best great gatsby essay topics

185 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, […]
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.
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 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.
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
“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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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’: 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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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 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.
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 […]
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.
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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”: 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.
“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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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
Why does Daisy cry about the shirts in chapter 5 of The Great Gatsby?
What is Daisy’s opinion of Gatsby’s party in chapter 6?
How does The Great Gatsby explore the ideas of illusion versus reality?
How did Gatsby measure the success of his party in chapter 6?
What is the true relationship between Daisy and Tom in The Great Gatsby?
What does Gatsby tell Nick about himself and his past?
What role do the first lines of The Great Gatsby play?
What destroyed Gatsby’s dreams in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald?
What is the cause of the problem between Jordan and Nick?
Describe Daisy and Gatsby’s new relationship. What is it like?
Why does Jordan want to leave the group from East Egg?
What does Old Money vs. New Money mean in The Great Gatsby?
Which excerpt from The Great Gatsby is the best example of foreshadowing?
How does Fitzgerald represent the society of his time in thenovel? Would you like to live in the Jazz Era? Why or why not?
How does Nick describe himself at the beginning of The Great Gatsby?
How do we know that Myrtle Wilson is not an intellectual?
Who does the narrator think Daisy is at the end of the story?
What role does the book “The Rise of the Colored Empires” play in The Great Gatsby?
How is America shown in The Great Gatsby? What values do the East and the West represent?
Why did Gatsby fail to achieve the American Dream?
How did F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby reflect the culture of the 1920s?
Which excerpt from The Great Gatsby best indicates that Nick is not fully content with his life?
What role does social class in The Great Gatsby play?
What does Nick mean by the last line of The Great Gatsby?
What are the main differences between The Great Gatsby book and movie?
How does Fitzgerald provide a critical social history of Prohibition-Era America in his novel?
How does Nick know Daisy and Tom in The Great Gatsby?
What did Dan Cody do for Gatsby? What did Gatsby learn from him?
How does Myrtle behave as the party progresses in chapter 2?
Describe the meeting between Gatsby and Daisy in chapter 5. What was it like?
How does The Great Gatsby reflect the Jazz Age?
What were the rumors about Gatsby?
What does The Great Gatsby’s ending mean?
What part does social class play in The Great Gatsby?
Why was young Gatsby drawn to Daisy?
How does Nick describe Tom Buchanan in chapter 1?
In The Great Gatsby, is Nick a reliable narrator?
What is the main conflict in The Great Gatsby?
How does Nick meet Gatsby for the first time?
Why is Gatsby great?
How women are portrayed in The Great Gatsby?
Who killed Myrtle in The Great Gatsby?
What was Jay Gatsby’s real name & background?
How is Gatsby different from his guests?
Who killed Gatsby and how did that happen?
In chapter 7, why does Gatsby stop giving parties?
Does money buy love in The Great Gatsby?
What does “owl eyes” reveal about Gatsby’s books?
What does Gatsby want from Daisy in chapter 6?
How does the Narrator describe Gatsby?
What is Gatsby doing when Nick first sees him?
How did Gatsby get rich?
Is The Great Gatsby about love or money?
Why did Daisy marry Tom in The Great Gatsby?
What role does Dan Cody’s yacht play in Great Gatsby?
Who attended Gatsby’s funeral?
What is the climax of The Great Gatsby?
What is Gatsby’s real history?
How is society shown in The Great Gatsby?
What does “her voice is full of money” mean?
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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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149 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics

Let’s travel to the roaring 1920s with our collection of The Great Gatsby essay prompts! F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, set amidst the luxury and decadence of the Jazz Age, thrills readers with its exploration of love, wealth, and the elusive pursuit of the American Dream. In the Great Gatsby essay topics below, you will find titles about the complex characters and their entwined destinies.

🪩 7 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics

📝 best the great gatsby essay prompts, 🎓 interesting the great gatsby research paper topics, 👍 great gatsby essay & thesis ideas, 💡 simple the great gatsby essay topics, 📌 more the great gatsby essay prompts, ❓ the great gatsby essay titles – bonus.

