Athleticism and Skill:
* "She was a slender, small-breasted girl, with an erect carriage which she accentuated by throwing her body backward at the shoulders like a professional golfer." (Chapter 3) This emphasizes Jordan's athletic grace and poise, hinting at her competitive spirit.
* "Her voice was low and thrilling, a little husky." (Chapter 3) Her voice, like her physical presence, is presented as alluring and captivating.
* "She was a golden girl." (Chapter 7) This image reinforces her beauty and her desirability in the eyes of the upper-class world.
Deception and Moral Ambiguity:
* "I've been around all my life, and I know," she said, "the things that happen in this world. . . . I've been in a bad way, but I've always managed to come out on top." (Chapter 3) This hints at a past filled with questionable behavior and a ruthless determination to succeed.
* "She was incurably dishonest." (Chapter 3) This is a direct statement about her character, painting her as someone who lacks integrity.
* "She had a curious way of holding her head tilted up and her eyes wide open, as if she were staring at something a little too high to be seen." (Chapter 7) This implies that Jordan is constantly looking for something beyond the ordinary, possibly even ignoring or dismissing moral boundaries.
Emotional Distance:
* "There was a touch of grimness in her make-up, a hard, bright edge to her voice." (Chapter 7) This suggests an emotional detachment and a willingness to be callous, perhaps as a defense mechanism.
* "She wasn't a bit embarrassed. She laughed, an amused, thrilling sound." (Chapter 7) Her laughter is described as thrilling, but also potentially dangerous, suggesting she doesn't feel true emotions like shame or remorse.
Fitzgerald's imagery of Jordan Baker is carefully crafted to portray her as a complex character. She is both alluring and morally flawed, with a blend of athletic prowess, deception, and emotional detachment that makes her a fascinating and ultimately tragic figure in the story.