Miss Baker is compared to a “young cadet,” and further description of her androgynous features characterizes her as a “flapper.” This makes her representative of the novel’s emphasis on modern styles that clash with established, traditional standards, including gender roles.
The Great Gatsby – 1
The Sun Also Rises – 2
Shortly after the scene in which Brett Ashley appears with the gay men, she is described as attractive, even though her clothes and hair are boyish. Jake notes, “her hair was brushed back like a boy’s. She started all that.” These aspects of her personal fashion associate Brett with androgyny.
The Sun Also Rises – 13
After their affair has ended, Brett indicates that Romero was ashamed of her because of her style, saying “He wanted me to grow my hair out. Me, with long hair. I’d look so like hell.” Apparently, Romero feels like Brett isn’t sufficiently feminine because she has a short haircut. He symbolizes the traditional male and her modern style defies traditional gender roles.