Love in Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
The American Dream in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby: Book Review
How Money and Wealth Depicted in the Fitzgerald’s “Great Gatsby”
Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan: Character Comparison
Old and New Money in The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby Themes
The Sun Also Rises and The Great Gatsby: Comprare & Contrast ‘The Great Gatsby’ by S.Fitzgerald and ‘The Sun also Rises’ by E.Hemingway touched the themes of human challenges, racism and isolation under the impact of war events.
Examples of Racism in The Great Gatsby Tom Buchanan’s racism reflects the ideas and situation in the country in the 1920s when the fight for white supremacy could still be observed.
The Great Gatsby: Gatsby and the Decline of the American Dream This paper will research the decline of Gatsby’s American dream by summarizing the novel, defining the discussed notion, and providing several supporting examples from the story.
Benjamin Franklin vs. Jay Gatsby: Character Comparison The paper aims to consider the character traits of Gatsby through the portrayal of Ben Franklin, discuss their aims and features.
Analysis of The Great Gatsby (2013) This work highlights the possible readings of the film The Great Gatsby according to rhetoric, semiotics, the gaze, and queer theory.
Symbolism in The Great Gatsby In The Great Gatsby there are several symbols but the most powerful appears to be the eyes that overlook the valley from a bill board.
Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby” as a Deconstruction of the American Dream One way in which the movie deconstructs the idea of the American Dream is by showing that prosperity does not necessarily come in hand with virtue.
Gender in The Great Gatsby & The Yellow Wallpaper The complexities of men and women in the texts were examined and evaluated on the basis of sexuality and relationship and the inferences would be supported by the text itself.
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Beliefs and Values This paper uses “The Great Gatsby” book to describe the major events and experiences that influenced Francis Scott Fitzgerald’s beliefs and values.
The Great Gatsby as a Reflection of American Culture The protagonist, Jay Gatsby, was the forerunner of an entire literary dynasty of rich personalities with a mysterious past.
Green Light in The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby of F. Scott Fitzgerald is known for its symbolism which is very mysterious and intricate as a lot of details.
The Great Gatsby: Illusions in Human Existence The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is often analyzed from the point of view of opposing dreams and reality, the spiritual and material world.
The American Dream: Jay Gatsby’s Illegal Wealth The American Dream is a happy way of living believed in the US that anyone has a chance for success and can also rise to a higher social or economic position by working hard.
The Great Gatsby: A Book Review and Summary The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is highly evaluated among literary critics and perceived to be one of the most prominent novels ever written.
Nick Carraway in “The Great Gatsby” by Scott Fitzgerald In contrast to other characters in The Great Gatsby, Nick goes through a number of changes from the beginning to the end of the novel.
Owl Eyes in “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald This paper discusses and examines the significance of the minor character Owl Eyes in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby”.
The Great Gatsby: Chapters’ Review Chapter 1: Nick Carraway decides to move from Minnesota to New York. He starts his story by mentioning that his father told him not to judge others.
The Deception of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby Fitzgerald’s magnum opus The Great Gatsby raises an important question about the legitimacy of the American Dream. The novel centers on Jay Gatsby, a millionaire who came from humble beginnings and spends his time trying to reunite with his former lover, Daisy. Gatsby’s warped perception of success makes him see…
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald “The Great Gatsby” is a recognized classic of American literature with the characteristic idea of that era – a dream that transforms into a tragedy eventually.
Relationships in Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun vs. Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” are two novels that explore the complexities of human relationships in different contexts.
Money and Wealth in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” The paper discusses what money means for Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway and how this theme is essential for developing topics like the American dream and love.
Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” Book Review The central thesis of the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is that American society in the Roaring Twenties is disillusionment and moral decay.
The Novel “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald This paper attempts to trace the peculiarities of the protagonist of the novel “The Great Gatsby” and argues that Fitzgerald has transferred some of his own peculiarities to him.
“The Great Gatsby”: What Makes Daisy So Attractive?
Nick and His Experiences of Materialism in “The Great Gatsby”
The Confrontational Relationship Between Tom and Gatsby in F Scott Fitzgerald’s, “The Great Gatsby”
How Women Are Portrayed in “The Great Gatsby”
What Techniques Does Fitzgerald Use to Convey the Main Themes in “The Great Gatsby”
Contrasting Western Morals and Eastern Corruption in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
“Love Conquers All: Analyzing Romance and Relationships Within “The Great Gatsby”
“The Great Gatsby”: Morals and American Idealism
Fitzgerald’s Personal Background Paralleled With the Character in “The Great Gatsby”
What Makes One Great? “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
How the Lost Generation Is Represented in “The Great Gatsby”
The Careless Gaiety and Moral Decadence of the Rich in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Jay Gatsby´S American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”
The American Dream Turned Nightmare in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Greed, Lust and the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”, a Novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Ambition and Its Negative Effects: “The Great Gatsby” and Macbeth
The Deconstruction Post Modern Criticism of “The Great Gatsby”
Morals and American Idealism in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Gatsby’s Unrealistic American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”
American Culture During “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The East Egg and the Corruption of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Superficial Love and Realistic Love in “The Great Gatsby” by F Scott Fitz
Failure of American Dream: “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald Review Despite the seeming glamor and wealth, the character of Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald is deeply and inherently tragic.
Ethics in The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald In The Great Gatsby, many of the characters have questionable ethics. The story, written by Scott Fitzgerald, reflects a society where moral decadence thrives
The Film “The Great Gatsby” and the American Dream The film “The Great Gatsby” is just one example, which leaves hope for people that the American Dream in any of its interpretations is attainable for the majority today.
Jay Gatsby by F. S. Fitzgerald and the American Dream The American Dream means the individual’s striving for success, material well-being, and other kinds of achievement, implying an ascent to recognition, wealth, and fame
The American Dream Discussion Based on the Film “The Great Gatsby” In “The Great Gatsby”, Franklin’s assertion the American Dream is available to all people is incorrect – Gatsby achieved wealth by fraud, but it didn’t fulfill his American dream.
Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” Book and Movie Comparison “The Great Gatsby” can be called a faithful interpretation, however, it still has some personal analysis of the director.
“The Great Gatsby”: The American Dream Is Not Feasible for All “The Great Gatsby” declares that the American Dream is not feasible for all because neither virtuous character nor hard work leads to prosperity, and hope remains unrewarded.
“The Great Gatsby” Is the Best Fitzgerald’s Novel “The Great Gatsby” is practically the most successful book of Francis Scott Fitzgerald as it has been translated into many languages.
The Great Gatsby: How Money and Class Create and Destroy Relationships Money and class always played a huge role in the life of any society. Since ancient times, people have been marrying for money: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
