

 

Nick becomes increasingly uncomfortable with Jordan's loose morals, carelessness, and dishonesty. The final straw occurs when Jordan borrows Gatsby's yellow Rolls Royce, drives it recklessly, and lies about her role in wrecking the car. This shows Nick that Jordan takes no responsibility for her actions and cannot be trusted or relied upon. Her selfishness and lack of concern for others make a committed relationship impossible. Nick realizes they have no future together and ends their romance.

 

How did Jordan Baker help Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby have an affair?

 

Jordan facilitated Daisy and Gatsby's affair in several key ways. She brought Daisy to Gatsby's lavish parties knowing it would intrigue her and make her enjoy being courted again. Jordan later arranged for Daisy to visit Gatsby's mansion for tea, then strategically drew Nick away so they could be alone, allowing the affair to begin. Jordan also promised to keep their secret meetings discreet by covering for Daisy and telling others she was spending time with Jordan instead of Gatsby.

 

Why is Jordan Baker crucial to the plot of The Great Gatsby?

 

Without Jordan's meddling, it is unlikely Daisy would have resumed her relationship with Gatsby, which is the centerpiece of the novel. Jordan drives the love triangle plot forward and enables the tragic ending. As a golfer who broke gender barriers, she also provides a representation of changing societal roles for women and the growing freedom of the 1920s. Jordan's own loose morals underscore the carelessness and dissolution of morals among the idle rich that Fitzgerald wanted to critique.

 

Did Jordan Baker feel any remorse over her role in the events of the novel?

 

Jordan does not seem to feel any genuine remorse over the impacts of her actions in driving the plot and ultimately the deaths of Myrtle, Gatsby and George Wilson. She remains focused on her own pleasure-seeking and trivial concerns rather than expressing concern for the tragedy and lives destroyed as a result of the affairs she helped kindle. Jordan's persistent lack of conscience and compassion reinforce her role as a symbol of the careless, self-absorbed wealthy elite.

 

What real-life individuals may have inspired the character of Jordan Baker?

 

Some scholars suggest Jordan was inspired by acclaimed female golfer Edith Cummings, known for allegations of cheating and moving her golf ball illegally on the course. Zelda Fitzgerald, F. Scott's wife, and her friend Sigourney Fay may also have influenced Jordan's character. Her loose morals reflect those of some of Fitzgerald's Hollywood starlet friends and flapper women he met in New York City's party scene.

 

How are Jordan Baker and Daisy Buchanan different?

 

While Daisy is portrayed as traditionally feminine, dependent on men, and confined to domesticity, Jordan embodies female independence, flouting gender norms to pursue her own career. Daisy relies on beauty, charm and playing the damsel in distress to attract male attention, while Jordan uses no such pretensions. However, both represent the wealthy leisure class and share its careless disregard for morality or consequences beyond selfish pleasures.

 

Why doesn't Jordan Baker have a larger role at the end of the novel?

 

After helping catalyze the love affair between Gatsby and Daisy that sets the story in motion, Jordan Baker fades into the background during the climax and tragic conclusion of the tale. This may be because she was simply amused by the drama but detached from the emotions and consequences. Having set events in motion, she drifts away leaving wreckage behind without a care. Jordan's diminished role highlights her disposability despite her earlier influence as a driver of the plot.

 

Does Jordan Baker face any consequences for her actions by the end of the novel?

 

Jordan never seems to face any real consequences for the damage her meddling causes in fueling Gatsby and Daisy's disastrous affair. She escapes responsibility and fades from the story much as she has escaped punishment her whole life through lying and charm. Jordan is thus free to move on to her next entertainment, underscoring the elite's avoidance of consequences that Fitzgerald portrays as so corrosive to society.

 

Does Jordan feel any jealousy toward Daisy Buchanan?

 

While they are close friends, Jordan at times seems to resent Daisy's having depended on men and beauty to secure wealth and status through marriage to Tom Buchanan. Jordan attained social prominence through her own grit as a golfer rather than feminine wiles like Daisy. However, Jordan dismisses feelings of jealousy and remains loyal to Daisy, perhaps because their friendship benefits her own social standing and amusements.

 

Does Jordan Baker ever compete in golf tournaments within the novel?

 

Jordan's golfing tournaments are alluded to as part of her backstory but readers never actually see Jordan competing in golf events during the timeline of the novel. Her athletic pursuits are only mentioned to establish her unconventional independence. The focus remains on how she mingles with wealthy elites and facilitates affairs rather than physical competitions.

 

Does Jordan Baker appear or get mentioned in Fitzgerald's other works?

 

Jordan Baker appears only in The Great Gatsby and does not show up in F. Scott Fitzgerald's other novels like Tender is the Night. However, her character represents a broader archetype of the liberated, morally questionable flapper that appears in much of Fitzgerald's Jazz Age writings exploring wealth, status, and changing social mores.