good essay prompts for the great gatsby

157 The Great Gatsby : Best Topics and Examples

Looking for some creative titles for The Great Gatsby essay? There are many themes to explore about this novel. We offer you The Great Gatsby essay examples about symbolism, character analysis, the style of the novel, and many other topics.

📙 The Great Gatsby – Essay Writing Tips

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The Great Gatsby, the masterpiece written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, will help you dive into the Roaring Twenties’ wealth atmosphere. This is a story of a millionaire Jay Gatsby and his passion for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan

Your professor may ask you to analyze topics such as decadence, money, American Dream, or symbolism in your The Great Gatsby Essay. But what if you have no idea what to write? Well, below, you can find some tips and essay samples that you may use to compose your papers

Tip #1. Analyze symbolism in The Great Gatsby

First, let’s define what symbolism is. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, symbolism is “practice of using symbols, especially by investing things with a symbolic meaning or by expressing the invisible or intangible using visible or sensuous representations.” The Great Gatsby story is full of symbols. And here are just two examples of them:

The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg painted on a billboard in the Valley of Ashes. You can find a lot of The Great Gatsby essay samples that draw the conclusion that Eckleburg represents God. However, let’s ask a few more questions. Why do these eyes have no mouth or arms, or legs? Does this mean that Eckleburg can only watch people transgressions without any ability to punish them as a God-like entity? Does this billboard mean anything?
Use of color in Fitzgerald’s story. If you carefully read the novel, you might notice the use of a few colors throughout the book. They are green, gray, gold, and yellow. Think, what do these colors can symbolize and represent these ideas in your paper.

Tip #2. Think about point of view in The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is written in the first-person point of view. Nick Carraway, one of the main characters, tells us about the life and thoughts of Gatsby. In your writing, you can imagine how different the novel would be if it were told in the third-person point of view.

You also can provide some examples if the story was told from Gatsby’s perspective.

Tip #3. Assess how the book relates to the American Dream

If you look through the vast majority The Great Gatsby essay titles, you can find out plenty of samples that address the validity of high society or the social class divide. Gatsby had achieved the American Dream by building his wealth. However, he’s still not satisfied with the shallowness of the upper class and wants something more.

In your paper, you can argue why does one can never attain the American Dream, and why dreamers always want more.

Tip #4. Analyze the characters and their relations

Fitzgerald put each character into the novel for a particular reason. And your job is to analyze what they represent and why they are in the story. For example, Tom represents evil, while Daisy represents innocence. Another aspect you should examine is relationships between Daisy and Gatsby, Tom and Daisy, Nick and Gatsby.

Tip #5. Examine the tone of the novel

When we talk about the tone of the story, we mean how the author describes the events and characters. In your paper, decide what the tone of the novel is and analyze how it affects the readers’ attitude to characters and events.

Now, check The Great Gatsby essay examples below and use the acquired ideas to write your own paper!

Analysis of the Shirt Scene in “The Great Gatsby” Film Although the shirts mean nothing to Gatsby without Daisy, the audience watches Gatsby’s facial expression display a great deal of empathy and love whenever Daisy seems distressed, especially in this scene when she begins to […]
Tom and Gatsby: Compare and Contrast Essay In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald pays attention to the relationships between both Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan and Daisy Buchanan. Scott Fitzgerald’s book is mainly focused on the relationship of Daisy with Gatsby and Tom, […]
The Great Gatsby Reflection Paper Throughout the novel the major character Nick who was the narrator managed to bring out the main themes of the novel as well as developing other characters.
Autobiographical Elements in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The story is set during the roaring twenties, a period of significant social and cultural change, and it incorporates many of the author’s personal experiences, feelings, and perceptions of the time.
The Clock as a Symbol in “The Great Gatsby” By incorporating metaphorical elements that allude to the fleeting nature of time, “the Great Gatsby” emphasizes the idea of the futility of life and the inescapability of the past and its mistakes.
Daisy Buchanan: “I Did Love Him Once, but I Loved You, Too” Another scene shows Daisy’s immoral behavior when she is in the room with Gatsby, Jordan, and Nick. This view shows Daisy’s lustful side in that she pushes Jordan to do the same and is out […]
The Great Gatsby All these characteristics of America during 1920 are evident and inherent in the main character, Jay Gatsby, in the novel The Great Gatsby. This is one of the themes in the novel The Great Gatsby.
Nick as the Narrator in The Great Gatsby Therefore, his connection with the Gatsby’s story is that he is depended upon to serve as the mouthpiece of the older generation as he metaphorically transcends through time to retell the Great Gatsby tale accurately […]
The Great Gatsby: Analysis and Feminist Critique The feminist critique is an aspect that seeks to explore the topic of men domination in the social, economic, and political sectors.
Daisy’s Character Study in “The Great Gatsby” The argument is that the author attempts to describe her as a pure and innocent female to ensure that the reader understands the perspective of Jay, but particular aspects of her true identity are revealed […]
American Culture in the Novel “The Great Gatsby” In The Great Gatsby, Scott Fitzgerald documents these changes through an in-depth exploration of cultural changes such as the rise in consumerism, materialism, greed for wealth, and the culture of loosening morals in the 1920s […]
Silver & Gold: Color Symbolism in The Great Gatsby Although the color palette presented in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is rich, the problem of differing social status is most vividly described in the novel through the use of golden and silver colors that stand […]
Fairy Tale Traits in The Great Gatsby Basing on the several evident parameters, for instance, the character traits, the behavior of prince and princess, and gender distinctions amongst others, Fitzgerald’s masterwork stands out as a variation and sophisticated version of the fairy […]
“The Great Gatsby” Film by Baz Luhrmann The Great Gatsby is a film that stars Jay Gatsby, Nick Carraway, Tom Buchanan, and the Southern Belle Daisy. The influence of the past comes out throughout the course of the film.
Babylon Revisited & The Great Gatsby: Motifs & Themes When he pleads his case to the guardians of Honoria, his sister-in-law Marion, and her husband, he continually evades his escapades of the past and recounts his hard work and sincerity of the present.
‘The Great Gatsby’: Tom and Blanche Like Tom, Blanche in the book of Street Car Named Desire, is loyal to her sister who is the only member of her family that we come across.
Why is Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby a Satire? Another aspect of satire in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is the wealth associated with Gatsby, as the reader observes in chapter two.
Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’, Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ and the American Dream “The America Dream’ is a longstanding common belief of the American population that in the United States, people are free to realize the full potential of their labor and their talents and every person in […]
The Great Gatsby and Winter Dreams by Scott Fitzgerald In this analysis, the researcher will try to confirm the argument that the Great Gatsby was a continuation of the Winter Dreams.
Gatsby & Nick in The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby is a novel of vibrant characters, and paradox is one of the main themes of the book. Even though Daisy and Tom are married, Nick agrees to help Gatsby be with the […]
Time as a Theme in The Great Gatsby The embodiment of these negative aspects comes in the form of Gatsby and his life, which in the end is seen as hollow and empty, just as the morals and values of the characters seen […]
Tom and George in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby At the same time, the motives of Tom and George’s behavior differ due to their backgrounds, origins, and belonging to different social classes.
‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ Literature Comparison Stella is a devoted wife struggling to make her marriage work, even though her husband Stanley, subjects her to a lot of pain and suffering.
The American Dream in The Great Gatsby After spending some time in this neighborhood, Nick finally attends Gatsby’s exuberant parties only to realize that Gatsby organizes these parties to impress Daisy, Nick’s cousin, and wife to Tom.
Fitzgerald’s American Dream in The Great Gatsby & Winter Dreams To my mind, Winter Dream is a perfect example of the American Dream, since the main hero, Dexter, implemented each point of it, he was persistent and very hard-working, he was a very sensible and […]
Architecture in “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald From this perspective, the case of Gatsby’s mansion is a symbolic call for leaving behind the anachronistic ideas of aristocracy and embracing American ideals.
The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald Review Gatsby’s dream to become wealthy to gain Daisy’s attention “is simply believable and is still a common dream of the current time”. However, Gatsby is the story’s main character and is a “personification” of the […]
Fertile Questions: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald The two fertile questions arising from the novel are: what are political and economic impacts of the World War I? and what are the challenges faced by American students born from poor families post-World War […]
“The Great Gatsby”: The American Dream in the Jazz Age The Jazz Age is a period in the history of the United States of America from the end of World War I to the beginning of the Great Depression due to the remarkable popularity of […]
Women’s Role in “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald Though the women in the novel are depicted as careless, treacherous, and selfish, the author uses them to underscore the power of the will to rebel against societal norms in pursuit of happiness.
“The Great Gatsby Directed” by Baz Luhrmann This is due to the fact that the film is an indirect adaptation of Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald’s book “The Great Gatsby”.
The Corrupted American Dream and Its Significance in “The Great Gatsby” The development of the American dream and its impact on the society of the United States is a pertinent topic of discussion for various authors.
Jay Gatsby: The Great Fool or the Unfortunate Genius The main idea of the work is to show the unfairness of the fate of a poor young man who cannot marry the girl he loves.
Novel Analysis: The Great Gatsby and Siddhartha Hesse’s Siddhartha seems complementary to The Great Gatsby as Brahman, the main role in Siddhartha, finds contentment in self-realization and not in money, sensuality, and love.
“The Great Gatsby” by Scott Fitzgerald Who will take care of the dead creatures seems not to be in Tom’s order of what to bother him and together with the wife is comfortable enjoying their wealth while the creatures are rotting […]
Characters in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” and Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” The author presents challenges faced in the society as a result of the mixture racial and gender discrimination that a young black girl goes through in search of her dream and personal identity.
Greene’s “Our Man in Havana” and “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald It is imperative to realize that the purpose of the paper is not to carry out a critical analysis of the plays but to carry out a comparison of the attributes in which they relate […]
What Money Cannot Buy: ‘The Great Gatsby’ Book by F. S. Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby is a book that unveils the instrumental role of the social aspect of life among people; which not only concentrates on the economic part of it.
“The Great Gatsby” by Baz Luhrmann The filmmakers never stop depicting Gatsby’s wealth and his otherness. He throws money around and he is a topic of heated debates in the society.
First-Person Narrative in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” Joyce’s “The Boarding House,” Bowen’s “The Demon Lover” In Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Joyce’s short story “The Boarding House,” and the Scottish poem The Demon Lover, the first-person narrative is used differently to achieve the authors’ objectives and create a comprehensive picture of […]
First-Person Narrative in Bowen’s ”The Demon Lover,” Updike’s ”A&P,” Fitzgerald’s ”The Great Gatsby” In this work, the unworked, repressed experience of the First World War is personified and embodied in the image of the ghost of a person who died in this war.
“The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald: Betrayal, Romance, Social Politics and Feminism This work seeks to outline the role of women in the development of the plot of the book and in relation to the social issues affecting women in contemporary society.
Jay Gatsby, Jean Valjean and Henry Fleming: The Compare and Contrast Analyses of the Characters The way the characters of the main protagonists are revealed in the novel is one of the most important things in every piece of literature.
“The Great Gatsby” Novel by Francis Scott Fitzgerald However, what the reader should acknowledge is that the author manages to present a wholesome and clear image of the issues and occurrences that defined the United States throughout the 1920s.
The Great Gatsby’ by Scott Fitzgerald Literature Analysis This is one of the details that can be identified. This is one of the issues that can be singled out.
Political Satire in American Literature Scott Fitzgerald was one of the more famous satirists of the time, particularly in his production of the work The Great Gatsby.
The Dilemmas of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby is a story of a young man in the early twentieth century who seems to know what he wants in the way of that dream and what to do to achieve it.
The Great Gatsby – Love, Wealth, and Illusion In the novel, the fictional village of West Egg is perhaps one of the key items that symbolize the life of the new millionaires in the city.
Gatsby & Jean Valjean He is a mysterious person, and no one exactly knows his origins and the ways he used to acquire his fortune.
The Ethicality of an Action Jay Gatsby As well, an action is “wrong” if it results in the opposite of happiness to the people. Mill’s utilitarian theory can be used to assess the ethically of Jay Gatsby’s action, as presented in the […]
Female Characters in A Streetcar Named Desire & The Great Gatsby: Comparative It can be seen in the case of Stella and Daisy wherein in their pursuit of what they think is their “ideal” love, they are, in fact, pursuing nothing more than a false ideal that […]
Francis Scott Fitzgerald & His American Dream In the novel “Tender is the Night,” Fitzgerald describes the society in Riviera where he and his family had moved to live after his misfortune of late inheritance.
Jay Gatsby & Eponine From Les Miserables: Compare & Contrast Gatsby is the main character in the book “The Great Gatsby,” while Eponine is one of the characters in the book “Les Miserables”.
Jay Gatsby & Gean Valjean: Characters Comparison This essay compares and contrasts the characters of Gatsby and Jean Valjean in the Les Miserable novels and films. Gatsby strikes the readers as a na ve and lovesick individual though his character is negative.
Jay Gatsby and Valjean in ‘Les Miserables’: Comparative Valjean’s life contains a series of misfortunes in the sense that he has to hide his true identity. Most of the people in his life were there just for convenience and for the fact that […]
The Idea of Love in The Great Gatsby and the Parallels or Contrasts That Can Be Drawn With the Presentation of Love in The Catcher in the Rye Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and Jerome Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, it is possible to state that the notion of love is presented there similarly even though the texts are absolutely different and […]
What Are the Literary Devices Used to Create the Image of Jay Gatsby?
Analyze How Fitzgerald Uses Imagery in the Great Gatsby
What Do Colors Symbolize in the Great Gatsby?
How Does Fitzgerald Use Geographical Setting to Show the Contrast Between Social Classes in the Novel?
How Does Fitzgerald Convey a Notion of the American Dream Through Metaphors and Symbols?
What Does the Green Light in Daisy’s Window Represent in the Great Gatsby?
What Does the Valley of Ashes Symbolize in the Great Gatsby?
What Role Does Nick Carraway’s Narration Play in the Story? If We Got It Through an Omniscient Third-Person Narrator, What Would We Gain or Lose?
Could the Story Have Been Set in Other Places, Like Chicago or Los Angeles, or Were New York City and Long Island Absolutely Necessary?
Look at the Novel’s Opening Lines. If We Accept Nick’s Advice When We Read the Story, Will Our Views of It Change? Or, in Other Words, Does Refraining From Criticism Promote Compassion?
Is There a Hidden Meaning of the Title of the Great Gatsby? What Is It?
How Is the Color White Used Within the Novel? When Does It Make a False Representation of Innocence? When Does It Truly Represent Innocence?
What Is the Role of a New York Setting in the Novel’s Storyline?
What Is the Real Meaning of ‘Great’ in the Title of the Great Gatsby?
What Significance Do Colors Have in the Party’s Descriptions in Chapter 3?
Elaborate on the Green Light as the Symbol of the American Dream
What Is the Meaning of the Phrase “Can’t Repeat the Past?.. Why of Course You Can!” What Does Gatsby Really Want From Daisy?
What Role Do the Eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg Play in the Great Gatsby?
How Is the Great Gatsby a Satirical Representation of the Society?
Are the Rich in the Novel Really So Careless as Everyone Believes Them to Be?
Create an Alternative Ending for the Great Gatsby. Justify Your Choice
What Is the Relationship Between Those Born Rich and Those Who Became Rich in the Novel?
Discuss Female Characters and Their Significance in the Great Gatsby
Compare Gatsby and Wilson. In What Ways Are They Similar?
Who Is the Most Responsible for Gatsby’s Death? Why Is It So?
Why Do Tom and Daisy Stay Together at the End of the Novel?
Does Gatsby’s Money Bring Him Real Happiness?
Can Jay’s Feelings for Daisy in the Great Gatsby Be Considered Love?
How Do Secondary Characters Affect the Story?
Who Is the Real Hero in the Great Gatsby?
Can We Call Jay Gatsby a Romantic Hero or a Villain?
What Does Jay Gatsby Really Live For in the Novel: the Present or the Past?
Compare Myrtle and Daisy
What Does Tom’s Quarrel With Myrtle in Chapter 2 Tell Us About His Personality?
Elaborate on How Both Tom and Gatsby Want to Change Not Only the Future, but the Past in Chapter 7.
What Was Gatsby’s Power of Dreaming Like? Was Daisy a Worth Object?
Is Anyone to Blame for Gatsby’s Death?
Are There Any Moral Characters in the Novel?
Can Jordan and Daisy Be Considered Perfect Role Models for the Upper Class in America? Why or Why Not?
Is Gatsby Really Great? In What Way? How Does His Greatness Evolve as the Plot Unfolds?
How Does Nick’s Character Change over the Course of the Great Gatsby?
Does Gatsby Deserve the Definition of a Self-Made Man? Why or Why Not?
What Role Does Daisy Play in the Conflict Between Gatsby & Tom?
Describe How F.S. Fitzgerald’s Life Experiences Influenced the Great Gatsby
What Are the Central Themes in the Great Gatsby?
What Roles Do Fidelity and Infidelity Play in Fitzgerald’s the Great Gatsby?
What Importance Does Sex Have in the Story?
What Role Does Alcohol Play in the Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald?
Did Fitzgerald Really Criticize the Idea of the American Dream in the Great Gatsby?
Does Love Play Have Any Importance in the Great Gatsby?
What Role Does the Relationship Between Geography and Social Values Play in the Novel?
What Is the Meaning of Time in the Great Gatsby?
How Do the Aristocratic East Eggers, Tom and the Sloanes, Regard Gatsby in Chapter 6? How Is Their Contempt Connected to the Theme of Social Class in the Novel?
Analyze the Great Gatsby Through the Prism of Feminist Theory
How Are the Themes of Kindness and Compassion Presented in the Great Gatsby?
Describe How the Theme of Ambition Is Presented in the Novel
Elaborate on How Fitzgerald Contrasts Education and Experience in the Great Gatsby
Make a Critical Comparison of the Novel With the 2013 Movie
Make a Comparison of the Novel With the 1949 Movie
Compare the Great Gatsby Movies of 1949 and 2013
Compare and Contrast Two Classic American Novels: The Great Gatsbyand the Grapes of Wrath
How Are Donald Trump and the Great Gatsby’s Tom Buchanan Alike?
Compare Miller’s Death of a Salesman and the Great Gatsby
What Other Fictional or Non-fictional Character From a Book or Movie Can Nick Carraway Be Compared To?
Make a Critical Comparison of the Sun Also Rises and the Great Gatsby
Compare the Great Gatsby With a Farewell to Arms
Make a Comparison of Daisy From the Great Gatsby With Henrietta Bingham From Irresistible
What Pop Stars of Nowadays Daisy Can Be Compared To?
Macbeth vs. Jay Gatsby: Make a Character Comparison
What Destroyed Gatsby’s Dreams in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald?
How Far Does “The Great Gatsby” Demonstrate a View of the American Dream?
What Is a Good Thesis Statement for“The Great Gatsby”?
How Does Fitzgerald Represent the Society of His Time in the Novel? Would You Like to Live in the Jazz Era? Why or Why Not?
Is “The Great Gatsby” a Real Story?
How “The Great Gatsby” Is a Replica of America?
What Are the Examples of Modernism in the Great Gatsby?
How Is America Shown in the Great Gatsby? What Values Do the East and the West Represent?
How Does “The Great Gatsby” Explore the Ideas of Illusion Versus Reality?
How Does “The Great Gatsby” Compare to the Life of Fitzgerald?
What Going From West to East Meant for the Characters in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald?
How Does “The Great Gatsby” Portray the Death of the American Dream?
How Does Tom Buchanan Represent 1920’s Society in “The Great Gatsby”?
How and Why Does F. Scott Fitzgerald Use Nick Carraway as His Narrator of “The Great Gatsby”?
How New Money and Women Are Marginalized in “The Great Gatsby”?
What Part Does Social Class Play in “The Great Gatsby”?
How Are Racial Anxieties of the Time Shown in the Novel?
Does Fitzgerald Condemn the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”?
What Does the Green Light Symbolize in “The Great Gatsby”?
How Does Fitzgerald Provide a Critical Social History of Prohibition-Era America in His Novel?
How Women Are Portrayed in “The Great Gatsby”?
What Techniques Does Fitzgerald Use to Convey the Main Themes in “The Great Gatsby”?
Why Did Fitzgerald Write “The Great Gatsby”?
How Does Nick Carraway Narrate “The Great Gatsby”?
How Is the Economic Boom of Postwar America Shown in the Great Gatsby?
What Social Problems Are Exposed in “The Great Gatsby”?
How Multiple Incidents Develop the Plot Line in “The Great Gatsby”?
Does Money Buy Love in “The Great Gatsby”?
How Has Fitzgerald Used Cars as a Motif in “The Great Gatsby”?
Why Did the Great Gatsby Was neither a Critical nor Commercial Success Just After Its Publication? Why Did Its Popularity Grow Exponentially Several Decades After?
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20 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics

Hailed as one of the greatest novels of the 20th century, The Great Gatsby is a story that explores love, betrayal, and the pursuit of the American dream in the 1920s.

If you have been asked to write an essay on this classic novel, you might be a little nervous trying to figure out what you should include. However, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the process of writing an excellent Gatsby essay and provide 20 The Great Gatsby essay topic ideas.

Essay Writing Essentials

Before you can write an essay on The Great Gatsby, you need to understand the basics of essay writing. This includes developing a clear thesis, supporting your claims with evidence from the book, and crafting a solid conclusion.

Writing a Thesis

A thesis statement details the overall point or argument you intend to make in the essay. Therefore, a thesis statement must be clear, specific, and arguable. A thesis statement will be best placed at the end of your first paragraph or as a way to wrap up your introduction if it is multiple paragraphs.

Some examples of well-written thesis statements for a The Great Gatsby include:

“While The Great Gatsby appears to be a novel about love, in reality, it is a scathing critique of the American dream.”

“Though Jay Gatsby is wealthy and well-liked, he is ultimately a tragic figure because he cannot escape his past.”

“The relationships in The Great Gatsby are all ultimately doomed because the characters are not honest with each other or themselves.”

Developing Supporting Claims for the Body

To support your thesis statement, you will need to include evidence from the novel in the form of quotes and analysis. It is vital that you choose passages that directly relate to your thesis and that you explain how these quotes support your argument.

One way to find quotes that support your thesis is to look for passages that seem particularly significant or interesting to you. Then, once you have a few potential quotes in mind, try to come up with a sentence or two explaining how the quote supports your argument. This will help you determine if the quote is actually relevant to your essay or if you need to keep looking.

It can also be helpful to go back to your list of potential thesis statements and look for quotes that could support each one. This way, you can get a sense of which quotes will be most beneficial for your essay before writing.

Crafting a Strong Conclusion

Your conclusion should briefly summarize the main points of your essay and reiterate your thesis statement. You might also want to leave the reader with something to think about or a call to action if you feel strongly about the issue you have been discussing.

A strong conclusion might look something like this:

“Though Gatsby’s pursuit of the American dream is ultimately fruitless, his efforts are nonetheless admirable. His willingness to fight for what he wants, even in the face of overwhelming odds, is something that we can all learn from.”

Citing and Formatting Essays About Books

In addition to using evidence from the novel to support your claims, you will also need to cite any sources you use in your essay. This includes any quotes or paraphrases from The Great Gatsby and any outside sources you might have used.

Citing Sources

When citing a quote from The Great Gatsby, you will need to include the page number in parentheses after the quote. For example:

“Daisy’s voice was sad ‘I hope she’ll be a fool – that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.'” (10).

If you are paraphrasing or summarizing a passage from The Great Gatsby, you will just need to include the page number in parentheses after the paraphrase. For example:

Gatsby’s wealth is often seen as a symbol of his success, but it is also clear that money cannot buy happiness. (21)

If you cite an outside source, you will need to include both the author’s name and the page number (or, for sources that don’t use page numbers, the section or chapter number) in parentheses after the quote. For example:

“The Great Gatsby is widely regarded as a masterpiece of American fiction” (Baldwin 3).

Formatting an Essay About a Book

When formatting your essay, there are a few key things you need to keep in mind. First, all mentions of the book’s title need to be italicized or underlined. Second, your essay should have one-inch margins on all sides.

Your essay should also have a title page that includes the title of your essay, your name, and the name of your class. If you are writing a longer essay (5 or more pages), you may need to also include a header on each page. It’s best to speak with your instructor to clarify any specific formatting requirements for the assignment.

Now that you know how to write an essay on The Great Gatsby, you can start brainstorming potential topics for your paper. If you are having trouble, consider using or adapting one of the following topics.

How does Gatsby’s wealth (or lack thereof) impact his relationships?
How does Gatsby’s pursuit of the American dream ultimately fail?
What role do women play in The Great Gatsby?
How are the parties that Gatsby throws symbolic of his own emptiness?
How does Fitzgerald use symbolism to comment on the state of the American dream?
What role does fate play in The Great Gatsby?
Is Gatsby a tragic hero? If so, why?
How is The Great Gatsby an example of the “Lost Generation”?
What role does the past play in The Great Gatsby?
How do the relationships between men and women change throughout the novel?
How is The Great Gatsby a commentary on the class divisions in American society?
What role does morality play in The Great Gatsby?
How do the characters in The Great Gatsby represent different aspects of the American dream?
What role does money play in The Great Gatsby?
Is Gatsby a sympathetic character? Why or why not?
How is Nick Carraway’s role as narrator important to the novel?
How does Fitzgerald use setting to comment on the characters and events in The Great Gatsby?
What role do secrets play in The Great Gatsby?
How is The Great Gatsby a commentary on the corruption of the American dream?
What theme(s) are explored in The Great Gatsby?

These topics should provide any student assigned an essay on The Great Gatsby with plenty to write about. If you need further help, consider using or adapting one of these topics for your own paper.

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Writing Prompts for THE GREAT GATSBY

Here are 40 writing prompts for The Great Gatsby . The list includes prompts for quick writing activities (by chapter) as well as extended The Great Gatsby writing assignments.