“The Great Gatsby” by F.S. Fitzgerald Hero Review Nick Carraway by “The Great Gatsby” by F.S. Fitzgerald is the novel’s narrator and protagonist who undergoes considerable personal change.
Francis Scott Fitzgerald’s Jazz Age Perception in “The Great Gatsby” The purpose of this paper is to analyze the features used by Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby in terms of its contribution to the reader’s impression and the work’s status.
Pursuit of Daisy Buchanan in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” “The Great Gatsby” is a novel by F. S. Fitzgerald. The purpose of this essay is to examine whether Gatsby should have sought Daisy and the reasons why this pursuit was justified.
American Dream in Fitzgeralds’s “The Great Gatsby” Among the many concepts explored in Fitzgeralds’s The Great Gatsby, American Dream is one of the most notable ones.
The Great Gatsby: American Dream Concept The movie, The Great Gatsby, satirizes American Dream by showing that it is an illusion that cannot be attained: wealth is not always a product of hard work.
Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”: Gatsby’s Impossible Dream In The Great Gatsby, the story concerns a mysterious character named Jay Gatsby. He is exceptionally wealthy, hosting parties at his manor attended by many people.
“The Great Gatsby” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”: Examination of Material Wealth The paper examines Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” and Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” focusing on the theme of materialistic wealth and its impacts on human life.
Scott Fitzgerald “The Great Gatsby”: Literary Devices In the book Fitzgerald applies literary techniques such as dramatic irony, allegory, exposition, personification, and foreshadowing to accord the story a smart finishing.
Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway: Character Analysis This paper compares and contrasts two characters from “The Great Gatsby”, which are Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway, who represent the novel’s protagonist and narrator respectively
The Great Gatsby: Analysis The main character Jay Gatsby returns after the overpast of World War I. As we see, he is a respectable veteran being newly wealthy. He settles in “West Egg”.
The Role of Love and Women in Great Gatsby and the Sun Also Rises Love is inextricably linked to women in both Fitzgerald’s “Great Gatsby” and Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises” so much so that a serious discussion of one cannot be complete without the other.
Color Symbolism in The Great Gatsby The novel Great Gatsby depicts the unique vision of the American dream and its impact on the life of a person during the 1920s.
Infidelity in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” The Great Gatsby is the story of materialism, its pursuit, symbolism on those who possess it at different stages of life, and how the majority may decline morally in its lure.
Society in The Great Gatsby The novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a bitter satire to the American dream, which according to the ideas of the majority implies the heap of the happiness.
In the Time of the Butterflies and The Great Gatsby: Compare & Contrast Essay The settings of both stories help us understand the canvasses upon which the authors paint their pictures and contextualizes the actions of stories’ characters.
Money & Wealth in The Great Gatsby In The Great Gatsby, Jay wants to win back the only girl he ever felt he loved. It’s hard to blame Gatsby for attempting to win Daisy by impressing her with his material wealth.
Jazz Age in “The Great Gatsby” by Scott Fitzerald The topic of changes in the American society in 1920s, in the book “The Great Gatsby” by Scott Fitzerald, and the change of the concept of the American Dream.
Masculinity in The Great Gatsby and The Breakfast Club The paper demonstrates how the American culture depicts masculinity as reflected in media (movies) and American literature in the course readings.
Imagery in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Fitzgerald The principle imagery of the novel lies in its locations. There are three key locations, which signify different social classes of the American society at the time.
“The Great Gatsby” a Novel by Francis Scott Fitzgerald The novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is set up in the 1920’s, an era during which new liberties were being discovered in fashion.
Difference Between Illusion and Reality in “The Great Gatsby”
“The Great Gatsby” Through the Lens of Feminist Criticism
How Money Widens the Gap of Loneliness in “The Great Gatsby”
What Part Does Social Class Play in “The Great Gatsby”?
Broken Dreams and Fallen Themes: The Corruption of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”
Dreams the Main Theme in “The Great Gatsby”
Connection Between Saint Hedwig of Silesia and “The Great Gatsby”
Imagination and Its Effects on the World of “The Great Gatsby”
Love Lust and Obsession in “The Great Gatsby”
Beauty and Foolishness: The Role of Pammy Buchanan in “The Great Gatsby”
Discover the Hidden Reality in “The Great Gatsby”
Equating Money and Prosperity to the Power of Love in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
What Going From West to East Meant for the Characters in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
America and the Decay of Morality: “The Great Gatsby” and “The Sun Also Rises”
How Does the Author Use Theme, Setting, and Character to Instil in the Reader a Desire to Read on “The Great Gatsby”?
Why Has “The Great Gatsby” Been Hailed as the Ultimate Testament to the Glamorous Side of the Jazz Era?
“The Great Gatsby” Displaying the Corruption of the American
“The Great Gatsby”: Fitzgerald Tying Is Life to the Book
Pure Happiness and Self-Satisfaction in the Pursuit of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”, a Novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“The Great Gatsby”: Evidence of Insecurity and Ambiguity That Question Nick Carraway’s Heterosexuality
Ambition and the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”
Existentialism, Jungian Analysis, and Marxist Criticism in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“The Great Gatsby”, Their Eyes Were Watching God and Grapes
Man’s Dreams for Elite Social Class in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Similarities Between “The Great Gatsby” and Julius Caesar
Lying and Its Consequences in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Emotion Over Reason: Frankenstein and “The Great Gatsby”
Dreaming Can Bring Misery in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitgerald
The Thin Line Between Dreams and Reality in “The Great Gatsby”
Beneath the Surface Glitter, ‘“The Great Gatsby”’ Is a Profoundly Pessimistic Novel
“The Great Gatsby”: Wealth Allows People to Be Careless and Dangerous
Women’s Intentions Towards Men in “The Great Gatsby” by Francis Scott Fitzgerald
Breathing Dreams Like Air in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
East and West Egg in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Overview How Fitzgerald Presents Marriage as a Dysfunctional
Affairs, Wealth, and Murder in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
American Dream and Materialism in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
How Does Great Gatsby’s Morality Apply to Modern Society?
Achieving Hopes and Dreams in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Idealized Love Hope and Mortality in “The Great Gatsby”
Death and the Relief of “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis and Literary Interpretation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Greed for Success and Wealth in “The Great Gatsby”
How Is the American Dream Corrupted in “The Great Gatsby”?
What Characters in “The Great Gatsby” Represent the American Dream?
How Did the Author Elicit Sympathy for the Character of Great Gatsby?
What Are the Major Themes in “The Great Gatsby”?
Does Money Buy Happiness in “The Great Gatsby”?
Who Is the Most Tragic Character in “The Great Gatsby”?
How Is Illusion Mistaken for Reality in “The Great Gatsby”?
Is “The Great Gatsby” Movie Accurate to the Book?
Does Money Cause Problems in “The Great Gatsby”?
How Is Happiness Portrayed in “The Great Gatsby”?
What Is the Main Message of “The Great Gatsby”?
Should “The Great Gatsby” Still Be Read in Schools?
How Does Money Affect the Characters in “The Great Gatsby”?
What Makes Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” a Timeless Classic?
How Is Violence Shown in “The Great Gatsby”?
Does the Novel “The Great Gatsby” Relate to Modern-Day Society?
How Has Fitzgerald Presented the Character of Daisy in “The Great Gatsby”?
What Does Great Gatsby Say About Society?
How Does “The Great Gatsby” Show That Money Can’t Buy Love?
Why Does “The Great Gatsby” Criticize Society?
How Is Social Class Presented in “The Great Gatsby”?
What’s the Difference Between “The Great Gatsby” Movie and Book?
How Does Fitzgerald Portray Class at the Start of “The Great Gatsby”?
What Is Fitzgerald Ultimately Trying to Say About Money and Materialism in “The Great Gatsby”?
Why Is Gatsby Known as Great?

