The Great Gatsby Unit
Literary Analysis Essay
Spring 2015
 After reading The Great Gatsby (1925), by F. Scott Fitzgerald through the social-class
lens and learning about modernism, you will write a literary analysis essay in which you
will synthesize, in writing, your understanding of the novel within the framework of these
concepts. The essay should demonstrate your understanding of the text in a traditional
literary analysis that uses textual evidence to support your ideas, questions,
observations, and interpretations. This essay will adhere to MLA format and should be
3 – 4 pages (no more or less).
 You must include a thesis statement that is specific, provable, and debatable.
 Overview of Guidelines
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3 - 4 pages
MLA Format
12 pt. Times New Roman Font
Double-Spaced
Thesis statement
Quotes from novel as evidence
Quotes from modernism and/or social-class readings
Clear organization
Formal tone
No additional outside sources
Submitted to Turnitin.com
 Essay Prompt
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How does F. Scott Fitzgerald use the disparity between social classes in The Great
Gatsby to comment on the corruption of the American Dream? Consider which
characteristics of modernism are most visible in Fitzgerald’s critique.
 Due Dates
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Monday, 3/21 – Two full pages of free-writing in DWD notebook on prompt
Wed, 3/25 – Thesis due in class
Sunday, 3/29 – Outline submitted to Turnitin.com by 11:59 PM
Tuesday, 3/31 – Feedback on peer outlines submitted to Turnitin.com by 11:59 PM
Sunday, 4/12 – Final Draft submitted to Turnitin.com by 11:59 PM