Before Reading

We will be investing considerable time reading a famous novel that many consider “literature.” What makes a book “literature?” What gives a text “superior or lasting value?”
What is the point of reading fiction? Be honest. If you see no point, explain your views.
Many consider The Great Gatsby a timeless masterpiece of American literature. What would be your criteria or requirements for “The Great American Novel?”
Fitzgerald’s works critique American society in the 1920s. Think about our society today. What are the shortcomings of our society today? What are the strengths and successes of our society?
When it comes to romance, do you believe in the idea of finding a soulmate or perfect match? Explain your view.
Fortune favors some with wealth and privilege. This position may be earned or unearned. What responsibility, if any, do the more fortunate have to the greater society? Explain your view.
At the very start of the novel, Nick Carraway explains a quality imparted by his father. What is the quality? Do you think that this trait is a blessing or a curse?
After the birth of her daughter, Daisy says, “And I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” (20) What does she mean? What does this indicate about her worldview?
Upon meeting Jordan Baker, Nick explains that “Almost any exhibition of complete self-sufficiency draws a stunned tribute from me.” (12) What are your thoughts on Nick’s reaction?
What is “the valley of ashes?” (26) Describe the scene in plain language.
Why do you think Tom Buchanan reacts so violently to Myrtle saying his wife’s name? What do you imagine is the nature of his objection?
According to our narrator, Tom has always wanted Nick to like him. Why might someone like Tom Buchanan care if someone such as Nick Carraway liked him?
Which details stand out to you in the descriptions of Gatsby’s parties? What impression of the parties does Fitzgerald create?
Literary luminaries laude Fitzgerald’s style. Describe it. What are the key features in how he uses language?
What are your initial thoughts on Nick Carraway? Do you like him? Would you trust him?
Why are the people in the novel so fascinated by the mystery surrounding Gatsby’s past? What does this say about human nature in general?
A linguist might interpret the name “Wolfshiem.” The German / Norwegian root “heim” (not an exact match) means home or world. What might be the meaning behind this name?
What clues indicate that Gatsby’s “God’s truth” about his life history may be fabricated? Why would Gatsby care if Nick Carraway believes his supposed life story?

Related Post: The Great Gatsby Unit Plan: 23 Lessons with Materials

Describe Gatsby’s convoluted (overly complex) plan for reuniting with Daisy. What might be the reasons behind him taking this approach?
What does the narrator mean by saying, “Americans, while occasionally willing to be serfs, have always been obstinate about being peasantry”? (88) Do you agree?
Throughout The Great Gatsby , Fitzgerald gives great attention to Daisy’s unusual voice. What impression does he create? (See the very end of Chapter 5.)
Would James Gatz have become Jay Gatsby without the influence of Dan Cody? Explain.
How does Daisy’s presence diminish Gatsby’s party for Nick? Have you ever experienced a change in perspective like this?
Nick and Gatsby disagree about recapturing the past. What is your view?
In Chapter 7 as in Chapter 2, Fitzgerald gives inordinate attention to a random billboard for an optometrist (Dr. T.J. Eckleburg). What could possibly be the meaning of this emphasis?
Why does Gatsby continually call people “old sport?” Why does Tom make this an issue?
What details indicate that Gatsby’s personality has a darker side?
In Chapter 8, Gatsby reveals the truth he has worked for years to conceal. Why does Gatsby suddenly decide to tell Nick Carraway the truth about his past?
Why does Gatsby refuse to accept that Daisy ever loved Tom Buchanan?
Of Gatsby Nick says, “…I disapproved of him from beginning to end.” Yet, he is glad he told Gatsby, “You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.” (164) What can we make of this?
Why doesn’t anyone want to come to Gatsby’s funeral? Why is Nick so concerned that people show up for the ceremony?
Why does Nick suddenly lose interest in Jordan Baker? What changed?
Why do you think people who have “old money” are sometimes prejudiced against those with “new money?” Afterall, wealth is something that they have in common.

Final Writing Assignments for The Great Gatsby

In The Great Gatsby , color is more than color (especially green, white, gray, and yellow). How does Fitzgerald use color in the novel?
Many consider The Great Gatsby “the great American novel.” What do you think inspires some to hold this high opinion of Fitzgerald’s work?
Fitzgerald uses Nick’s point of view in telling the story. What are the effects of this choice? How do Nick’s perspectives, biases, and opinions impact narrative?
The character names in The Great Gatsby contain layers of meaning. Choose three names to analyze.
“ The Great Gatsby is a morality tale for America.” Sounds great, but what is the moral? What lessons are we supposed to learn from deaths of George, Myrtle, and Jay Gatsby?
Choose one symbolic element from the novel and explain its development and purpose.
Which theme has prominence in the novel? How do you know?

Thanks for stopping by 40 The Great Gatsby Writing Prompts!

I hope that you have found some The Great Gatsby writing prompts that will aid you in your teaching. If you have found these writing activities / assignments helpful, consider following The Great Gatsby Unit Plan . For more creative and engaging project and essay ideas, check out Top 10 THE GREAT GATSBY Project Options .

Essays About The Great Gatsby: Top 5 Examples and Prompts

The Great Gatsby is a classic American tale; if you are writing essays about The Great Gatsby, find interesting essay examples and writing prompts in our guide.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925) revolves around a young man named Nick Carraway and his interactions with his New York neighbors, including the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby. Throughout the novel, Gatsby attempts to rekindle his relationship with Daisy Buchanan, a cousin of Carraway’s; along the way, he is revealed not to be who he seems. The novel is regarded as a literary masterwork due to its profound exploration of love, social class, gender, and race, among other themes. As a result, it has developed into one of the most well-known ls of all time.

If you need to write a good essay about The Great Gatsby , look at our featured essay examples below.

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1. The Great Gatsby – Really Great by Grace Nguyen

2. five reasons ‘gatsby’ is the great american novel by deirdre donahue, 3. “the great gatsby” color analysis by kurt medina, 4. in defense of plot: an analysis of the tension in the great gatsby by aatif rashid.

5. Behind The Great Gatsby by William Peace

Top Writing Prompts on Essays about The Great Gatsby

1. how does the novel manifest the american dream, 2. the story behind the title, 3. compare and contrast, 4. how is new york city portrayed, 5. the great gatsby’s legacy, 6. the theme of race, 7. the theme of social class.

“Gatsby is the prime example of a person disregarding whatever morals he might have had, in order to pursue Daisy, his own personal American Dream. Consequently, his actions were reprehensible, not great. Gatsby also showed himself to be a generally dishonest person. Daisy

was married to a man named Tom. By trying to win her affections Gatsby is, in turn, adamantly trying to get Daisy to cheat on her husband.”

Nguyen writes about the novel’s titular character and how he changed himself so much for one person. This would be admirable if not because he was most enamored with Daisy’s rich life rather than her shallow character. From a working-class background, Gatsby acquired massive amounts of wealth through illegal means to match Daisy’s life, letting go of his morals to achieve his goals. In the end, Nguyen writes that Gatsby dies due to his deception.

“One reason: It offers complicated characters who can be interpreted in fresh ways for new readers. Is Nick in love with Gatsby, as Greg Olear theorized on Salon? Could Gatsby — the other, the outsider — actually be a black man? Often dismissed as a selfish ditz, is Daisy victimized by a society that offers her no career path except marriage to big bucks?”

Donahue enumerates reasons for which The Great Gatsby is so highly regarded and considered the “great American novel.” These include an “American Dream”-type story, complex and exciting language, and most importantly, the unbelievable love story of Gatsby and Daisy. The millionaire is not motivated by greed but by love; however, he is in love with the idea of Daisy and the past in general rather than Daisy herself.

“These colors connect the reader to the novel by making him see and feel the actual events and emotions a character has and not only an imaginative image. Gatsby’s example, which is full of lines rich of color imagery, makes the reader feel what he feels; sense what he senses; and try to be what he is. Gatsby’s figure is greatly shaped by this color imagery, validating and supporting the title of the book, colors show how great The Great Gatsby was.”

In his essay, Medina explains how Fitzgerald uses color symbolism to progress the plot and characters, using quotes from the novel as sources. For example, yellow represents Gatsby’s wealth, green symbolizes his greed and jealousy, and white symbolizes the pure, innocent idea he has of Daisy. Medina believes that these colors help readers connect more to the characters, making them feel what they feel and identify with them.

“The central tension and conflict in the novel is not just whether Daisy will chose Gatsby or Tom but whether Nick will come to sympathize with Gatsby or not. And with this line, it’s clear that Nick does indeed sympathize with Gatsby. He realizes that old money Daisy and Tom are rotten, and that Gatsby is worth more than them. Human sympathy, thus, becomes more expansive than Nick had previously thought.”

Rashid starts off his essay by summarizing The Great Gatsby, then reveals how much of an impact tension has on the novel. Rather than the tension between Gatsby and Daisy, he believes that the tension lies in the extent to which Nick’s sympathy goes. He sympathizes greatly, going so far as to help invite people to Gatsby’s funeral (barely anyone comes, however). Rashid says this is emblematic of the “larger failures of society.”

5. Behind The Great Gatsby by William Peace

“Drawing on his own personal experience, Fitzgerald specialises in drawing characters who yearn to break into the ranks of the rich and powerful. Through his vivid depiction of the Wilsons, the unhappily married couple who run the gas station in Ash Valley, Fitzgerald captures the sense of life literally passing them by.”

Peace’s essay explores the background of Fitzgerald, the novel’s author, and how it inspired him to write it. He joined the army, fell in love with another wealthy woman named Zelda Sayre, and proposed to her; however, she rejected him, and he fell into despair. However, his later success led Zelda to accept him. Nevertheless, their relationship was rocky, as they struggled to sustain their extravagant lifestyle. Peace writes that the story, particularly the character of Daisy, is based on this period in his life.

A significant reason for the novel’s status today is its reflection of the“American Dream” many desperately wish to achieve. Explain exactly what the American dream is and how it is represented in The Great Gatsby , particularly in the character of Gatsby.

The title refers to Gatsby as “great”; the question is, is he truly deserving of this title? Analyze the character of Jay Gatsby, citing quotes from the novel and online sources, and determine whether you believe he is indeed “great” or not. Be sure to justify your response correctly; there is no wrong answer as long as it is well-supported.

For your essay, compare and contrast any two characters from the novel. How are they similar? How are they different? What is their fate at the end of the story? Answer these questions in your essay and cite text evidence when analyzing a character.

The Great Gatsby has also gained much notoriety due to its portrayal of New York City. Analyze the setting of the story and the way it is described- what is he trying to say about the city and its way of life? Compare Fitzgerald’s vision of the city to how it is seen today.

The novel has left a longstanding impression on American literature and the world, having been adapted countless times. Write about why the novel has become a classic and how its legacy can be seen today in film, literature, television, art, and pop culture. What exactly has been its impact on society? Delve into this question in your essay to create an exciting piece of writing.

Being set in the 1920s, when racism was rife in society, The Great Gatsby is littered with racial prejudice. Discuss the presence of racism, particularly against Jewish people and African-Americans. Which characters show it? Who is the racism being subjected to? Answer these questions in your essay and use quotes to support your arguments.

The theme of social class is prevalent in the novel. Write about how Fitzgerald views the social hierarchy of the 1920s based on the novel. Keep in mind the author’s background when writing; the book is primarily based on his own experiences.

Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead. If you’re stuck picking your next essay topic, check out our guide on how to write an essay about diversity .

The Great Gatsby Essay TDA Writing Prompts, Grading Rubrics, & Prewriting Tasks

Description.

In this resource, students will conduct a literary analysis of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and write a TDA Essay using textual evidence to support their responses.

There are TWO writing options students can choose from for this Response to Literature/TDA essay.

Included in this product you will get one copy of the following each as PDFs (ready to print) as well as one copy of the following each as WORD Documents (as to be editable for teachers ).

Essay Prompts for two different topics on the novel The Great Gatsby
Two Prewriting Graphic Organizers for students to brainstorm ideas, thesis, examples, and textual evidence
TDA Essay Rubric broken down into categories: content, focus, organization, style, conventions, and format

226 Great Gatsby Essay Topics & Prompts

Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
Icon Page 2708 words
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For many years, students have been learning how to organize their papers correctly. Basically, professors design different essay topics and questions to be addressed in scholarly works. For example, one of the common books that professors assign to their students is the Great Gatsby reading. In this case, students are forced to develop the Great Gatsby essay questions and answers in their papers. Hence, this article represents many Great Gatsby essay topics to help students to get some ideas for their academic papers.

Best Great Gatsby Essay Topics

An exploration of symbolism in Fitzgerald’s masterpiece.
Examining Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy: Love or obsession?
Unveiling the role of the past in shaping characters’ present lives.
Perception of material wealth in the Roaring Twenties as depicted in the novel.
Social stratification and its implications in “The Great Gatsby” .
Analysis of Fitzgerald’s critique of the upper class.
Interpreting the moral decay of society in the Jazz Age.
Assessing the impact of the setting on the novel’s themes.
Uncovering the significance of the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg.
Great Gatsby Essay: The American Dream, Pursuit, and Corruption
An inquiry into Nick Carraway’s reliability as a narrator.
Discussing “The Great Gatsby” as a social commentary.
Delving into the relationship between power and corruption in the novel.
Probing the tragic elements in “The Great Gatsby.”
Unraveling the gender roles in Fitzgerald’s narrative.
Dissecting the character of Tom Buchanan: A manifestation of arrogance.
The loneliness theme in the context of “The Great Gatsby.”
Relevance of the green light symbolism in the novel.
Evaluating the illusion vs. reality dichotomy in “The Great Gatsby.”
Critiquing the portrayal of the Lost Generation in the novel.
Emphasizing the role of colors in enhancing the novel’s imagery.
Portrayal of the American upper class: A “Great Gatsby” study.
Understanding the concept of time in Fitzgerald’s narrative.
Illustrating the role of dreams and aspirations in the novel.