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StudyCorgi. (2021, November 12). 149 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/the-great-gatsby-essay-topics/

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These essay examples and topics on The Great Gatsby were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on June 24, 2024 .

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Books — The Great Gatsby

Essays on The Great Gatsby

The great gatsby essay topic examples.

Whether you want to analyze the American Dream, compare and contrast characters, vividly describe settings and characters, persuade readers with your viewpoints, or share personal experiences related to the story, these essay ideas provide a diverse perspective on the themes and complexities within the book.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays require you to analyze and present arguments related to the novel. Here are some topic examples:

1. Argue whether the American Dream is achievable or illusory, as depicted in The Great Gatsby .
2. Analyze the moral ambiguity of Jay Gatsby and the consequences of his relentless pursuit of the American Dream.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a tale of ambition, decadence, and the elusive American Dream. This essay delves into the complex theme of the American Dream, exploring whether it remains attainable or has transformed into a tantalizing illusion, luring individuals like Jay Gatsby into its enigmatic embrace.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: In conclusion, the analysis of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby invites us to reevaluate our perceptions of success and fulfillment. As we contemplate the fate of Jay Gatsby and the characters entangled in his world, we are challenged to define our own version of the American Dream and the sacrifices it may entail.

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast essays enable you to examine similarities and differences within the novel or between it and other literary works. Consider these topics:

1. Compare and contrast the characters of Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan, exploring their contrasting worldviews and motivations.
2. Analyze the similarities and differences between the portrayal of the Jazz Age in The Great Gatsby and Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises .

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: The characters and settings in The Great Gatsby and other literary works offer a rich tapestry for comparison and contrast. This essay embarks on a journey to compare and contrast the enigmatic Jay Gatsby and the brash Tom Buchanan, delving into their contrasting values, aspirations, and roles within the novel.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan illuminate the divergent paths individuals can take in pursuit of their desires. As we consider the consequences of their choices, we are prompted to reflect on the complexities of ambition and morality.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays allow you to vividly depict settings, characters, or events within the novel. Here are some topic ideas:

1. Describe the opulent parties at Gatsby's mansion, emphasizing the decadence and extravagance of the Jazz Age.
2. Paint a detailed portrait of Daisy Buchanan, focusing on her beauty, charm, and the allure she holds for Gatsby.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: The Great Gatsby immerses readers in the lavish world of the Roaring Twenties. This essay embarks on a descriptive exploration of the extravagant parties at Gatsby's mansion, capturing the opulence and hedonism of the era, as well as the illusions they create.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: In conclusion, the descriptive portrayal of Gatsby's parties serves as a vivid snapshot of the Jazz Age's excesses and the fleeting nature of indulgence. Through this exploration, we are reminded of the allure and transience of the materialistic pursuits that captivated the characters of the novel.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays involve arguing a point of view related to the novel. Consider these persuasive topics:

1. Persuade your readers that Nick Carraway is the moral compass of the story, serving as the voice of reason and morality.
2. Argue for or against the idea that Gatsby's love for Daisy is genuine and selfless, despite his questionable methods.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: The Great Gatsby presents a tapestry of characters with complex moral dilemmas. This persuasive essay asserts that Nick Carraway emerges as the moral compass of the story, guiding readers through the labyrinth of decadence and disillusionment in the Jazz Age.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument regarding Nick Carraway's role as the moral compass underscores the importance of ethical navigation in a world characterized by excess and moral ambiguity. As we reflect on his influence, we are compelled to consider the enduring value of integrity and virtue.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays offer you the opportunity to tell a story or share personal experiences related to the themes of the novel. Explore these narrative essay topics:

1. Narrate a personal experience where you encountered the allure of materialism and extravagance, similar to the characters in The Great Gatsby .
2. Imagine yourself as a character in the Jazz Age and recount your interactions with Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: The themes of The Great Gatsby resonate with the allure of a bygone era. This narrative essay delves into a personal encounter with the seductive pull of materialism and extravagance, drawing parallels to the characters' experiences in the novel.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my personal encounter with the allure of materialism reminds us of the timeless nature of the themes in The Great Gatsby . As we navigate our own desires and ambitions, we are encouraged to contemplate the balance between aspiration and morality.

Lies and Deceit in The Great Gatsby

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The Portrayal of Female Characters in F.s. Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby

The great gatsby: pursuing the american dream, the great gatsby by f. scott fitzgerald: book review, representation of the american dream in the great gatsby, the unpleasant character of tom buchanan in the great gatsby, a look at the character of daisy buchanan as depicted in the great gatsby, representation of the lost generation in the great gatsby, the symbolic use of eyes in the great gatsby, the theme of materialism in the great gatsby, a novel by f. scott fitzgerald, "love conquers all": analyzing romance and relationships within the great gatsby, symbolism of the yellow color in the great gatsby, the significance of color use in the great gatsby and the grapes of wrath, criticizing the american dream as shown in the great gatsby, the great gatsby: how the american greatness has decayed, beauty and foolishness: the role of pammy buchanan in the great gatsby, how women empower themselves in the great gatsby, the american dream obsession in the great gatsby, gatsby's transformation into the tragic hero in the great gatsby, the theme of temporariness in the great gatsby, depiction of america during prohibition in the great gatsby.

April 10, 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald

Novel; Fiction, Tragedy

Jay Gatsby , Nick Carraway, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, Jordan Baker, Meyer Wolfsheim, George B. Wilson, Trimalchio, Mr. Gatz

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote "The Great Gatsby" with multiple motivations in mind. Firstly, he sought to critique the materialistic excesses and moral decay of the Roaring Twenties, a period of post-World War I prosperity. Fitzgerald aimed to expose the disillusionment and hollowness behind the glittering facade of the American Dream. Additionally, he drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of the wealthy elite and their decadent lifestyles. Through the character of Jay Gatsby, Fitzgerald explored themes of unrequited love, longing, and the pursuit of an unattainable ideal. Ultimately, Fitzgerald's intent was to capture the essence of an era and offer a profound commentary on the human condition.

The story revolves around Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire, and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a married woman with whom he had a romantic past. Narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man from the Midwest, the novel delves into the opulent and extravagant lives of the wealthy elite in Long Island. As Gatsby throws lavish parties in the hope of rekindling his relationship with Daisy, the narrative explores themes of love, wealth, illusion, and the disillusionment that comes with the pursuit of the American Dream.

The American Dream , decadence, idealism, resistance to changes, social excess, caution.

