In The Great Gatsby, by Francis Scott Fitzgerald, Jordan Baker was portrayed as being reckless, dishonest, and having an arrogant attitude, but also having the characteristics of a modern-day women.
An arrogant attitude is one of Jordan's major characteristics. This side of Miss Baker is shown when she first starts a conversation with Nick. " 'You live in the West Egg,' she remarked contemptuously" (15). Jordan is obviously looking down upon Nick because he lives in West Egg, which is for the so-called "new money." Jordan, like many of the other people in East Egg, thought of herself as having much more style and dignity than the people of West Egg, and also as being superior to them.
Jordan is often lazy, dishonest, and blunt. Miss Baker is also a very dishonest character. There was a rumor going around that she moved her golf ball during a tournament to win (62). It was said of her, that she would do almost anything to win or get her way. Nick, who was very fond of Jordan, said that, "She was incurably dishonest" (63). Jordan is also shown to be very reckless, which is proven by her driving skills. She stated that she hoped she would never meet anyone as careless as herself (63).
Although Jordan had many faults, she did have her strong points. Jordan was part of the American dream portraying the primary example of modern women. She was self-sufficient and very independent. Most women of that time, were thought of as delicate creatures that needed men to support them; however, Jordan is a self-made woman. Jordan is also depicted to be very independent because she is a golfer (23). Not many women of her day were professional golfers or active in any sports.
Jordan's character has many similarities between the movie and the book. She is portrayed as a young beautiful woman who is very active. She is introduced in both as Daisy"s friend. She is very self-centered. Her biggest concern is always herself and her appearance to others.