Easy Great Gatsby Essay Topics

Decoding Gatsby’s character: A study in idealism and disillusionment.
How does Fitzgerald portray love and desire in his novel?
Examining the decadence of the Jazz Age as depicted in “The Great Gatsby.”
Exploring the destructive nature of wealth in the novel.
Drawing parallels between F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jay Gatsby.
Explaining the symbolism of the valley of ashes.
Essay Example of The Great Gatsby Book Review
Analysis of the disillusionment theme in “The Great Gatsby.”
Fitzgerald’s perspective on the class divide in America.
Digging into the motif of superficiality in “The Great Gatsby.”
Evaluating the role of minor characters in the narrative.
The undercurrent of violence in Fitzgerald’s narrative.
Can “The Great Gatsby” be considered a tragic love story?
Appreciating the narrative style of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Analyzing the impact of prohibition on the novel’s setting.
Representation of morality and ethics in “The Great Gatsby”
Romantic relationships in the novel: A critical study.
Are there any redeeming characters in “The Great Gatsby”?
Defining success through the lens of Jay Gatsby.
The role of status and reputation in shaping characters’ identities.
Discussing the representation of youth and aging in the novel.
Extravagance and excess: The defining traits of the Jazz Age.
Highlighting the implications of Gatsby’s parties.
Fitzgerald’s depiction of the pursuit of happiness.
Analyzing the evolution of Jay Gatsby’s character throughout the novel.

Interesting Great Gatsby Essay Topics

Disentangling the threads of fate and freewill in the narrative.
Romanticized past vs harsh reality: A Gatsby paradox.
Relevance of “The Great Gatsby” in the 21st century.
Influence of Fitzgerald’s personal life on the novel’s themes.
“The Great Gatsby” and the critique of capitalism.
Roles of parties in revealing characters’ personalities and motivations.
Illusion of the American Dream: A case study of Jay Gatsby.
Is “The Great Gatsby” a novel of despair or redemption?
Understanding the psychology of characters in the novel.
The fallacy of materialism as portrayed in “The Great Gatsby.”
Link between illusion and disillusionment in the novel’s narrative.
Critiquing the portrayal of infidelity in “The Great Gatsby.”
The influence of weather and seasons in shaping the novel’s narrative.
Interpreting the tragic undertone of “The Great Gatsby.”
The theme of loss and grief in Fitzgerald’s narrative.
Exploring the role of minor characters in furthering the plot.
Reflection of Fitzgerald’s societal views through the novel’s setting.
Significance of the title “The Great Gatsby”: An exploration.
Class mobility in the novel: A critical examination.
Deconstructing the flawed dream of Jay Gatsby.
Nick Carraway’s role as both character and narrator.
Gatsby’s parties as a symbol of excess and superficiality.
Unraveling the theme of death in “The Great Gatsby.”

The Great Gatsby Essay Topics on Dreams

The creation of wealth does not guarantee the apparent attainment of a dream.
All dreams are not attainable in “The Great Gatsby.”
There is a difference between reality and illusion.
A change in social class affects people’s efforts to achieve their goals.
Achievement of a vision is a collective responsibility.
Time is a factor that plays a significant role in one’s ability to achieve dreams.
Opportunists may not achieve similar goals as people who genuinely acquire their wealth, covering the Great Gatsby book.
People should always be optimistic and pursue what they consider as important to them.
Reinvention for a wrong course of action leads to destruction.
Exploring the symbolism of dreams in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.”
Unrealized dreams: The unattainable pursuit of Daisy in “The Great Gatsby.”
Dreams versus reality: The conflict in Jay Gatsby’s life.
Jay Gatsby’s obsession with his dream: A pathway to tragedy.
Dreams and illusion: How Jay Gatsby constructs his own reality.
Unraveling the role of dreams in Gatsby’s pursuit of the American dream.
Social class and the inaccessibility of Gatsby’s dreams.
The power of dreams: Defining characters in “The Great Gatsby.”
Fitzgerald’s depiction of dreams as a vehicle for discontent in “The Great Gatsby.”
Assessing the impact of broken dreams on the tragic end of “The Great Gatsby.”
Dreams of the past: The nostalgic nature of Gatsby’s dream.
“The Great Gatsby”: An exploration of Gatsby’s dream as a reflection of his character.

Essay Topics for Love and Friendship Theme in “The Great Gatsby”

People may fall in love with one another but fail to support each other in achieving their dreams.
People may rekindle love and reunite but lack an objective.
A commitment to one’s course in life may break a love relationship.
Individuals can use their wealth to materialize love.
Social classes may be a factor that dictates people’s love lives by considering “The Great Gatsby.”
Poverty can be a hindrance to one’s ability to marry a person of different social classes.
An individual may feel loved, but, in essence, it may not be true love, being out of curiosity.
People are jealous of losing their love partners to their competitors, which may lead to verbal and physical confrontation.
In “The Great Gatsby,” love can make individuals risk by admitting mistakes they have not done.
People may abandon their friends during difficult times.
Exploration of love as a destructive force in “The Great Gatsby.”
The complex relationship between Daisy and Gatsby: A love story or a tale of obsession?
Unrequited love in “The Great Gatsby”: The tragic tale of Jay Gatsby.
Intersection of wealth and relationships in “The Great Gatsby.”
Evaluating the role of friendship in “The Great Gatsby”: Case study of Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby.
The illusion of the American Dream versus the reality of love and friendship in “The Great Gatsby.”
Influence of social class on love and friendships in Fitzgerald’s masterpiece.
Love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness: A closer look at the characters in “The Great Gatsby.”
Isolation in the midst of wealth: How love and friendship are compromised in “The Great Gatsby.”
Comparing the love stories in “The Great Gatsby”: Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan versus Tom and Myrtle Wilson.

The Great Gatsby Essay Topics on the Theme of Marriage

People base their marriages on social classes.
Loveless marriages may exist if people lack an objective of why they got married.
People marry individuals they feel will offer social security and raise their class standards.
In “The Great Gatsby,” people live in problematic marriages and conceal their fate to protect their social positions.
Loss of one’s partner in a marriage may lead to hopelessness and result in harmful actions.
Rich men are polygamous; hence they can marry as many wives as they wish.
The choices people make have consequences.
Self-conscience can help an individual to avoid messy relationships early.
Unveiling the concept of marriage in “The Great Gatsby.”
Analysis of failed marriages in Fitzgerald’s masterpiece.
Representation of gender roles within marriage in the 1920s.
Examining the influence of wealth on marital relationships in “The Great Gatsby.”
Disillusionment in marriage as depicted through the characters of Daisy and Tom.
The evolution of marital relations as portrayed in “The Great Gatsby.”
The impact of social status on marriages in Fitzgerald’s novel.
Dysfunctional aspects of marriage as seen in “The Great Gatsby.”
Assessing the concept of loyalty within marriage in the novel.
Daisy and Gatsby’s relationship: A failed marriage before it began?
The relevance of the theme of infidelity in “The Great Gatsby” marriages.
Role of societal pressures in shaping marriage dynamics in the novel.
Impact of the American Dream on marriage aspirations in “The Great Gatsby.”
Exploring the marriages of secondary characters in “The Great Gatsby.”
How does “The Great Gatsby” critique the institution of marriage?

Essay Topics of Revenge Theme in “The Great Gatsby”

Revenge may involve the revelation of allegations to expose one’s past mistakes, as discussed in “The Great Gatsby.”
Attacks may cause death.
Tracing the role of revenge in the tragic downfall of Jay Gatsby.
Comparing the motifs of revenge and ambition in “The Great Gatsby.”
How does Fitzgerald present revenge as a destructive force in the novel?
The influence of social status on the pursuit of revenge in “The Great Gatsby.”
Is revenge presented as a path to justice or self-destruction in “The Great Gatsby?”
The interconnectedness of love, revenge, and deception in the lives of Gatsby’s characters.
Exploring Tom Buchanan’s motivations for revenge: Pride, jealousy, or fear?
Implications of the cycle of revenge and the lack of forgiveness in the novel.
Unpacking the theme of revenge in the context of the American Dream.
The role of revenge in the relationships between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom.
Gatsby’s quest for revenge: A misunderstood desire for redemption?
How do characters use revenge as a tool for asserting power and control?
Dissecting the causes and consequences of revenge in the East Egg vs. West Egg societal divide.
Analysis of the violent culmination of revengeful acts in “The Great Gatsby.”
Daisy’s role in the revenge plot: A victim, a catalyst, or an active participant?
Manifestations of revenge in the narrative’s depiction of the Roaring Twenties.
Consequences of unfulfilled revenge in the tragic endings of “The Great Gatsby” characters.
Revenge as a mirror of the underlying tensions in Jazz Age society.
How the pursuit of revenge influences the moral compass of characters in “The Great Gatsby.”
Interrogating the ethos of revenge: Is it inherently corrupting in “The Great Gatsby?”

The Great Gatsby Essay Topics for Enmity Theme

Do people develop antagonism when they fail to succeed in their shared interests?
Do people achieve success because of enmity by considering the Great Gatsby book?
Does enmity force people to survive?
Analysis of enmity as a driver of the plot in “The Great Gatsby.”
Roles of social classes in shaping hostilities in “The Great Gatsby.”
How the theme of enmity contributes to character development in “The Great Gatsby.”
Unraveling the root causes of conflict and enmity in “The Great Gatsby.”
Exploring enmity and betrayal in the relationships in “The Great Gatsby.”
Interplay of enmity, love, and jealousy in Fitzgerald’s narrative.
Representation of enmity within the context of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby.”
Enmity as a symbol of the socio-economic divide in “The Great Gatsby.”
Influence of the Roaring Twenties on the hostilities portrayed in “The Great Gatsby.”
Exploring the consequences of unresolved enmity in “The Great Gatsby.”
Comparative analysis: Enmity in “The Great Gatsby” and other contemporary novels.
Analysis of how Fitzgerald employs enmity to critique the American upper class.
Evaluating the implications of enmity on the tragic downfall of characters in “The Great Gatsby.”
Impact of enmity on the pursuit of happiness in “The Great Gatsby.”
Power dynamics and enmity in “The Great Gatsby.”
Revealing the masks of enmity through the characters’ facades in “The Great Gatsby.”
Examining enmity as a reflection of personal failures in “The Great Gatsby.”
Scrutinizing the evolution of enmity throughout “The Great Gatsby.”
Dissecting the role of enmity in the disillusionment of characters in “The Great Gatsby.”
Enmity in “The Great Gatsby”: A symbol of societal decay or a personal struggle?

Essay Topics on Erosion of Morality Theme in “The Great Gatsby”

Desire to acquire wealth to please other people may cause individuals to engage in immoral activities.
Men and women defy marital requirements and may participate in extramarital activities that endanger their marriages.
Money and love cannot be similar as it is represented in the Great Gatsby book.
Analyzing the erosion of moral values in “The Great Gatsby.”
“The Great Gatsby” as a portrayal of societal decay during the Jazz Age.
Implications of the dissolving American dream in “The Great Gatsby.”
Disintegration of personal relationships as seen through “The Great Gatsby.”
Materialism and its destructive influence in “The Great Gatsby.”
Examining the degradation of the human spirit in “The Great Gatsby.”
The decay of the Roaring Twenties as depicted in “The Great Gatsby.”
Class struggle: A catalyst for social erosion in “The Great Gatsby.”
“The Great Gatsby”: An exploration of moral bankruptcy.
Corrosion of individuality in the face of societal expectations in “The Great Gatsby.”
Love or lust? Erosion of true emotions in “The Great Gatsby.”
The glamour and grit: Depicting societal decline in “The Great Gatsby.”
Fading faith in the American dream: A perspective from “The Great Gatsby.”
Wealth and wastefulness: How affluence leads to degradation in “The Great Gatsby.”
Character study: How the protagonists contribute to the theme of decay in “The Great Gatsby.”
Erosion of trust and honesty in the character relationships of “The Great Gatsby.”
Juxtaposing reality and illusion in “The Great Gatsby”: The erosion of truth.
“The Great Gatsby” and the critique of a consumerist society.
Unfulfilled dreams and the decay of hope in “The Great Gatsby.”

Essay Topics for Property Ownership Theme in “The Great Gatsby”

People should acquire wealth whenever there are opportunities to do it.
People who are wealthy do not like other individuals who have obtained riches, considering “The Great Gatsby.”
The acquisition of wealth by poor people threatens the social positions of the wealthy class.
Individuals who never work hard through their efforts to earn wealth are extravagant.
Property owned through corrupt means offers short-lived happiness.
The symbolism of property ownership in “The Great Gatsby.”
Disparities of wealth and class as depicted through the property in Fitzgerald’s novel.
How property ownership influences character development in “The Great Gatsby.”
Perspectives on the American Dream: Comparing Gatsby and Tom Buchanan’s properties.
Understanding the significance of East Egg and West Egg through property ownership.
Jay Gatsby’s mansion: A symbol of his unattainable dream.
Comparing the socio-economic status of characters through their properties in the novel.
“The Great Gatsby”: How property sets the stage for drama and conflict.
The role of property ownership in the tragedy of Jay Gatsby.
An analysis of wealth illusion through property descriptions in “The Great Gatsby.”
How Fitzgerald uses the property to expose the moral decay of the 1920s?
Examining the impact of materialism and property obsession on character relationships.
Depiction of social mobility through property ownership in “The Great Gatsby.”
Property and status: Understanding the core of Gatsby’s obsession.
Links between property ownership and masculinity in Fitzgerald’s work.
The role of geographical locations and property settings in the novel.
Critique of the American Dream: Wealth vs. happiness in “The Great Gatsby.”
Exploring the role of property in creating social divisions within the novel.