The influence of "The Great Gatsby" extends far beyond its initial publication in 1925. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel has become a literary classic, revered for its exploration of themes such as wealth, love, and the elusive American Dream. It remains relevant due to its timeless portrayal of human desires, societal decadence, and the consequences of relentless pursuit. The book's vivid characters and atmospheric prose have inspired countless writers and artists, shaping the landscape of American literature. With its commentary on the dark underbelly of the Jazz Age, "The Great Gatsby" continues to captivate readers, serving as a cautionary tale and a poignant reflection of the human condition.

1. During F. Scott Fitzgerald's lifetime, approximately 25,000 copies of the book were sold. However, since then, it has gained immense popularity, selling over 25 million copies and establishing itself as one of the most renowned American novels. 2. The Great Gatsby did not have its original title as the author considered various options, ranging from "Under the Red, White and Blue" to "The High-Bouncing Lover." These alternative titles were potentially revealing too much about the content prematurely. 3. In 1926, just a year after its publication, the book was adapted into a film, demonstrating its quick transition from page to screen. 4. Fitzgerald's cause of death is believed to have been tuberculosis rather than a heart attack. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 44. 5. The price of this famous novel at the time of its publication in 1925 was $2, representing its value in that era. 6. The Great Gatsby did not immediately receive critical acclaim upon release. However, it has since garnered recognition and praise, becoming a significant literary work.

"The Great Gatsby" has made a significant impact on various forms of media, captivating audiences across generations. The novel has been adapted into several films, with notable versions including the 1974 adaptation starring Robert Redford and the 2013 adaptation featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. These cinematic interpretations have brought the story to life visually, further immersing audiences in the opulent world of Jay Gatsby. Additionally, the novel has been referenced and alluded to in countless songs, television shows, and even video games, solidifying its cultural significance. Its themes of love, wealth, and the pursuit of the American Dream continue to resonate and inspire creative works in popular culture.

“In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. ‘Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.’” “I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.” “Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.” “So we drove on toward death through the cooling twilight.” “I hope she'll be a fool -- that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”

Studying "The Great Gatsby" holds great importance due to its enduring relevance and literary significance. The novel offers profound insights into themes such as wealth, love, social class, and the corruption of the American Dream. Its exploration of the Jazz Age exposes the allure and emptiness of a materialistic society, making it a compelling study of human desires and societal decay. F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterful prose and symbolic imagery provide rich material for analyzing character development, narrative techniques, and social commentary. Moreover, delving into the novel's historical context allows for a deeper understanding of the cultural and societal shifts of the 1920s.

The inclusion of "The Great Gatsby" as an essay topic for college students stems from its exploration of themes like the American Dream, the juxtaposition of poverty and wealth, and the destructive allure of corruption. The character of Gatsby embodies the American spirit and can be paralleled to contemporary individuals fixated on materialism and fame as measures of romantic success. Furthermore, this literary masterpiece holds a significant place in American literature, as F. Scott Fitzgerald skillfully weaves socio-cultural elements into each sentence, providing a timeless portrayal of American life that resonates across generations. The choice to analyze and write about "The Great Gatsby" allows students to delve into these thought-provoking themes and examine their relevance to society.

1. Stallman, R. W. (1955). Conrad and The Great Gatsby. Twentieth Century Literature, 1(1), 5–12. (https://doi.org/10.2307/441023) 2. John Jerrim, Lindsey Macmillan, (2015). Income Inequality, Intergenerational Mobility, and the Great Gatsby Curve: Is Education the Key?, Social Forces, Volume 94, Issue 2. (https://academic.oup.com/sf/article/94/2/505/2583794) 3. Robert C. Hauhart (2013) Religious Language and Symbolism in The Great Gatsby’s Valley of Ashes, ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews, 26:3 (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0895769X.2013.798233) 4. Burnam, T. (1952). The Eyes of Dr. Eckleburg: A Re-Examination of “The Great Gatsby.” College English, 14(1), 7–12. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/371821) 5. Tom Phillips (2018) Passing for White in THE GREAT GATSBY: A Spectroscopic Analysis of Jordan Baker, The Explicator, 76:3. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00144940.2018.1489769?scroll=top&needAccess=true&role=tab) 6. Matterson, S. (1990). The Great Gatsby and Social Class. In: The Great Gatsby. The Critics Debate. Palgrave, London. (https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-349-20768-8_9) 7. Licence, A. (2008). Jay Gatsby: martyr of a materialistic society: Amy Licence considers religious elements in The Great Gatsby. The English Review, 18(3), 24+. (https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA173676222&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=09558950&p=LitRC&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7E5a84816e) 8. Khodamoradpour, Marjan and Anushiravani, Alireza, (2017) Playing the Old Tunes: A Fiskean Analysis of Baz Luhrmann's 2013 Cinematic Adaptation of the Great Gatsby. International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences, Volume 71. (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3020752) 9. Anderson, H. (1968). THE RICH BUNCH IN" THE GREAT GATSBY". Southern Quarterly, 6(2), 163. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/6a9e704a476d873aada2d2529821b95a/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2029886)

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226 Great Gatsby Essay Topics & Prompts

Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
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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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The Great Gatsby

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At the beginning, Nick explains his father’s attitude toward judging the morals of others, which specifically suggests that immoral acts are committed by those with fewer social advantages. By the end of the novel, he has become so disgusted with the East Coast world he’s inhabited that he returns to the Midwest. Do you think his attitude toward moral judgment has changed? Or does he retain the same class-based system of judgment that he began with?

Discuss the tension between realism and fairy tale in this novel. Do you consider this novel realistic? Why, or why not? In what ways does the novel fit the genre of fairy tale? In what ways does it depart?

What is the significance of the valley of ashes? How does the divide between the valley and East and West Egg reflect broader socioeconomic divides in the United States, both in the 1920s and today?

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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.

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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

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Introduction to The Great Gatsby
Relationship to Other Books
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Introduction

The Great Gatsby Research Paper Topics

This page provides a comprehensive guide to The Great Gatsby research paper topics , meticulously curated to assist students in their literary endeavors. The vast and complex world of The Great Gatsby offers a rich ground for in-depth analysis and academic discourse. From exploring the intricate web of themes woven by F. Scott Fitzgerald, to the multifaceted characters that populate this timeless narrative, and the novel’s enduring cultural impact, there is a treasure trove of topics to delve into. Additionally, we present iResearchNet’s top-tier writing services, designed to support students in crafting exceptional research papers on any chosen topic. Your journey into the mesmerizing world of The Great Gatsby begins here.

