This cynical wish, spoken by a character in 'The Great Gatsby,' reflects the restrictive societal expectations placed upon women during the 1920s. It suggests that ignorance and superficiality might offer a shield against the harsh realities of life, particularly for women in a patriarchal society.
Quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald: “I hope she'll be a fool—that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”
I hope she'll be a fool—that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.
Insight
Historical Context
Set in the Roaring Twenties, 'The Great Gatsby' critiques the superficiality and moral decay beneath the era's glamour. This quote highlights the limited roles and expectations for women in a society grappling with new freedoms but still bound by traditional gender norms.
About the Author
American novelist, essayist, and short story writer. He is best known for his novels depicting the flamboyance and excess of the Jazz Age—a term he popularized in his short story collection Tales of the Jazz Age. His masterpiece is The Great Gatsby.
View all quotes by F. Scott Fitzgerald