English 11 – American Literature
Ms. Martineau
You will be asked to develop one of the following essay questions into a five
paragraph essay for our final test on The Great Gatsby. The essay should be
supported by a strong thesis statement and quotes and examples from the book. You
may bring your notes into the test.
Essay Questions- The Great Gatsby
1.
A prominent theme in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, is the
corruption of the American Dream. Find examples and quotes in the book that
show that the American Dream, in Fitzgerald’s view, had become somewhat
corrupted in the 1920’s.
2. Develop a thesis about Fitzgerald’s views on the social classes as revealed by his
depiction of the rich and poor in The Great Gatsby.
3. Although Gatsby professed to love Daisy, there is a sense that he was not in love
with her as much as he was in love with the idea of her. Find evidence of
Gatsby’s devotion to an ideal rather than an actual person.
4. The Great Gatsby is often considered an accurate social commentary on the
Roaring 20’s. Explain whether you believe this statement to be true and why. Do
you find any similarities between the society depicted in The Great Gatsby and
today’s society?