Dennis Swartz defines flapper girl's in his article, "Flapper's and the Roaring 20's," as women who bobbed their hair, wore short skirts, enjoyed jazz music, and were often found in a speakeasy (Swartz 1).

They were rooted in liberalism, and were often scolded by society for drinking, smoking, driving cars, and having casual affairs (1). They also attended many parties, similar to the partied that Gatsby threw (1). Flappers girls were known to have casual sexual relations at these parties, most often with married men (1).

Ironically, the etymology of the word "flapper" likely references a young bird flapping it's wings, learning to fly.

Toward the end of WWI, society's view of flappers continued to become more and more negative (3). Despite the fact that flapper girl's had a notorious reputation, it positively assisted in redefining women's role in society (3).

They began to actively participate in activities that society viewed as "male activities." Flappers actively acted against the prohibition laws, and although this was morally incorrect, it allowed women to become independent and stand up for their rights (4). Flappers held steady jobs, most often as clerks, which was a very popular occupation during this time.

Flapper girl's became a symbol of feminism, despite the fact that society viewed them so negatively (5). This occurred because the flapper girl's began to venture outside the home for work. They were also active in politics because they supported women's rights, and specifically their right to vote (5). An article entitled, "Flappers," published by the U.S. history organization, details that they won this right after struggling for 72 years (Flappers 1). These qualities were an example for other women to follow in their commitment and social life.

Many of the women that initiated the fight for women's rights, and endured the process are Carrie Chapman Catt, who helped raise voting awareness with the League of Women Voters (Flappers 1). Alice Paul also vowed to fight until the Constitution added the equal rights amendment (1).

One of the sole reasons for the flapper girl's actions was not only because they enjoyed their lifestyle, but because they simply wanted to have fun (1). The US History organization points out that, "Despite the potential political and social gains or losses, the flappers of the 1920s sure managed to have a good time (5).

Flapper girls also made advancements in style. Apart from cutting their hair, and dramatically raising the length of their skirts, they also began to wear much more makeup (Flappers 4). They also bound their chests and wore high heels (4).

This began to form the look of a flapper girl. Eventually, the flappers became known for this distinct look.

Through these actions, the Victorian Age was silenced, and female independence became increasingly popular. They rid themselves of old ideas as they led women into the new age of society (Swartz 6).

Although flapper's daily lives were usually filled with productive activities, their night life was much different. They were quite engaged in city life, and spent many hours in speakeasies, attending jazz clubs, and watching vaudeville shows.

Fitzgerald often refers to flapper girls in his novel, The Great Gatsby. Many of the young girls that attended Gatsby's parties were flapper girls. Fitzgerald intentionally points out the fact that these women, the flappers, were quite young by calling them "girls" (40). Often, they arrived with older men, who were only trying to escape their wives. They likely enjoyed Gatsby's partied because they loved the party atmosphere and enjoyed being in the company of men.


Daisy Buchanan, Gatsby's sole love interest, fits almost all criteria for being a flapper girl. Other than the fact that she was married and had a child, Daisy acted very similarly to the flappers. She enjoyed the attention from men, and loved going out. She also exemplified qualities of a flapper through her look. Daisy bobbed her hair, and rose the length of her skirt, while als wearing makeup.

Although Jordan Baker does not display the physical characteristics of a flapper, her personality was very similar to the flappers. She was an independent women, who spoke freely and stood up for herself.