100 The Great Gatsby Research Paper Topics

The Great Gatsby , penned by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a seminal work that has inspired a vast array of The Great Gatsby research paper topics. The novel is a brilliant tapestry of themes, characters, and plot intricacies that continue to spark discussions and analyses in literature and society. It delves deep into the American Dream, the socio-economic context of the 1920s, the complexities of human relationships, and many other aspects that make it a timeless and multifaceted narrative. This list provides a comprehensive collection of research paper topics, carefully divided into ten categories, each with ten topics. These topics encompass themes, character analysis, symbolism, socio-economic context, Fitzgerald’s biography, literary devices, narrative structure, film adaptations, cultural impact, and contemporary interpretations.

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The disillusionment of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby .
The role of wealth and social status in shaping characters’ lives in The Great Gatsby .
The depiction of love and desire in The Great Gatsby .
The contrast between reality and illusion in The Great Gatsby .
The theme of moral decay in The Great Gatsby .
The significance of the past in shaping the present in The Great Gatsby .
The role of loneliness and isolation in The Great Gatsby .
The exploration of gender roles in The Great Gatsby .
The theme of materialism in The Great Gatsby .
The portrayal of the Jazz Age in The Great Gatsby .

Character Analysis

The transformation of Jay Gatsby: A character analysis.
The complexities of Daisy Buchanan: A character analysis.
The role of Nick Carraway as the narrator and character.
The depiction of Tom Buchanan as a representation of the American upper class.
The character of Jordan Baker and her role in the narrative.
The significance of minor characters in The Great Gatsby .
The portrayal of Myrtle Wilson as a victim of her society.
The comparison of Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan.
The character development of Nick Carraway throughout the novel.
The influence of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s life on the characters of The Great Gatsby .
The significance of the green light in The Great Gatsby .
The role of the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg in The Great Gatsby .
The symbolism of the Valley of Ashes in The Great Gatsby .
The use of color symbolism in The Great Gatsby .
The representation of the East Egg and West Egg in The Great Gatsby .
The symbolism of cars and driving in The Great Gatsby .
The role of parties and social gatherings in The Great Gatsby .
The symbolism of weather in The Great Gatsby .
The significance of the title “The Great Gatsby”.
The symbolism of names in The Great Gatsby .

Socio-Economic Context

The depiction of the Roaring Twenties in The Great Gatsby .
The impact of the socio-economic status of characters in The Great Gatsby .
The contrast between old money and new money in The Great Gatsby .
The portrayal of social mobility in The Great Gatsby .
The role of class distinctions in The Great Gatsby .
The depiction of the American Dream’s accessibility in The Great Gatsby .
The influence of historical events on the plot of The Great Gatsby .
The portrayal of the upper class’s superficiality in The Great Gatsby .
The depiction of the decline of the American Dream in the 1920s.
The impact of the Jazz Age on the characters and plot of The Great Gatsby .

Author’s Biography

The influence of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s life on The Great Gatsby .
The impact of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s relationships on The Great Gatsby .
The parallels between F. Scott Fitzgerald and the character of Jay Gatsby.
The reflection of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s struggles with alcoholism in The Great Gatsby .
The influence of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s experiences in World War I on The Great Gatsby .
The impact of the Jazz Age on F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Great Gatsby .
The role of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s upbringing in shaping The Great Gatsby .
The influence of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s financial struggles on The Great Gatsby .
The role of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s mental health in shaping The Great Gatsby .
The reflection of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s aspirations and disappointments in The Great Gatsby .

Literary Devices

The use of symbolism in The Great Gatsby .
The role of the first-person narrative in The Great Gatsby .
The use of imagery in The Great Gatsby .
The significance of the narrative structure in The Great Gatsby .
The use of foreshadowing in The Great Gatsby .
The role of irony in The Great Gatsby .
The use of metaphors and similes in The Great Gatsby .
The significance of the novel’s ending in The Great Gatsby .
The role of motifs in The Great Gatsby .
The use of language and diction in The Great Gatsby .

Narrative Structure

The role of Nick Carraway as the unreliable narrator in The Great Gatsby .
The significance of the chronological order of events in The Great Gatsby .
The use of flashbacks in The Great Gatsby .
The role of the narrative voice in The Great Gatsby .
The significance of the novel’s opening and closing lines in The Great Gatsby .
The role of perspective in shaping the narrative of The Great Gatsby .
The use of multiple narrators in The Great Gatsby .
The impact of the narrative style on the reader’s interpretation of The Great Gatsby .
The role of the narrative structure in shaping the themes of The Great Gatsby .
The impact of the narrative pacing on the reader’s experience of The Great Gatsby .

Film Adaptations

A comparison of the 1974 and 2013 film adaptations of The Great Gatsby .
The impact of the film adaptations on the perception of The Great Gatsby .
The accuracy of the film adaptations in portraying the novel’s themes and characters.
The role of the setting and costume design in the film adaptations of The Great Gatsby .
The impact of the casting choices on the portrayal of the characters in the film adaptations of The Great Gatsby .
The significance of the musical score in the film adaptations of The Great Gatsby .
The role of the director’s vision in shaping the film adaptations of The Great Gatsby .
The impact of the film adaptations on the popularity of The Great Gatsby .
The role of the screenplay in adapting The Great Gatsby for the screen.
The impact of the film adaptations on contemporary interpretations of The Great Gatsby .

Cultural Impact

The influence of The Great Gatsby on American literature.
The role of The Great Gatsby in shaping the American Dream’s perception.
The impact of The Great Gatsby on popular culture.
The influence of The Great Gatsby on subsequent works of literature.
The role of The Great Gatsby in shaping the 1920s’ cultural perception.
The impact of The Great Gatsby on the portrayal of the Jazz Age in literature and film.
The influence of The Great Gatsby on the portrayal of gender roles in literature and film.
The role of The Great Gatsby in shaping the perception of wealth and social status in American culture.
The impact of The Great Gatsby on the portrayal of the American upper class in literature and film.
The influence of The Great Gatsby on the depiction of love and desire in popular culture.

