The Great Gatsby Character Analysis Essay
Assignment: Your assignment is to write an analytical essay in which
you make a claim about your character and what Fitzgerald was trying
to say about society, love, money, or the 1920s through this
character. You will need to formulate an overall opinion of your
character and identify three character traits which support your
opinion. This will be the basis of your five-paragraph essay.
Remember, this is not so much just you giving your personal opinion
about this character. Look at the bigger picture; what does this
character symbolize?
Requirements:
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Your thesis statement should be stated directly in your
introduction and be proven throughout your body paragraphs.
You must use at least one quotation from the novel in each
of the three body paragraphs to support your ideas.
o These quotations must be correctly documented
according to MLA guidelines…refer to “Format for
Quotations below.
The paper must be typed in 12 point font and double-spaced.
The paper must have a title.
Length- the paper should be at least one full page typed,
but not more than two pages.
Deductions will be made for the following errors:
o Contractions (except in direct quotations from the
story). They are informal
o 1st and 2nd person pronouns; keep your paper in 3rd
person.
o Slang and non-specific words (thing, guy, a lot, etc).
These are also informal.
o Grammar, spelling, and usage errors.
o Typing errors.
o Tense shifts. Write in all present tense or past
tense. Be consistent. (Reminder: Always discuss a
piece of literature in the present tense, as it is a
living document)
Writing your thesis statement…
A thesis statement is a sentence or two that tells the reader what the
rest of the essay is about. Good thesis statements do not simply
announce a topic; they say something about the topic, and it provides
the framework for your paper. Never start a thesis with, “In this
paper I will discuss…”
Notice
the three
character
traits
here
A thesis statement makes a promise to the reader about the scope,
purpose, and direction of the paper. It summarizes the conclusion that
the writer has reached about the topic.
For example: The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, depicts
the wealth, greed, and corruption that existed beneath the glitz and
glamour of the jazz age. The character Jordan Baker, with her
recklessness, dishonesty, and arrogance embodies this underlying moral
decay.
Detailed Outline:
Paragraph #1:
Introduction – general comments about the character and/or novel lead
you to your thesis statement. Be sure you have identified the author
and title of the book and the character you will be analyzing.
For your
body
paragraphs,
you will
follow the
claim, quote,
commentary
format
Paragraph #2-4:
Three body paragraphs – the topic sentence for each body paragraph
includes one character trait you chose to describe your character (you
are making a claim). For example, “Jordan Baker is a reckless woman
who does not take responsibility for her actions.” Follow the topic
sentence with textual evidence: examples from the novel that support
your topic sentence, and at least one direct quotation from the novel
in each body paragraph. Next, explain how your examples support your
topic sentences. Finally, conclude each body paragraph with a
summarizing “clincher” sentence to wrap up your ideas. Remember, each
of your body paragraphs should relate directly to your thesis
statement.
Paragraph #5:
Conclusion – restate your thesis statement and add some final thoughts
about your character and/or the novel…leave the reader in awe of your
wisdom!
Format for Quotations:
Create an intro to
your quotation
that helps the
reader understand
its meaning.
Basic Quotation:
We learn about Jordan’s dishonest nature when Nick tells the
story of a time he heard about her cheating in a golf tournament.
Nick remembers, “After her first big golf tournament there was a
row that nearly reached the newspapers – a suggestion that she
had moved her ball from a bad lie in the semi-final round”
(Fitzgerald, 57).
After every quote, write the author’s last name and the page number that the quote is
found on in parenthesis, followed by a period.
A Quote within a Quote:
Jordan’s recklessness is illustrated when she almost crashes a
car she is driving her and Nick around in. When Nick tells her
she should be more careful she responds by saying that she
doesn’t need to be more careful because other people are.
“’They’ll keep out of my way,’ she insisted. ‘It takes two to
make an accident (Fitzgerald, 58).’”
Works Cited Page:
You must include a works cited page on which you cite the book you are
quoting (The Great Gatsby) in MLA format. If you are unsure how to
cite a novel in MLA format, google Purdue Owl Works Cited and look for
how to cite a novel. Easybib.com is also a good resource.
List of character traits:
absent-minded
charming
demanding
fussy
adventurous
cheerful
dependable
generous
ambitious
clever
determined
gentle
awkward
conceited
disagreeable
gloomy
boastful
confused
dreamy
greedy
bold
considerate
dull
gullible
bossy
contented
energetic
handsome
brave
cooperative
fearful
happy
busy
courageous
fierce
hard-working
calm
cowardly
fighter
helpful
carefree
creative
forgetful
honest
careless
cruel
forgiving
humble
caring
curious
friendly
humorous
cautious
dainty
fun-loving
imaginative
changeable
daring
funny
independent
Double
quotations
around the entire
quote; single
quotation marks
to show where
the quotations
exist already in
the text.
intelligent
reckless
timid
inventive
relaxed
tough
jolly
resourceful
trusting
joyful
respectful
understanding
kind
responsible
unfriendly
lazy
restless
unkind
leader
rude
unselfish
loud
sad
wild
lovable
self-centered
wise
loving
self-confident
witty
loyal
selfish
zany
mannerly
sensitive
mean
sentimental
messy
serious
mischievous
sharp-witted
nagging
shiftless
neat
shrewd
obedient
shy
organized
sneaky
outspoken
soft-hearted
patient
spunky
patriotic
stern
playful
stingy
pleasant
stubborn
polite
studious
proud
successful
quarrelsome
superstitious
quick-tempered
suspicious
quiet
talkative
reasonable
thoughtful