#2: Homosexual? Or Homophobic?

     F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, happens to be one of the most heterosexual romance novels of all time. Over the course of 100 years, however, many speculations have arisen regarding some characters' homosexuality. Characters such as Jordan Baker and Nick Carraway fit this description.  Fitzgerald was homophobic, though, according to many sources. In this blog, I will take a small deep dive into F. Scott Fitzgerald's relationships and affairs, those of which may be the reason behind these speculations.

    In 1920, Fitzgerald married a young woman named Zelda. Sources described their relationship as "toxic and tumultuous" as both parties were characterized by partying, fights, and affairs. What's noteworthy? Zelda later accusing Fitzgerald of having an affair with Ernest Hemmingway. Wait, so let me get this right: Fitzgerald, a homophobic (identified as a) man was having an affair with Ernest Hemmingway, another (identified as a) man. Where is the connection here? 

    Characters in the novel are never revealed to be queer. Jordan Baker, for instance, is widely speculated as being a closeted lesbian. Her appearance always gives off the aura of a young boy. Not to mention, she is quite often described masculine by narrator, Nick Carraway. "...insolent smile turned to the world and yet satisfy the demands of her hard, jaunty body..." (Fitzgerald, ch 3). Nick, then, proceeds to mention that his attraction towards Jordan stemmed from her “boy-ish” appearance. Both characters, though, never reveal that they are, indeed, queer. 

    So, I believe F. Scott Fitzgerald projected his own homosexuality in The Great Gatsby through the form of closeted characters. There are many mysteries associated with this, however. For example, how was Fitzgerald homophobic and homosexual (?) at the same time? Was he trying to conform to stereotypes?