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Published: Mar 19, 2024

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I. introduction, a. the great gatsby by f. scott fitzgerald is a timeless classic that delves into the complexities of love, wealth, and society during the roaring twenties. set against the backdrop of the glitz and glamour of the jazz age, the novel follows the enigmatic jay gatsby as he pursues the elusive daisy buchanan, ultimately leading to themes of ambition, disillusionment, and the pursuit of the american dream., b. studying the great gatsby is essential for readers to gain a deeper understanding of the societal norms and values of the 1920s, as well as to explore the universal themes that resonate with audiences across generations. by analyzing the symbolism and themes within the novel, readers can uncover layers of meaning and insight into the characters and their motivations., c. thesis statement: this essay will explore various study questions related to the great gatsby, including an analysis of symbolism and themes such as the green light, the american dream, and the valley of ashes. additionally, it will delve into character analysis, focusing on the complex personalities of jay gatsby, daisy buchanan, and the role of nick carraway as the narrator., ii. symbolism and themes, a. the green light symbol in the great gatsby represents gatsby's hopes and dreams, as well as his unattainable desire for the past. by examining the significance of the green light, readers can gain insight into gatsby's character and his pursuit of a dream that ultimately proves to be fleeting., b. the american dream theme in the great gatsby explores the idea of success, wealth, and social status in the context of 1920s america. through the characters' aspirations and struggles to achieve their version of the american dream, fitzgerald critiques the shallow materialism and moral decay of the era., c. the symbolism of the valley of ashes in the great gatsby serves as a stark contrast to the opulence of east and west egg, representing the desolation and decay that lurks beneath the surface of the american dream. by analyzing the valley of ashes, readers can uncover the novel's commentary on the harsh realities of class disparity and social inequality., v. love and relationships, a. gatsby's obsession with daisy is a central theme in the great gatsby, driving much of the plot and character development. his unrelenting pursuit of daisy, who represents his idealized vision of love and success, ultimately leads to his downfall., b. the love triangle between gatsby, daisy, and tom buchanan highlights the complexities of relationships in a society governed by wealth and social status. while gatsby sees daisy as his ticket to a better life, she remains torn between her feelings for him and her loyalty to her husband, tom., c. the theme of unrequited love is prevalent throughout the novel, as characters grapple with unattainable desires and unfulfilled dreams. from gatsby's longing for daisy to myrtle wilson's infatuation with tom, the novel explores the destructive power of unrequited love and the ways in which it shapes the characters' choices and actions., vi. conclusion, a. in conclusion, the great gatsby offers a nuanced portrayal of love, wealth, and society during the roaring twenties, shedding light on the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of the american dream. by analyzing the symbolism, themes, and character dynamics within the novel, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the societal norms and values of the era, as well as explore universal themes that resonate with audiences today., b. the study questions raised by the great gatsby invite readers to reflect on the nature of ambition, disillusionment, and the pursuit of happiness in a society marked by excess and decay. through the lens of fitzgerald's masterpiece, readers are challenged to reconsider their own values and beliefs, and to ponder the enduring power of love, wealth, and the american dream..

C. Ultimately, The Great Gatsby remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its rich symbolism, complex characters, and profound themes. As we delve into the world of Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and Nick Carraway, we are reminded of the enduring allure of the Jazz Age and the enduring truths that lie at the heart of this literary masterpiece.

C. Ultimately, The Great Gatsby remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its rich symbolism, complex characters , and profound themes. As we delve into the world of Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and Nick Carraway, we are reminded of the enduring allure of the Jazz Age and the enduring truths that lie at the heart of this literary masterpiece.

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The Great Gatsby

By f. scott fitzgerald, the great gatsby essay questions.

Analyze Fitzgerald's conception of the American Dream. Does he view it as totally dead, or is it possible to revive it?

Is Nick a reliable narrator? How does his point of view color the reality of the novel, and what facts or occurences would he have a vested interest in obscuring?

Trace the use of the color white in the novel. When does it falsify a sense of innocence? When does it symbolize true innocence?

Do a close reading of the description of the "valley of ashes." How does Fitzgerald use religious imagery in this section of the novel?

What does the green light symbolize to Gatsby? To Nick?

How does Fitzgerald juxtapose the different regions of America? Does he write more positively about the East or the Midwest?

What is the distinction between East and West Egg? How does one bridge the gap between the two?

In what ways are Wilson and Gatsby similar? Disimilar? Who is Nick more sympathetic to?

How does Fitzgerald treat New York City? What is permissable in the urban space that is taboo on the Eggs?

Is Tom most responsible for Gatsby's death? Daisy? Myrtle? Gatsby himself? Give reasons why or why not each character is implicated in the murder.

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The Great Gatsby Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Great Gatsby is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

describe daisy and gatsby's new relationship

There are two points at which Daisy and Gatsby's relationship could be considered "new". First, it seems that their "new" relationship occurs as Tom has become enlightened about their affair. It seems as if they are happy...

Describe Daisy and Gatsby new relationship?

http://www.gradesaver.com/the-great-gatsby/q-and-a/describe-daisy-and-gatsbys-new-relationship-70077/

What are some quotes in chapter 1 of the great gatsby that show the theme of violence?

I don't recall any violence in in chapter 1.

Study Guide for The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is typically considered F. Scott Fitzgerald's greatest novel. The Great Gatsby study guide contains a biography of F. Scott Fitzgerald, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

About The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby Summary
The Great Gatsby Video
Character List

Essays for The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Foreshadowing Destiny
The Eulogy of a Dream
Materialism Portrayed By Cars in The Great Gatsby
Role of Narration in The Great Gatsby
A Great American Dream

Lesson Plan for The Great Gatsby

About the Author
Study Objectives
Common Core Standards
Introduction to The Great Gatsby
Relationship to Other Books
Bringing in Technology
Notes to the Teacher
Related Links
The Great Gatsby Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for The Great Gatsby

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How to Write a Compare/Contrast Essay for The Great Gatsby

Book Guides

These compare/contrast essays are an opportunity for you to tie the character similarities and differences to larger observations about society and class, the American Dream , or identity in the novel. They also allow you to practice standard English class skills: close reading, using lines from the text as evidence, and taking a stance and presenting a supporting argument in an essay.

We’ll go over some basic dos and don’ts for writing compare/contrast essays before diving into some analysis of the most asked-about character pairings. Keep reading if you have a Compare/Contrast assignment on the horizon!

Article Roadmap

The do's of a compare and contrast essay
The don'ts of a compare contrast essay
Why some characters are paired for comparison more often than others
Nick and Gatsby
Tom and George
Tom and Gatsby
Daisy and Jordan
Daisy and Myrtle

What to Do in a Compare/Contrast Essay

Like anything you write for English class, your essay should be clearly organized, with a thesis statement (a one-sentence summary of your argument), and topic sentences for each body paragraph.

And you should definitely have an overall argument! The point of the compare/contrast essay isn’t for you to just list the differences and similarities between two characters, you need to take those observations and make a larger argument about the novel as a whole . That larger argument allows you to practice writing an essay that contains an argument, which is a skill that nearly all English teachers are focused on building.

To take a quick example, don’t just list the differences between Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby. Instead, make an argument like, “Fitzgerald’s portrayal of wealthy New York society through Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan allows him to critique both old money and the newly rich, while reserving his most pointed critiques for the old money crowd.” (Obviously, that’s just one example, and there are dozens of potential arguments you could make while comparing and contrasting characters in Gatsby!)

Make sure to address your larger argument in each body paragraph as you draw out the similarities and differences between the two characters. Don’t get caught in the weeds as you tease out the many differences and similarities in each character pair. Always link back to the bigger picture.

Finally, analyze each quote you use – in other words, don’t stick a quote in your essay and do nothing with it. Make sure to explain how and why the quote demonstrates a key similarity or difference, and what that means for your bigger argument.

What to Avoid in a Compare/Contrast Essay

Don’t just list differences and similarities without an overarching argument . Although you can definitely start brainstorming by making a list of similarities and differences, just presenting that list in essay form won’t get you a good grade, since you need to go deeper and explain what the similarities/differences suggest about the novel as a whole.

And, on the other side, don’t make big claims without some evidence from the text to back them up . For example, don’t say “Tom is selfish while Gatsby cares about others.” Prove those two separate claims (Tom is selfish” and “Gatsby cares about others”) with relevant lines from the book. (And if you’re having a hard time locating good quotes, find a digital version of Gatsby you can search using the CTRL-F function. It’s a lifesaver when gathering relevant quotes for an essay!)

Why Are These Characters Paired Most Often?

We will tackle these major pairings in the next sections of this article:

Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby

Tom buchanan and jay gatsby, tom buchanan and george wilson, daisy buchanan and jordan baker, daisy buchanan and myrtle wilson.

Before we dig into the analysis, you might be wondering: “why are we only comparing characters of the same gender?” or maybe “why not other pairings? Why not Jordan and Myrtle, or Nick and Tom?” We are focusing on these specific pairings because they are by far the most commonly asked about pairs in essay prompts and discussion topics for The Great Gatsby . And we want this guide, first and foremost, to be helpful to students as you work on assignments involving Gatsby!

Furthermore, these pairings help teachers get you to explore some of the novel’s larger themes . For example, comparing Daisy/ Myrtle or Tom/George can help you explore the differences between the wealthy and the working class . Comparing Daisy/Myrtle or Daisy/Jordan can help you explore the changing status of women during the 1920s. Comparing Tom and Gatsby can get at the old money/new money divide. Finally, differences between Nick and Gatsby raise some of the novel’s larger questions about the American Dream , repeating the past, and identity. In short, these pairings have become common because they each allow fairly easy access to one of the novel’s larger issues.

That’s not to say you couldn’t also explore some of those themes by comparing, say, Jordan and George, or Daisy and Gatsby, but cross-gender compare/contrast essays can be challenging because the status of women and men is so different in the novel. If you are interested in seeing how a particular male and female character are paired, you may be better off studying them through the lens of love, desire, and relationships in the novel, or through the way they relate to one of the novel's symbols or motifs.

With those thoughts in mind, let's jump into the top 5 pairings! For each pairing, we will suggest a few possible larger arguments you can either build from or disagree with, but these are far from comprehensive! You should add to our analysis of the characters and come up with an argument you’re excited about.

Quick Note on Our Citations

Our citation format in this guide is (chapter.paragraph). We're using this system since there are many editions of Gatsby, so using page numbers would only work for students with our copy of the book. To find a quotation we cite via chapter and paragraph in your book, you can either eyeball it (Paragraph 1-50: beginning of chapter; 50-100: middle of chapter; 100-on: end of chapter), or use the search function if you're using an online or eReader version of the text.

Although Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway vary both in outlook and temperament, they are also alike in interesting ways. Despite somewhat similar desires, attitudes, and social positions, Nick and Gatsby make very different choices during the novel.

Love and Romance . Nick and Gatsby both want women that are out of their reach, although in different degrees. Daisy is miles above Gatsby in terms of social class. Jordan and Nick are of the same social status, but Jordan doesn't seem free to make her own decisions since an aunt controls her financial life. There is a significant passion gap between Gatsby and Nick as well. Gatsby obsesses over Daisy - he has thought of nothing else for five years, going as far as to buy a house across the bay from her just in case she notices. Nick, meanwhile, is attracted to Jordan's cool and self-sufficient demeanor, but he is clearly not in love with her, as he himself notes ("I wasn't actually in love, but I felt a sort of tender curiosity" (3.159)).

Approach to Women. Both men are not particularly interested in the inner lives of the women they want to be with. Gatsby is devastated when Daisy doesn't want to renounce her relationship with Tom completely. Similarly, Nick cavalierly discounts Jordan's penchant to lie, cheat, and generally be cynically uninterested in other people, and then is deeply disappointed when she acts this way after Myrtle's death.

Class and Social Standing. Although both Gatsby and Nick are outsiders to the wealthy communities of East and West Egg, Nick is a much more in-between character socially than Gatsby. Nick is familiar with the ways of the old money crowd because of his own family's privilege and the fact that he is related to Daisy. Gatsby is not only self-made, but is a criminal who is desperate to pass as part of the old money elite without knowing its customs or rules of behavior. What isolates Nick from East Egg life is his Midwestern values and the importance he places on morality and decency. Gatsby is isolated from everyone by the fact that he can never actually be himself - he is always playing a role and putting on his "Oxford man" persona. It may be this sense of feeling out of place that connects them.

Outlook and Temperament. Gatsby is an optimist (almost to a delusional degree) while Nick is a realist who finds Gatsby's idealism inspiring and admirable. Gatsby believes in his ability to shape his own life and future, which makes sense since he has managed to transform himself from a farmer to a successful gangster, to impersonate an "Oxford man," and to accumulate a fantastic amount of wealth in a very short time. This belief in his power translates to Gatsby being sure that he and Daisy can go back to their month of idyllic love ("'Can't repeat the past?', he cried incredulously. 'Why of course you can!'" (6.129). Nick tries his best to be an objective realist and to reign in his tendency to judge others. He is deeply in awe of self-directed men like Gatsby, and even Wolfshiem (Nick is amazed to think that one man could be behind a huge event like the rigged World Series).

