Junior English -- Spring 2012
Great Gatsby Analysis Essay
As part of your Gatsby test, you will write a focused, well-supported (at least 3 quotes and other
examples from the book and life observations), argument essay which addresses one of the following
topics:
1. Through The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald seems to communicate a message about people’s failure to
accomplish their dreams—Nick, Gatsby, Tom, Daisy all have ideas for the perfect life and none of
them are able to achieve them. Deeply explore one or more characters—dreams, attempts to
accomplish those dreams, reasons for failure, and the message that Fitzgerald might be
communicating through this failure.
2. In his essay “Paradox and Dream,” Steinbeck describes Americans as “a restless, dissatisfied, a
searching people” (1)—we dream of buying a home, but once we get it, we’re dissatisfied and want
something bigger. The Great Gatsby also has a lot to say about Americans and the American Dream.
Throughout the novel, we see Jay Gatsby trying to achieve his dreams of wealth and Daisy’s love.
Tom and Daisy, with their riches and life of leisure, have seemingly achieved the American Dream,
but also are described as restless and unsatisfied. George Wilson has started his own business, but is
struggling to make ends meet. Using at least three examples from The Great Gatsby (and, if you’d
like, other works we encountered this semester) show how the authors express this idea about
Americans and the American Dream. Do you agree with this perspective? Why? What do you think
would bring people true satisfaction?
3. The Great Gatsby also has a lot to say about identity. All of the main characters are midwesterners
who have moved out East in search of something. Nick, who feels restless when he returns from the
war and moves out East to learn the bond business, reflects on his life throughout the book. Gatsby
moves out East to win Daisy and completely changes his identity, including his name. Choose one
of the characters from the novel and, by using specific examples from the text, describe what you
think is that character’s true identity? Then, write at least a paragraph about your own identity—
what is your real identity?
4. Throughout The Great Gatsby, the reader sees Nick cast in different roles: semi-disinterested
reporter to active participant, reluctant tag-along to protector of Gatsby. While he tells us that “I’m
inclined to reserve all judgments” (5) and “I’m one of the few honest people that I have ever known”
(64), Nick eventually says of Gatsby “I disapproved of him from beginning to end” (162) and he
labels Tom and Daisy as “careless people...[who] smashed up things and creatures” (187). Using
specific references to the novel, answer the following question: Who is the real Nick Carraway?
5. In the Langston Hughes poem “A Dream Deferred,” Hughes asks questions about what happens to
postponed dreams. Using specific examples from the text, show how Fitzgerald examines this issue
of deferred dreams. What do you think are the effects of postponing our dreams? How can you apply
this lesson to your own life?
6. Writer’s Choice: Please don’t feel limited to these questions only. If you have an essay topic in mind
that is related to the novel, just see Mr. Kennett to describe your idea and get approval by 3/16.
Important Info
Outline: Thursday, March 8th, bring an outline of your essay that includes: hook, thesis, topic sentences,
at least 3 pieces of evidence for support
Test: Friday, March 9th, You’ll take your Gatsby multiple choice/short answer test and begin writing
your essay. You will have more time on Monday to complete your in-class essay. Later, we will go
through a revision process on your essay to improve it.
A successful paper reflects the following criteria:
THE GREAT GATSBY FINAL EXAM ESSAY RUBRIC
CONTENT:
• Hook seems lacking; try to make it more
interesting
• The main point or focus of the essay is unclear or
missing early in the paper
• Main point or focus of the essay seems obvious or
“factual”; lacks sophistication or ambition
• Concentrate on using more specific and detailed
examples --> need more “E” from T.E.A.
• Expand on your ideas --> need more “A” from
T.E.A.
• Pathos/Logos/Ethos either imbalanced or
ineffective
• Does not use minimum of 3 quotes
STYLE:
• Lots of weak verbs (especially in ‘major’ sentences)
• Try to combine and/or shorten sentences to reduce repetitive
rhythm -- think sentence syntax.
• Try to use more vivid diction (loaded lang?) and/or syntax
(parallel structure?) for style!
• Choppy or improper quote integration
MECHANICS:
• Meets page requirement; normal 12 pt. font, 1 inch margins, etc.
• Missing papers (rough, peer reviews)
• Fragments & run-ons (comma splices) present
• Other comma errors present
• Other proofreading issues present
• Improper MLA format used
ORDER:
• Try a more specialized introduction to really grab
your reader’s attention
• Try a more specialized conclusion to leave the
reader thinking
• Your paragraph structure (topic / detail / transition)
sentences either missing or simplistic
• You need more sophisticated transitions in the
beginning of your topic sentences to transition
from the ideas in your previous paragraphs
• Order of ideas / sections / Ps inconsistent,
illogical, or off-topic
Removing to be verbs…
Laura is a photographer for the local newspaper.
Better: Laura works as a photographer for the local newspaper.
Better: Laura shoots photographs for the local newspaper.
George hasn't been well for a long time.
Better: George's illness has lasted for a long time.
Removing passive verbs…
The most common and easiest way to "correct" a passive sentence is to flip the sentence so that the actor is
performing the action on someone or something. Sometimes an actor must be added to the active sentence if
the passive sentence omits it.
Passive: The ball was hit.
Active: Bill hit the ball. (Note the addition of the previously unmentioned actor Bill.)
Passive: The box of treasure had been buried by the pirates before they escaped from the royal navy.
Active: The pirates had buried the box of treasure before they escaped from the royal navy.
Integrated quotes Info…
Whenever you are including a quote from a novel, try to avoid having the quote stand all alone; instead, integrate
the quote into your own sentence.
No: Fitzgerald showed this when Daisy was talking to Nick. “I’ve had a very bad time, Nick, and I’m pretty cynical
about everything” (Fitzgerald 16).
Yes: Fitzgerald showed Daisy’s cynicism when she claimed to Nick that she was “pretty cynical about everything”
(Fitzgerald 16).