Great Gatsby Essay Topics
The Great Gatsby Essay Topics (50 points)
Choose one topic to write a 2-3 page essay. See the rubric below for how I am grading you.
1. Choose two characters that are foils (opposites) and discuss their purpose and roles in the novel. What purpose does it serve for the characters being so different? What does it add to the plot of the story?
2. How does Gatsby represent the American dream? What does the novel have to say about the condition of the American dream in the 1920s? In what ways do the themes of dreams, wealth, and time relate to each other in the novel's exploration of the idea of America?
3. Discuss some of The Great Gatsby's most important symbols and what they represent. What does the novel have to say about the role of symbols in life?
4. Explore the character of Nick. How are readers supposed to feel about him? In what ways does he come off as reliable or unreliable?
5. Throughout the story, Gatsby has difficulty accepting that the past is over and done with. Where do you find evidence of his trying to recapture the past? What does this say about him?
6. Does Gatsby deserve to be called “Great”? In what ways is he great? In what ways is he not? In the end, which wins out: greatness or mediocrity?
7. How is the writing in novel The Great Gatsby considered modern? Refer to specific modern features in Fitzgerald’s writing.
Format:
2-3 pages typed double spaced 12 pt font in Arial or Times
intro, body, and conclusion quotes in the middle of the paragraph
complete analysis of quotes or paraphrase at the end of the body paragraphs
Content:
uses at least 3 specific examples from the novel uses at least 2 quotes from the novel responds to all aspects of the topic shows understanding of the topic with the use of examples and explanation
Language:
fluency of language few spelling and grammar errors complexity of sentence structure and thoughts use of age-appropriate vocabulary and syntax
Complete the following
Choose one topic to write a 2-3 page essay. See the rubric below for how I am grading you.
1. Choose two characters that are foils (opposites) and discuss their purpose and roles in the novel. What purpose does it serve for the characters being so different? What does it add to the plot of the story?
2. How does Gatsby represent the American dream? What does the novel have to say about the condition of the American dream in the 1920s? In what ways do the themes of dreams, wealth, and time relate to each other in the novel's exploration of the idea of America?
3. Discuss some of The Great Gatsby's most important symbols and what they represent. What does the novel have to say about the role of symbols in life?
4. Explore the character of Nick. How are readers supposed to feel about him? In what ways does he come off as reliable or unreliable?
5. Throughout the story, Gatsby has difficulty accepting that the past is over and done with. Where do you find evidence of his trying to recapture the past? What does this say about him?
6. Does Gatsby deserve to be called “Great”? In what ways is he great? In what ways is he not? In the end, which wins out: greatness or mediocrity?
7. How is the writing in novel The Great Gatsby considered modern? Refer to specific modern features in Fitzgerald’s writing.
Format:
2-3 pages typed double spaced 12 pt font in Arial or Times
intro, body, and conclusion quotes in the middle of the paragraph
complete analysis of quotes or paraphrase at the end of the body paragraphs
Content:
uses at least 3 specific examples from the novel uses at least 2 quotes from the novel responds to all aspects of the topic shows understanding of the topic with the use of examples and explanation
Language:
fluency of language few spelling and grammar errors complexity of sentence structure and thoughts use of age-appropriate vocabulary and syntax
Complete the following