Contemporary Interpretations

The relevance of The Great Gatsby in the 21st century.
The role of The Great Gatsby in shaping contemporary discussions on wealth and social status.
The impact of The Great Gatsby on contemporary portrayals of the American Dream.
The influence of The Great Gatsby on modern interpretations of the Jazz Age.
The role of The Great Gatsby in shaping contemporary discussions on gender roles.
The impact of The Great Gatsby on modern portrayals of love and desire.
The influence of The Great Gatsby on contemporary discussions on materialism.
The role of The Great Gatsby in shaping modern interpretations of the Roaring Twenties.
The impact of The Great Gatsby on contemporary portrayals of moral decay.
The influence of The Great Gatsby on modern discussions on loneliness and isolation.

The significance of The Great Gatsby in literature and culture cannot be overstated. The novel offers a wealth of The Great Gatsby research paper topics for students, researchers, and enthusiasts alike. The intricate web of themes, characters, and narrative devices that Fitzgerald weaves together in this masterpiece continues to provide fertile ground for exploration and analysis. Whether you are interested in delving into the socio-economic context of the 1920s, analyzing the complexities of the characters, exploring the symbolism embedded in the narrative, or examining the novel’s cultural impact and contemporary interpretations, this comprehensive list of research paper topics offers a starting point for your journey into the rich world of The Great Gatsby .

The Great Gatsby

And the range of research paper topics it offers.

The Great Gatsby , penned by F. Scott Fitzgerald, stands as one of the most iconic pieces in American literature, offering a plethora of compelling research paper topics. The novel delves deep into themes such as the American Dream, social stratification, love, and loss, all set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties. The range of The Great Gatsby research paper topics is indeed vast, encompassing everything from character analysis, the motifs and symbols utilized, to the novel’s pertinence in today’s society.

The story unfolds through the life of Jay Gatsby, a millionaire shrouded in mystery, famous for his opulent parties, and his unreciprocated love for Daisy Buchanan, a married woman. Narrated by Nick Carraway, Gatsby’s neighbor and confidant, Fitzgerald masterfully depicts the Jazz Age, an era marked by unparalleled economic prosperity, jazz music, and liberalized social norms. Yet, beneath the shimmering surface, the novel lays bare a darker side of society, marked by moral decline, cynicism, and a pursuit of fulfillment that often culminates in tragedy.

One of the novel’s pivotal themes is the American Dream, a belief rooted in the idea that anyone, irrespective of their background, can achieve success through perseverance and hard work. Gatsby, who rises from poverty to amass a fortune through questionable means, is driven by his desire to win back Daisy, the love of his life. His journey, however, proves futile as he realizes that wealth and social standing do not guarantee happiness or fulfillment. This theme presents a fertile ground for exploration, and there are numerous The Great Gatsby research paper topics that delve into the novel’s commentary on the American Dream, its attainability, and its ultimate hollowness.

Social stratification is another prominent theme in The Great Gatsby . The novel is set during a time when America was deeply segregated along class lines. The characters hail from diverse social strata, and their interactions reveal the prevalent biases and prejudices of the time. For instance, Tom Buchanan, Daisy’s husband, is a wealthy yet arrogant individual who looks down upon those from lower social strata. Despite his affluence, Gatsby is never fully embraced by the old money elite. This theme opens up a myriad of The Great Gatsby research paper topics related to class struggle, the impact of wealth on relationships, and the role of social status in shaping one’s identity.

The characters in The Great Gatsby are intricate and multi-faceted, each representing different aspects of human nature. Jay Gatsby, the central character, is a charismatic yet enigmatic figure, whose fixation with the past ultimately leads to his demise. Daisy Buchanan is enchanting and charming, yet also superficial and self-absorbed. Tom Buchanan is domineering and aggressive, embodying the old money aristocracy of the East Egg. Nick Carraway, the narrator, serves as the moral compass of the novel, and his perspective influences the reader’s perception of the events and characters. The intricate dynamics between these characters offer a wide range of The Great Gatsby research paper topics related to character analysis, motivations, and the interplay between them.

Fitzgerald composed The Great Gatsby during a period of significant social and cultural transformation. The Roaring Twenties was marked by unprecedented economic growth, technological advancements, and a relaxation of social norms. However, it was also a time of great disparity, with a significant divide between the rich and the poor. Fitzgerald’s novel critiques this era, highlighting the superficiality and emptiness that often lurked beneath the surface glamour. This historical context provides a backdrop for numerous The Great Gatsby research paper topics related to the cultural, social, and economic forces at play during this time.

In conclusion, The Great Gatsby offers a vast array of research paper topics for students and researchers. Whether one is interested in exploring themes of the American Dream and social stratification, analyzing the complex characters and their relationships, or examining the historical and cultural context of the novel, there are numerous angles to approach this literary masterpiece. The novel’s enduring relevance and appeal make it a rich source of inspiration for The Great Gatsby research paper topics that delve into the many layers of this iconic work.

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Topics for The Great Gatsby Argumentative Essay

Dr. wilson mn.

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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Best Summary and Analysis: The Great Gatsby

Book Guides

Maybe you've just finished The Great Gatsby and need some guidance for unpacking its complex themes and symbols. Or maybe it's been awhile since you last read this novel, so you need a refresher on its plot and characters. Or maybe you're in the middle of reading it and want to double check that you're not missing the important stuff. Whatever you need - we've got you covered with this comprehensive summary of one of the great American novels of all time!

Not only does this complete The Great Gatsby summary provide a detailed synopsis of the plot, but it'll also give you: capsule descriptions for the book's major characters, short explanations of most important themes, as well as links to in-depth articles about these and other topics.

(Image: Molasz / Wikimedia Commons)

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.

The Great Gatsby Summary: The Full Plot

Our narrator, Nick Carraway, moves to the East Coast to work as a bond trader in Manhattan. He rents a small house in West Egg, a nouveau riche town in Long Island. In East Egg, the next town over, where old money people live, Nick reconnects with his cousin Daisy Buchanan, her husband Tom, and meets their friend Jordan Baker.

Tom takes Nick to meet his mistress, Myrtle Wilson. Myrtle is married to George Wilson, who runs a gas station in a gross and dirty neighborhood in Queens. Tom, Nick, and Myrtle go to Manhattan, where she hosts a small party that ends with Tom punching her in the face.

Nick meets his next-door neighbor, Jay Gatsby, a very rich man who lives in a giant mansion and throws wildly extravagant parties every weekend, and who is a mysterious person no one knows much about.