Ambition. Gatsby dreams of greatness. As a young man his mind “romped like the mind of God,” and so as an adult, he seems to have made good on this promise by buying the most ridiculous mansion and throwing the most extravagant parties (6.134). Nick is much less ambitious in comparison. While he comes to New York seeking excitement, he doesn't want to be the wealthiest bond salesman on Wall Street or to have the biggest house. He is happy to be an observer at the edge of the drama rather than being in its midst.

Nick and Gatsby Essay Ideas

Here are potential arguments to build on or disagree with based our observations. These are certainly not the only possible arguments, so be creative! Make sure your essay considers what the similarities and differences between Nick and Gatsby reveal about the novel as a whole.

Nick is a passive person and Gatsby is active, which is why Gatsby is the hero and Nick simply the observer.
Nick has much more in common with Gatsby than he thinks he does, which explains why he becomes so enamored of him.
Nick serves as a foil (someone who serves as a contrast) to Gatsby, which makes Nick the best possible observer of Gatsby.
At the end of the novel, Tom says that Gatsby “threw dirt in [Nick’s] eyes, just like Daisy’s,” meaning that both Nick and Daisy were taken in and could never see the true Gatsby: a narcissist and a criminal. Tom is right - the whole novel is Nick trying to spin a negative character into a positive one.

As they battle over Daisy’s love, Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby sometimes seem surprisingly similar - particular in their self-centeredness, wealth, and concern with appearances. At the same time, these surface parallels point to major conflicts in their social class, and say a lot about the world of the novel.

Appearance. Gatsby is driven by his materialism to be very invested having fashionable clothes, a beautiful mansion, and visually overwhelming parties - for him, the outfit is the thing that makes the Oxford man . Meanwhile because Tom doesn't have to dress the part of the moneyed elite to be one, he is instead very attuned to the behavior of others. This is why he immediately sees how fake Gatsby's persona is, both because of Gatsby's overly ostentatious clothes, and because of how much Gatsby misreads the fake invitation from the Sloanes. Tom is never fooled into thinking that Gatsby is anything other than an upstart, and mostly likely a criminal one.

Self-Centeredness. Tom and Gatsby are both completely selfish, and fully convinced that their desires have to be acquiesced to by those around them. Tom, for example, starts his affair with Myrtle by pressing himself against her on a train platform - basically, his version of flirting is bodily assault. Gatsby, meanwhile, also thinks nothing of starting an affair with a married woman, assuming that his obsessive feelings are enough to justify any behavior.

Wealth. Despite the fact that both are unimaginably rich, these men come from totally different sides of the big money divide. Tom comes from old money and is forever worried about the encroachment of the nouveau riche, minorities, and others onto what he thinks is his. At the same time, Gatsby is the most successful of the novel's many ambitious social climbers, using his lack of ethical scruples to parlay his criminal activity into a higher social status.

Power. Tom loves being powerful and wields his power directly. He is physically aggressive and uses his body to threaten and intimidate (Nick, for one, is clearly very cowed by Tom's bulk). He is also quick to violence, whether it's socially sanctioned - like his football accomplishments - or not - like when he breaks Myrtle's nose without a second thought. Gatsby also holds significant power, but his methods are much more indirect. Still, whether he is offering Nick some illegal bond trading action, or showing off his get-out-of-a-ticket-free card to a cop on the highway, Gatsby is clearly happy to be in control of a situation.

Love. Tom and Gatsby both seem to be in love with Daisy. But what does that really mean to each of them? For Tom, Daisy is clearly partly appealing because she completes his horse-riding, East Egg, 350-thousand-dollar pearl necklace lifestyle. He cheats on her because he clearly has never denied himself anything, but he also understands Daisy as a person. He knows that she is too weak to leave him, but he also loves her enough to tolerate her affair with Gatsby and to stay with her after Myrtle's murder. Gatsby's love, on the other hand, is in some ways purer because he so idealizes Daisy and connects her to all of his other hopes and dreams. But this love is overly pure - he doesn't really seem to know Daisy as anything other than an idealized object, and is incapable of accepting that she has led a life apart from him for five years.

Tom and Gatsby Essay Ideas

In a compare/contrast essay, you can’t just present a list of similarities and differences. You also need to have an underlying argument you’re supporting. Feel free to take these at face value or as jumping-off points for your own thoughts.

Tom loves Daisy as a person, Gatsby loves her as an idea.
Both Tom and Gatsby’s tendency to control women and see them as prizes reveals the misogyny of the 1920s.
Although Tom sees Gatsby as someone from an entirely different class than him, what they have in common (selfishness, affairs, obsession with appearances) makes a larger argument for an overall moral hollowness of the rich of any class.
We see both Gatsby and Tom through the eyes of Nick, who worships one of them and hates the other. In reality, they are both much more similar than different, and their different treatment reveals Nick's insecurities and biases.

At first, most readers see Tom Buchanan and George Wilson as opposites. But, these markedly different characters face very similar circumstances and offer two takes on masculinity and power in the novel.

Appearance and Presence. Where Tom is strong and cowering, George is meek and shrinking. Tom exudes power and confidence while George tends to just fade into the background. These differences are borne out in the way these two men interact with the world. Tom is violent towards others, while George’s instinct is to be passive or to try and escape situations, the notable exceptions being his locking up of Myrtle and murder of Gatsby. Tom is confident, privileged, and assured while George is timid; George is “ruled by his wife” where Tom is selfish and acts on his own desires.

Reaction to Adversity. There is a dramatic difference in the way the two men react to the fact that their wives are cheating on them. Tom notices Daisy’s love for Gatsby and immediately starts making power plays. On the other hand, George discovers Myrtle’s affair and is undone by it. Nick compares the two men in a memorable description:

“the shock had made him physically sick. I stared at him and then at Tom, who had made a parallel discovery less than an hour before--and it occurred to me that there was no difference between men, in intelligence or race, so profound as the difference between the sick and the well. Wilson was so sick that he looked guilty, unforgivably guilty--as if he had just got some poor girl with child" (7.160).

In this description, Tom is “well” and George is “sick.” These are certainly arresting ways to describe Tom's more traditional masculinity and George's less overtly masculine character. Tom is self-assured in the face of adversity and immediately takes action to win Daisy back, insisting on driving Gatsby's car, bullying those around him into driving to Manhattan, and using his romance skills to remind Daisy of the pluses of their relationship. Meanwhile, George's weakness makes him look sick and guilty as he contemplates Myrtle's betrayal and is driven to violence to reassert his power over her.

Approach to Women. Both Tom and George assume they know what’s best for their wives: Tom dismisses Daisy’s professed love for Gatsby despite their obvious closeness, while George is determined to take Myrtle out west once he learns about the affair. But, while it seems that Tom does fundamentally understand Daisy and is right about her unwillingness to leave their marriage, George is unable to hold on to Myrtle either emotionally or physically. She is killed trying to run away from him.

Tom and George Essay Ideas

Differences in attitude and outcome, despite a relatively similar situation, reveal some unexpected truths about the world of the novel. Argue the reverse of any of these topics for a really provocative essay!

The fact that Tom manipulates George into killing Gatsby and then himself (which allows Tom and Daisy to walk away from the entire affair without consequence) shows the huge privileges of having money in the novel.
Nick's approach to Tom and George shows his admiration of a physical, brutish, domineering kind of masculinity.
The fact that the relatively good guy turns into a murderer while the bad guy lives to cheat another day is a very cynical take on what happens in a world without a moral compass.

Despite Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker 's similar “white girlhoods” (1.140) in Louisville, their attitude and motivations are quite distinct, making them really interesting to compare and contrast.

Attitude and Outlook. Both Daisy and Jordan display an entitled, bored attitude that’s typical of Fitzgerald’s depiction of the old money segment of wealthy New York society. The fact that they are introduced in tandem, both lying on the couches in their white dresses, speaks to their initially similar attitudes. But soon we see how different their takes on this kind of life are. Daisy is increasingly despondent, even nihilistic, asking in Chapter 7 , “what shall we do today, and tomorrow, and for the next thirty years?” (7.74). Jordan meanwhile is a pragmatic opportunist, who sees possibilities everywhere, arguing that “life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall” (7.75). In other words, Daisy’s pessimistic attitude from Chapter 1 comes through again, while Jordan, despite coming across as cynical and sharp, actually still seems excited about the possibilities life has to offer.

Appearance and Personality. Both Daisy and Jordan very alluring in their own way, though Daisy’s allure comes through her enchanting voice and feminine charms, while Jordan is masculine, “jaunty,” witty, sharp, and physical. Daisy maintains a squeaky-clean reputation despite moving with a fast crowd, while there are plenty of rumors about Jordan’s cheating in golf, and Nick comments on her dishonest attitude. More significantly, Daisy is incredibly self-absorbed while Jordan is very observant.

Role in Society. Daisy seems caught between what society expects of her and some deeper, more powerful desires she can’t name, resulting in restlessness, depression, and her affair. Daisy is sticking to her prescribed societal role by marrying and having a child, while Jordan plays golf, “runs around town” and doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to marry, at least in the beginning of the novel. Perhaps Jordan is still somewhat optimistic about the possibilities of life since she hasn’t settled down yet, while Daisy realizes that nothing major in her life will change at this point. Jordan, meanwhile, is content to chase after fun and intrigue via other people’s bad behavior. And she doesn’t get dragged down by the tragedy in the book – on the contrary, she is callous in how little Myrtle’s death seems to shake her, coolly calling Nick the next day and asking him to meet like nothing has happened (8.50-61). Perhaps her motivations are a bit less accessible to the reader since her role was significantly downsized between some of Fitzgerald’s earlier drafts. But in any case, as we watch Daisy struggle in her marriage, what we see of Jordan is cool, calm, collected, and rather uncaring.

Daisy and Jordan Essay Ideas

So what are some possible conclusions we can draw from Daisy and Jordan’s characters? One of the most common strategies is to tie the differences between these women onto one of the book’s larger themes, like the role of society and class or the American Dream . Another is to think about an important feature of the novel, like Nick’s narration, and see what these two characters can reveal about it. With those strategies in mind, here are some potential arguments you could argue for or against!

Jordan and Daisy, because they are generally disempowered, both use their sexuality in different ways to gain power, with different results.
Despite Jordan’s overt cheating and lying, Daisy is, in fact, the more morally compromised person.
The way Nick treats Jordan versus the way he describes Daisy reveals the novel’s preoccupation with Gatsby above all, to the detriment of the female characters.

While Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson obviously come from very different backgrounds and have conflicting motivations, they also have some surprising similarities.

Physical Appearance. Daisy and Myrtle both derive power from their looks. Myrtle's comfort with her voluptuous body is clearly appealing to Tom, while Daisy's magnetic voice and ethereal presence obsess Gatsby. Throughout the novel, Myrtle is frequently reduced to being just a body - one to be used or violated by those around her. Tom sees little in Myrtle besides someone to either rub up against, have sex with, or punch at will; George resorts to imprisoning Myrtle while she eggs him on to "beat" her (7.314) the way Tom does; and finally, Daisy gruesomely rips Myrtle's body apart with a car. Meanwhile, Daisy's voice also serves to make her less of a person in her own right and more of an idealized, mythic figure from fairy tales. For Gatsby, Daisy's voice is appealing because it is "full of money" (7.105) - he is attracted to her not because of who she is, but because he sees her as a prize.

Social Standing. Myrtle puts on the airs that Daisy has been born and raised with. This allows Myrtle to wield considerable social power within her group, as seen by how her guests fawn on her at the Manhattan party she throws. Daisy, in contrast, never exerts such overt power over a group – rather, she seems to move with crowds, doing what it expected of her (for instance marrying Tom despite still loving Gatsby).

Love and Relationships. Daisy and Myrtle’s marriages are strikingly quite different. Daisy and Tom are able to stay together even through serial affairs and murder. They end up loyal co-conspirators, protected by their wealth. Meanwhile, Myrtle has nothing but disdain for George despite his evident love for her. Still, both women use affairs with other men as a way to escape. Daisy wants to get away from an increasingly unhappy marriage and try to recapture the spontaneity and possibility of her youth, while Myrtle loves the status that her affair with Tom grants her. However, both learn that they can’t escape forever through their affairs. Obviously, their biggest difference is that Daisy gets to walk away from the novel unscathed, while Myrtle gets killed.

Daisy and Myrtle Essay Ideas

Here are ways to write about these different women who face similar choices with dramatically opposite conclusions.

Despite their similarities in action and motivation, Daisy is protected from any lasting harm by her wealth and old money status, while Myrtle is punished for the same behavior, revealing how the class system in America protects the wealthy.
The novel refuses to give any inner life to women, and instead reduces them to their physical qualities no matter what social class they come from. Daisy and Myrtle's similar treatment by the narrator and by the men around them shows that gender trumps class when determining status.
Daisy and Myrtle’s similarities reveal how hollow the progress of the women’s movement really was at that point in time. Despite the big gains the movement made in the early twentieth century, including winning the right to vote and pushing for more freedom in how they could dress and act, both of these women’s lives aren’t vastly improved. They’re both trapped in unhappy marriages, they both rely on their looks/charms/sexuality to get what they want, and neither of them has even a chance of pursuing a fulfilling life through a career.

