In the novel The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses scenes of violence to criticize the socio-economic system of early 19th century America. Within these scenes, Fitzgerald uses his characters as literary devices to convey the inequality surrounding gender roles and social class. Fitzgerald shows the prejudice between the sexes in this society by using male characters who disrespect women. When Tom tells Myrtle that he has "no right to mention Daisy's name," he breaks Myrtle's nose "with his open hand" (37). Through his actions, Tom communicates that Myrtle is little more than an object to him. Fitzgerald suggests that women in this era have no value other than that of a commodity to be taken advantage of. He rebukes the accepted precedent that men avoid repercussions for their cruelty towards women. While Tom and Gatsby argue about Daisy in the hotel, Tom states that Daisy "has foolish ideas" and "doesn't know what she's doing" (132). Not allowing Daisy to speak for herself objectifies her, illuminating the view of women as inferior human beings. Fitzgerald suggests the ignorance of men in this era as they fail to realize that their perspective towards women is distorted. The use of overbearing male dominance indicates Fitzgerald's desire to emphasize the issue of gender roles. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay Fitzgerald exemplifies the discrimination of those of lower social status through characters who belong to different ranks in society. During the argument between Tom and Gatsby in the hotel, Tom calls the latter "Mr. Nobody out of nowhere" and a "common swindler" (130,134). Because of Gatsby's humble position, Tom sees him as an inferior being. Through Tom's demeaning tone, Fitzgerald indicates men's disgust for those who are beneath them in terms of status. Although Daisy is guilty of killing Myrtle, Gatsby admits that he will take the blame for the accident (144). Fitzgerald expresses the unjust forgiveness of punishments that those of the upper classes receive, often at the expense of those of the lower classes. This treatment results in an unjust system that debilitates those who lack the means to prevent unjust behavior. Because George Wilson believes that Gatsby is his wife's killer, he shoots Gatsby, then kills himself (162). Fitzgerald reveals the desperation of those of humble status; between economic deprivation and loss, there is no way out of poverty other than death. Through Wilson's inability to climb the social ladder, Fitzgerald affirms the falsity of the American dream. The rich benefit from the hard work of their inferiors while the poor struggle to prosper. Fitzgerald accentuates the disparity in socioeconomic rank that exists among the characters in his novel. The harsh acts and biased behavior of social superiors expose their hostility towards those below them.