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve gone over the novel’s most popular compare/contrast pairings, check out our analysis of the novel’s romantic pairings in our guide to love, desire, and relationships in The Great Gatsby .

Have an essay about a symbol or motif? Get started with our symbols overview and motifs overview.

Still a little hazy on some of the plot elements in Gatsby? Not to worry, we have you covered with our complete book summary !

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'The Great Gatsby' Study Questions

Points for Discussing F. Scott Fitzgerald's Famous Jazz Age Novel

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M.A., English Literature, California State University - Sacramento
B.A., English, California State University - Sacramento

" The Great Gatsby " is American author F. Scott Fitzgerald's most famous novel. The story, a symbolic portrayal of the decline of the American Dream, is an accurate depiction of the Jazz Age that cemented Fitzgerald as a fixture in literary history. Fitzgerald is a master storyteller who layers his novels with themes and symbolism.

Study Questions

Here are some questions around which to build a lively discussion for your next book club meeting:

What is important about the title of "The Great Gatsby?"
Which adaptations of the novel have you seen? What did you think of them?
What are the conflicts in "The Great Gatsby"? What types of conflicts—physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional—figure in this novel? Are they resolved?
Why is Gatsby unable to put the past behind him? Why does he demand that Daisy renounce her former love for her husband?
What choice would you have made in Daisy's situation?
What role does Daisy play in Gatsby's downfall?
How is alcohol used in the novel?
Why do you think the author chose to tell the story from the perspective of Nick, a friend of Gatsby?
How does Fitzgerald reveal character in "The Great Gatsby?"
How is class depicted in the novel? What point is the author trying to make?
What are some themes and symbols in "The Great Gatsby?"
What does the green light represent?
Why does the author call our attention to the billboard advertising Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, an optometrist? What is the meaning of the vacant eyes that watch the characters?
Is Gatsby consistent in his actions? Why did he change his name? Do you ever find him fake or contrived? Is he a fully developed character?
Do you consider Gatsby to be a "self-made man"? Is he a good portrayal of achieving the American Dream?
Do you find the characters likable? Would you want to meet them?
Did the novel end the way you expected?
How essential is the setting? Could the story have taken place anywhere else or at any other time?
What do you think the lavish parties at Gatsby's mansion were meant to represent? What is the author trying to say about American culture?
What is the role of women in "The Great Gatsby?" Is love relevant? Are relationships meaningful?
What do you think about Daisy's assessment that women must be pretty but unintelligent if they want to be happy? What in her life led her to this conclusion?
Why is "The Great Gatsby" controversial ? Why has it been banned/challenged?
How does religion figure into the novel? How would the novel be different if religion or spirituality played a more prominent role in the text?
How does "The Great Gatsby" relate to current society? How well did it represent the Jazz Age (society and literature) at the time it was published? Is the novel still relevant?
Would you recommend "The Great Gatsby" to a friend?
What is the role of women in 'The Great Gatsby'?
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Topics for The Great Gatsby Argumentative Essay

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August 1, 2022
Essay Topics and Ideas , Nursing

When it comes to writing an argumentative essay , there are a lot of topics to choose from. However, if you’re looking for something on The Great Gatsby you might want to consider writing about one of the following Topics for The Great Gatsby Argumentative Essay

What You'll Learn

Possible Topics for The Great Gatsby Argumentative Essay

Is Nick a reliable or trustworthy narrator? How does his point of view affect the story?

Is the story of The Great Gatsby believable? Why or why not?

Where is the climax of the story? Explain your choice.

Are the characters in The Great Gatsby stereotypes? If so, explain why Fitzgerald used stereotypes in the novel. If not, explain what makes the characters individuals.

What is the most essential symbol in the novel? What does it represent?

Analyze Gatsby’s relationship with Daisy.

Are Gatsby’s actions believably motivated? Explain why or why not.

What makes F. Scott Fitzgerald’s writing style unique and/or effective?

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Compare and contrast various characters.

Explain how F. Scott Fitzgerald uses the minor characters–Owl Eyes, Mr. Wolfshiem, Pammy, Michaelis, and George Wilson–in the novel. What does each character add to the story?

Explain how the title, The Great Gatsby, is appropriate.

Why do Daisy and Tom stay together?

What does it mean to be wealthy? Do responsibilities come with money?

Does Gatsby’s money bring him happiness?

Interpret one of the novel’s key symbols (the green light, the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg, the valley of ashes, etc.).

Suppose this novel had been written from Gatsby’s (or another’s) point of view. How would the story have changed?

Read a sample The Great Gatsby 46 Essay

Analyze each of the novel’s locations (West Egg, East Egg, the Valley of Ashes, and New York City), and explain how each corresponds to the social position, lifestyle, and personality of its residents.

What traits does Nick find admirable about Gatsby? What traits does he dislike?

Is The Great Gatsby an outdated novel, or is it relevant today? If it is relevant, what specific elements of current society does the book describe or explain?

What motivates Daisy, Myrtle, and Jordan? Is there a common thread?

Surprisingly, Tom Buchanan and George Wilson are actually similar in many ways. Be sure to focus on their attitudes toward women, their approach to violence, and their reactions to being cheated on.

How does Fitzgerald use weather in the novel?

How does the state of the current financial markets resemble the economic problems of the 1920s? How does Fitzgerald highlight and predict those problems?

Which characters are static and which are dynamic? Why did Fitzgerald choose to portray them this way?

In the final chapter, Nick describes Tom and Daisy as “careless people.” Are they? Are they each careless in their own way?

Explore ONE of the following themes: alienation, friendship, identity, the American Dream, materialism, corruption, fate, the past, love, hope, etc.

Additionally, feel free to explore your own topic regarding the novel. If you do so, please discuss the topic with me so I can help you verify that it is practical, as well as help you brainstorm how to proceed.

Read more on 5 Tips for a perfect Discussion Post (How to Write a Discussion Post)

Argumentative Essay Topics For The Great Gatsby

How The Novel “The Great Gatsby”, Examine Complex Ideas about Identity, others and The World

Essay Prompts: The Great Gatsby that was published in the year 1925 has been rated as one of the best fiction stories about American during its time. The Great Gatsby was written by one of the celebrated American Authors called F. Scott Fitzgerald.

A Comparison and Contrast of Tom and Gatsby

Essay prompts: Compare and contrast Gatsby and tom. how are they alike? how are they different? given the extremely negative light in which tom is portrayed throughout the novel, why might daisy choose to remain with him instead of leaving him for Gatsby?

Nick or Gates?

Essay prompts: The question pertains to The Great Gatsby story and actually it is more of Nick because he lists down all the attendees of the party that summer. The list includes all of the powerful and rich people in the nation.

Comparison of The Characters of Hamlet and Jay Gatsby

Essay prompts: Hamlet is the main character in the play “Hamlet,” the son of King Hamlet and Gertrude. He was brought up in the palace and his family was wealthy. Jay Gatsby, who is the main protagonist in the novel “The Great Gatsby” is different from Hamlet because he came from a humble background.

When it comes to writing an argumentative essay, there are a lot of topics to choose from. However, if you’re looking for something on The Great Gatsby you might want to consider writing about one of the following Topics for The Great Gatsby Argumentative Essay

The Great Gatsby and The American Dream

Essay prompts: The American dream is essentially dishonest in the Great Gatsby, where Gatsby rises from humble beginnings to be a wealthy man through dubious means. When compared to the ‘old money’ people like Tom Buchanan, who did not flaunt their wealth Gatsby, wanted recognition.

An Analysis Of Gatsby Based On Color Green

Essay prompts: The following analysis will focus on Gatsby as a character from the novel and the analysis will be based on color green.

You can also check out 150+ Top-Notch Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

Write an Essay analyzing a character from The Great Gatsby, based on one of The colors associated with that character.

The Imagery of a Passage in Great Gatsby

Essay prompts: Scott Fitzgerald writes the book titled The Great Gatsby. It Is appropriate to conclude that Fitzgerald conveys both good and sinister qualities of Gatsby in the passage.

The Role of Women in The Great Gatsby

Essay prompts: The Great Gatsby is novel composed by Scott Fitzgerald around 1922 in New York. It is a love story, loss and scandal during the social unrest.

The Impact Of The Social Context In Great Gatsby And Elizabeth Barrett Brownings Sonnets

Comparative Themes of Eiger Dreams and The Great Gatsby

Essay prompts: Eiger Dreams is a non-fiction book written from a collection of articles and essays based on rock climbing and mountaineering. It takes place in two different locations. One is the Swiss Alps, the other location is in Alaska (Krakauer, 2012).

The Great Gatsby: The Corrupt Nature of The American Dream

Essay prompts: The focus of this paper is on the nature of the American dream as depicted by Fitzgerald. Therefore, the withering of the American dream is the central thesis of this paper

The American Dream as portrayed in The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald

Essay prompts: Fitzgerald has illustrated American dream by use of several characters to show how elusive the dream has been to some people whilst others are already living it.

How Trauma is Represented in Fitzgerald’s Work “The Great Gatsby”

Essay prompts: Trauma is a motif in The Great Gatsby, a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald published in 1925. The novel narrates the tragic story of Jay Gatsby, who happens to be a millionaire in pursuit of the love of his youth, Daisy, which he lost while serving in the army.

Find out more on How to Write a Narrative Essay

Best essay topics for the great gatsby

Social Constructs of The American Society on The Narrative “The Great Gatsby”

Essay prompts: The Great Gatsby is a narration about an individual struggling to create an identity for himself that will elevate his status to that of a wealthy man of stature and hence realizing his American dream that takes the form of a woman he so desires to marry.

Analysis of “The Great Gatsby”

Essay prompts: This is just one among many such examples that unravels how a man’s wealth would affect his relationship and social relations as a major theme throughout Fitzgerald’s novel, “The Great Gatsby”.

How would a man’s wealth affect his relationship and social relation?

Franklin’s Almanac: The Way to Wealth vs. The Great Gatsby

Essay prompts: The American dream is the notion that one can be anything they wish to be in the United States. Chance and opportunity are there for the taking, but these are limited to those willing to work hard, and set forth for what they believe.

Similarities between “The Great Gatsby” and The “Generation Wealth”

Essay prompts: We are going to discuss the similarities between “The Great Gatsby” and the film, “Generation Wealth”, while at the same time elucidating on the main theme of money.

Analysis of Fitzgerald use of language and symbolism in Gatsby

Essay prompts: The inability to win Daisy’s love undermines Gatsby’s success. That is why Fitzgerald’s writing language uses irony in explaining how impossible it was for Gatsby to achieve his dream.

Find out more on Argumentative Essay Topics About Social Media [Updated]

Great Gatsby essay prompts

Masculinity in The Great Gatsby Novel

Essay prompts: Undergraduate Essay: Masculinity in The Great Gatsby Novel…

Gatsby Does Not Truly Love Daisy:

A Misunderstanding Of The American Dream Leads To The Tragedy Of Love

Essay prompts: The American Dream refers to the belief that everybody, disregarding their social class or birthplace, can achieve the success they dream of when living in a society that promotes upward mobility for everyone.

War Trauma in The Great Gatsby

Essay prompts: The casualties of war are not only those who fall on the battlefield but even those that walk away dead from the inside. In the Great Gatsby, the effects of war are felt through Jay Gatsby, who comes back from a different man. His war trauma is worsened by losing his love while he was at war.

The American Dream in The Great Gatsby and The House on Mango Street

Essay prompts: This paper will give invaluable insights concerning how the American Dream as an ideology has been presented in the Great Gatsby and The House on Mango Street.

Great Gatsby Quotes About Money Can’t Buy Happiness

Essay prompts: He quote money can’t buy you happiness is never truer than when viewed through the storylines of The Great Gatsby and Wolf of Wall Street. This conflicts with the notion that living the American dream translates to happiness.

How Manifestation and Materialism are Related to The American Dream

Essay prompts: This article seeks to draw on real-life examples as well as textual evidence to showcase how the American dream is closely associated with manifestation and materialism….

The Great Gatsby vs The Godfather

Love in Th Great Gatsby

Essay prompts: The idealized conception of love is one in which individuals are committed and faithful to each other unconditionally.

The Symbolism of Time in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Essay prompts: Time is of the essence, and it waits for no man. Therefore, humans should concentrate their minds on the present and neither dwell on the past nor dream about the future. In Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald explores the roaring twenties and their American dream. In this novel, the main character, Jay Gatsby.

Representations And Discourses Of The American Dream In Film

Essay prompts: The “American Dream” means that as long as the person starts working hard and follow their dream, thus it can lead to a better life. Equal opportunity is the soul of the “American Dream.”

Symbolism in The Great Gatsby and its significance in modern society

Essay prompts: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s story, “The Great Gatsby,” has used symbolism depicting the city where the story is set. Further, the author has also used symbolism in representing individuals characters and Gatsby’s problems, among others.

The Futility Of Human Dreams: Independence

Essay prompts: The author successfully manages to show how we can dream in vain by demonstrating from the characters. George and Lennie dream of a better life full of freedom and independence.

Representation And Discourses Of The American Dream In Film

Essay prompts: The American Dream can be achieved by individuals who exercise hard work, independence, courage, determination, creativity, and diligence.

“Winter Dreams” and “The Great Gatsby” mirror into S Fitzgerald’s life

Essay prompts: These two novels have been widely read, and The Great Gatsby was even adopted into a movie. Often, people say that the story Winter Dreams was merely a draft for The Great Gatsby. The two are very similar and encompass similar themes.

Comparison Between East Egg and West Egg

Essay prompts: The novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald is narrated by Nick Carraway, one of the main protagonists in the book. Nick lives in West Egg, a new village in New York with upcoming millionaires and billionaires.

Analysis Of Movies That Portray The American Dream

Essay prompts: The paper aims at discussing the American Dream by analyzing films that portray the accomplishment of the dream as well as the factors that make it difficult for individuals to achieve their version of the American Dream.

Representation and Discourses of The American Dream in Film

Essay prompts: This paper aims at conferring the American Dream by analyzing films which portray the accomplishment of the dream as well as the factors that make it difficult for individuals to achieve their version of the American Dream.

Why Economies Succeed or Fail during The Great Depression

Essay prompts: The Great Depression was an austere worldwide financial depression in the 1930s, starting in the United States. One major cause of the Great Depression was the ensuing global crisis. Europe had not settled after the First World War and faced severe consequences.

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The Great Gatsby

Literary Analysis

Character analysis, character development.

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TN 9-10.W.PDW.4,
TN 9-10.W.RBPK.9,
TN 9-10.W.TTP.1,
TN 9-10.W.TTP.2,
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WV ELA.10.20,
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WV ELA.10.23,
WV ELA.10.28,
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WV ELA.9.23,
WV ELA.9.28,
WV ELA.9.3,
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WY RL.9-10.3,
WY W.9-10.1,
WY W.9-10.2,
WY W.9-10.4,
WY W.9-10.9

Literary Devices

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AL 10.CL.R.5,
AL 9.CL.R.5,
AZ 9-10.RL.4,
CA 9-10.RL.4,
CCSS RL.9-10.4,
CO RL.9-10.4,
CT RL.9-10.4,
DC RL.9-10.4,
DE RL.9-10.4,
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FL ELA.10.V.1.3,
FL ELA.9.R.3.1,
FL ELA.9.V.1.3,
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LA RL.9-10.4,
MA RL.9-10.4,
MD RL.9-10.4,
ME R.7.9-D.a,
MI RL.9-10.4,
MN 9.4.4.4,
MO 9-10.RL.1.B,
MO 9-10.RL.2.C,
MS RL.10.4,
MT RL.9-10.4,
NC RL.9-10.4,
ND 9-10.R.5,
NE LA.10.V.2,
NH RL.9-10.4,
NJ RL.9-10.4,
NM RL.9-10.4,
NV RL.9-10.4,
NY 9-10 R.4,
OH RL.9-10.4,
OK 10.3.R.4,
OK 10.4.R.2,
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OK 9.4.R.2,
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SC ELA.E1.AOR.1.2,
SC ELA.E1.AOR.7.1,
SC ELA.E2.AOR.1.2,
SC ELA.E2.AOR.7.1,
SD 9-10.RL.4,
TN 9-10.RL.CS.4,
TX TEKS E1.8.E,
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VT RL.9-10.4,
WA RL.9-10.4,
WI R.9-10.4,
WV ELA.10.7,
WV ELA.9.7,
WY RL.9-10.4,

Social-Historical Context

Social and historical context.

AK RL.9-10.5,
AR 10.RC.6.RL,
AR 9.RC.6.RL,
AZ 9-10.RL.5,
CA 9-10.RL.5,
CCSS RL.9-10.5,
CO RL.9-10.5,
CT RL.9-10.5,
DC RL.9-10.5,
DE RL.9-10.5,
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OR RL.9-10.5,
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SC ELA.E2.AOR.5.1,
SD 9-10.RL.5,
TN 9-10.RL.CS.5,
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TX TEKS E1.6.C,
TX TEKS E2.4.C,
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WA RL.9-10.5,
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Themes and Motifs

Central theme.

AK RL.9-10.2,
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SD 9-10.RL.2,
TN 9-10.RL.KID.2,
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TX TEKS E1.6.D,
TX TEKS E2.4.G,
TX TEKS E2.6.D,
UT 9-10.R.6,
VT RL.9-10.2,
WA RL.9-10.2,
WI R.9-10.2,
WV ELA.10.2,
WV ELA.9.2,
WY RL.9-10.2,

The Great Gatsby: Essay Topics & Samples

No novel is written for the sake of writing. You can be immersed in the plot and feel sympathy toward the protagonists, but there is something more about every great book. A good The Great Gatsby essay should question the narrative to determine what the text’s broader purpose is.

Are you out of ideas? Our topics and The Great Gatsby writing prompts can kickstart your creative process. They won’t limit the flight of your thought in any way: instead, they’ll show you the right direction to follow. You can also use our essay samples for inspiration or apply for professional writing help .

💡 Essay Topics
✒️ Essay Samples

💡 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics & Prompts

Did Daisy genuinely love Gatsby, or did she want to return the past feelings? Why was preserving her social class so important? Or did she stay with Tom for other reasons, like the shared experience, stability, and the daughter? Do you think Daisy opted for Tom after a careful comparison?
Old and New Money in The Great Gatsby. What did Gatsby lack to feel like he belongs to the Old Money, apart from heritage? What did elevate him above the Old Money representatives and make him more humane? Why didn’t he possess the traits related to the corruption of the upper class?
Money and wealth in The Great Gatsby . Money is helpless in matters of love and friendship. Nick Carraway was Gatsby’s only friend. As far as we know, only Daisy loved him, and even this fact is doubtful. Was it the reason why Gatsby’s success did not make him happy? Write an argumentative essay about it!
Compare and contrast The Great Gatsby 2013 movie vs. the book in an essay. Does the movie represent the characters as profoundly as the book does? Make the book review from the point of view of a person who watched the film first. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the film?
How does Gatsby represent the American Dream ? This essay should start with the historical background that formed the general idea of the American Dream. Is Gatsby’s version of the American Dream universal for all US citizens, or does it have any unique features? “The American Dream in The Great Gatsby ” is a perfect title for this kind of essay.
Is Gatsby great? This essay can discuss the strengths and failures of Jay Gatsby. It could also reveal why the novel is titled like this. Is Gatsby great because he has made a fortune without any heritage, or is the title ironic?
The Great Gatsby symbolism is a good topic for an essay. It could cover the setting of the novel, the color symbolism in The Great Gatsby (especially the green light , gold, and the color white,) and the small symbolic details like bespectacled eyes of various protagonists and TJ Eckleburg on the billboard.
Write The Great Gatsby literary analysis essay , exploring why the author chose these specific characters to convey the main idea to the reader. What is the primary purpose of the novel, and what helped the author to achieve it? Dwell upon the decline of morality as the typical feature of the Roaring Twenties.
Time in The Great Gatsby . Throughout the entire novel, Gatsby is trying to recapture his past feelings. Did he succeed, to some extent? Can living in the memories, even recreated in real life, make someone happy? The novel is full of flashbacks. Explain why the time is non-linear in the story .
The Great Gatsby themes might also be a great as an essay topic. The novel is multifaceted and profound, with several layers of meaning. Money and wealth, society and class, love and marriage , hope, morality, time, and the American Dream in The Great Gatsby are to be discussed in this essay.

✒️ The Great Gatsby: Essay Examples

Below you’ll find a collection of The Great Gatsby essay examples. Use them for inspiration!

Color Symbolism in The Great Gatsby
Symbolism in The Great Gatsby
Masculinity in The Great Gatsby and The Breakfast Club
Imagery in The Great Gatsby by F. Fitzgerald
Conception of The American Dream
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F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby as a satire of society. Why did the novel appear in the given historical period? Why are there no positive characters in the book? What does it take to fulfill the American dream? The Great Gatsby Study Guide answers these and many other...

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This article by Custom-Writing.org experts explains the symbols in The Great Gatsby. In the first section, you’ll find the information on the color symbolism of The Great Gatsby: the green light, as well as the meanings of yellow and white colors in the novel will be explained. Then follows the...

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How to cite ChatGPT

Use discount code STYLEBLOG15 for 15% off APA Style print products with free shipping in the United States.

We, the APA Style team, are not robots. We can all pass a CAPTCHA test , and we know our roles in a Turing test . And, like so many nonrobot human beings this year, we’ve spent a fair amount of time reading, learning, and thinking about issues related to large language models, artificial intelligence (AI), AI-generated text, and specifically ChatGPT . We’ve also been gathering opinions and feedback about the use and citation of ChatGPT. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and shared ideas, opinions, research, and feedback.

In this post, I discuss situations where students and researchers use ChatGPT to create text and to facilitate their research, not to write the full text of their paper or manuscript. We know instructors have differing opinions about how or even whether students should use ChatGPT, and we’ll be continuing to collect feedback about instructor and student questions. As always, defer to instructor guidelines when writing student papers. For more about guidelines and policies about student and author use of ChatGPT, see the last section of this post.

Quoting or reproducing the text created by ChatGPT in your paper

If you’ve used ChatGPT or other AI tools in your research, describe how you used the tool in your Method section or in a comparable section of your paper. For literature reviews or other types of essays or response or reaction papers, you might describe how you used the tool in your introduction. In your text, provide the prompt you used and then any portion of the relevant text that was generated in response.

Unfortunately, the results of a ChatGPT “chat” are not retrievable by other readers, and although nonretrievable data or quotations in APA Style papers are usually cited as personal communications , with ChatGPT-generated text there is no person communicating. Quoting ChatGPT’s text from a chat session is therefore more like sharing an algorithm’s output; thus, credit the author of the algorithm with a reference list entry and the corresponding in-text citation.

When prompted with “Is the left brain right brain divide real or a metaphor?” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that although the two brain hemispheres are somewhat specialized, “the notation that people can be characterized as ‘left-brained’ or ‘right-brained’ is considered to be an oversimplification and a popular myth” (OpenAI, 2023).

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

You may also put the full text of long responses from ChatGPT in an appendix of your paper or in online supplemental materials, so readers have access to the exact text that was generated. It is particularly important to document the exact text created because ChatGPT will generate a unique response in each chat session, even if given the same prompt. If you create appendices or supplemental materials, remember that each should be called out at least once in the body of your APA Style paper.

When given a follow-up prompt of “What is a more accurate representation?” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that “different brain regions work together to support various cognitive processes” and “the functional specialization of different regions can change in response to experience and environmental factors” (OpenAI, 2023; see Appendix A for the full transcript).

Creating a reference to ChatGPT or other AI models and software

The in-text citations and references above are adapted from the reference template for software in Section 10.10 of the Publication Manual (American Psychological Association, 2020, Chapter 10). Although here we focus on ChatGPT, because these guidelines are based on the software template, they can be adapted to note the use of other large language models (e.g., Bard), algorithms, and similar software.

The reference and in-text citations for ChatGPT are formatted as follows:

Parenthetical citation: (OpenAI, 2023)
Narrative citation: OpenAI (2023)

Let’s break that reference down and look at the four elements (author, date, title, and source):

Author: The author of the model is OpenAI.

Date: The date is the year of the version you used. Following the template in Section 10.10, you need to include only the year, not the exact date. The version number provides the specific date information a reader might need.

Title: The name of the model is “ChatGPT,” so that serves as the title and is italicized in your reference, as shown in the template. Although OpenAI labels unique iterations (i.e., ChatGPT-3, ChatGPT-4), they are using “ChatGPT” as the general name of the model, with updates identified with version numbers.

The version number is included after the title in parentheses. The format for the version number in ChatGPT references includes the date because that is how OpenAI is labeling the versions. Different large language models or software might use different version numbering; use the version number in the format the author or publisher provides, which may be a numbering system (e.g., Version 2.0) or other methods.

Bracketed text is used in references for additional descriptions when they are needed to help a reader understand what’s being cited. References for a number of common sources, such as journal articles and books, do not include bracketed descriptions, but things outside of the typical peer-reviewed system often do. In the case of a reference for ChatGPT, provide the descriptor “Large language model” in square brackets. OpenAI describes ChatGPT-4 as a “large multimodal model,” so that description may be provided instead if you are using ChatGPT-4. Later versions and software or models from other companies may need different descriptions, based on how the publishers describe the model. The goal of the bracketed text is to briefly describe the kind of model to your reader.

Source: When the publisher name and the author name are the same, do not repeat the publisher name in the source element of the reference, and move directly to the URL. This is the case for ChatGPT. The URL for ChatGPT is https://chat.openai.com/chat . For other models or products for which you may create a reference, use the URL that links as directly as possible to the source (i.e., the page where you can access the model, not the publisher’s homepage).

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IMAGES

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Essay assignment for The Great Gatsby

COMMENTS

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Studying 'The Great Gatsby' is an opportunity for students to consider morality and motivation among a variety of characters. Use the prompts in this lesson to help your students consider the ...
Great Gatsby Essay
Great Gatsby Essay; Great Gatsby Essay. 1233 Words 5 Pages. In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the overarching idea is the desired American dream, which is narrated by Nick Caraway to the world in a very erratic and confusing way. Caraway paints the picture of the American Dream in the early 1900s by showing the audience the behind ...
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