Gatsby takes Nick to lunch and introduces him to his business partner - a gangster named Meyer Wolfshiem.

Nick starts a relationship with Jordan. Through her, Nick finds out that Gatsby and Daisy were in love five years ago, and that Gatsby would like to see her again.

Nick arranges for Daisy to come over to his house so that Gatsby can "accidentally" drop by. Daisy and Gatsby start having an affair.

Tom and Daisy come to one of Gatsby's parties. Daisy is disgusted by the ostentatiously vulgar display of wealth, and Tom immediately sees that Gatsby's money most likely comes from crime.

We learn that Gatsby was born into a poor farming family as James Gatz. He has always been extremely ambitious, creating the Jay Gatsby persona as a way of transforming himself into a successful self-made man—the ideal of the American Dream.

Nick, Gatsby, Daisy, Tom, and Jordan get together for lunch. At this lunch, Daisy and Gatsby are planning to tell Tom that she is leaving him. Gatsby suddenly feels uncomfortable doing this in Tom's house, and Daisy suggests going to Manhattan instead.

In Manhattan, the five of them get a suite at the Plaza Hotel where many secrets come out. Gatsby reveals that Daisy is in love with him. Tom in turn reveals that Gatsby is a bootlegger, and is probably engaged in other criminal activities as well. Gatsby demands that Daisy renounce Tom entirely, and say that she has never loved him. Daisy can't bring herself to say this because it isn't true, crushing Gatsby's dream and obsession. It's clear that their relationship is over and that Daisy has chosen to stay with Tom.

That evening, Daisy and Gatsby drive home in his car, with Daisy behind the wheel. When they drive by the Wilson gas station, Myrtle runs out to the car because she thinks it's Tom driving by. Daisy hits and kills her, driving off without stopping.

Nick, Jordan, and Tom investigate the accident. Tom tells George Wilson that the car that struck Myrtle belongs to Gatsby, and George decides that Gatsby must also be Myrtle's lover.

That night, Gatsby decides to take the blame for the accident. He is still waiting for Daisy to change her mind and come back to him, but she and Tom skip town the next day. Nick breaks up with Jordan because she is completely unconcerned about Myrtle's death.

Gatsby tells Nick some more of his story. As an officer in the army, he met and fell in love with Daisy, but after a month had to ship out to fight in WWI. Two years later, before he could get home, she married Tom. Gatsby has been obsessed with getting Daisy back since he shipped out to fight five years earlier.

The next day, George Wilson shoots and kills Gatsby, and then himself.

The police leave the Buchanans and Myrtle's affair out of the report on the murder-suicide.

Nick tries to find people to come to Gatsby's funeral, but everyone who pretended to be Gatsby's friend and came to his parties now refuses to come. Even Gatsby's partner Wolfshiem doesn't want to go to the funeral. Wolfshiem explains that he first gave Gatsby a job after WWI and that they have been partners in many illegal activities together.

Gatsby's father comes to the funeral from Minnesota. He shows Nick a self-improvement plan that Gatsby had written for himself as a boy.

Disillusioned with his time on the East coast, Nick decides to return to his home in the Midwest.

Other Ways to Study the Plot of The Great Gatsby

See what happens when in actual chronological order and without flashbacks in our Great Gatsby timeline .

Read our individual The Great Gatsby chapter summaries for more in-depth details about plot, important quotes and character beats, and how the novel's major themes get reflected:

Learn the significance behind the novel's title , its beginning , and its ending .

List of the Major Characters in The Great Gatsby

Click on each character's name to read an in-depth article analyzing their place in the novel.

Nick Carraway —our narrator, but not the book's main character. Coming East from the Midwest to learn the bond business, Nick is horrified by the materialism and superficiality he finds in Manhattan and Long Island. He ends up admiring Gatsby as a hopeful dreamer and despising the rest of the people he encounters.

Jay Gatsby —a self-made man who is driven by his love for, and obsession with, Daisy Buchanan. Born a poor farmer, Gatsby becomes materially successful through crime and spends the novel trying to recreate the perfect love he and Daisy had five years before. When she cannot renounce her marriage, Gatsby's dream is crushed.

Daisy Buchanan —a very rich young woman who is trapped in a dysfunctional marriage and oppressed by her meaningless life. Daisy has an affair with Gatsby, but is ultimately unwilling to say that she has been as obsessed with him as he has with her, and goes back to her unsatisfying, but also less demanding, relationship with her husband, Tom.

Tom Buchanan —Daisy's very rich, adulterous, bullying, racist husband. Tom is having a physically abusive affair with Myrtle Wilson. He investigates Gatsby and reveals some measure of his criminal involvement, demonstrating to Daisy that Gatsby isn't someone she should run off with. After Daisy runs over Myrtle Wilson, Tom makes up with Daisy and they skip town together.

Jordan Baker —a professional golfer who has a relationship with Nick. At first, Jordan is attractive because of her jaded, cynical attitude, but then Nick slowly sees that her inveterate lying and her complete lack of concern for other people are deal breakers.

Myrtle Wilson —the somewhat vulgar wife of a car mechanic who is unhappy in her marriage. Myrtle is having an affair with Tom, whom she likes for his rugged and brutal masculinity and for his money. Daisy runs Myrtle over, killing her in a gruesome and shocking way.

George Wilson —Myrtle's browbeaten, weak, and working class husband. George is enraged when he finds out about Myrtle's affair, and then that rage is transformed into unhinged madness when Myrtle is killed. George kills Gatsby and himself in the murder-suicide that seems to erase Gatsby and his lasting impact on the world entirely.

Other Ways to Study Great Gatsby Characters

Need a refresher on all the other people in this book? Check out our overview of the characters or dive deeper with our detailed character analyses .

Get some help for tackling the common assignment of comparing and contrasting the novel's characters .

Start gathering relevant character quotes to beef up your essay assignments with evidence from the text.

List of the Major Themes in The Great Gatsby

Get a broad overview of the novel's themes , or click on each theme to read a detailed individual analysis.

Money and Materialism —the novel is fascinated by how people make their money, what they can and can't buy with it, and how the pursuit of wealth shapes the decisions people make and the paths their lives follow. In the novel, is it possible to be happy without a lot of money? Is it possible to be happy with it?

Society and Class —the novel can also be read as a clash between the old money set and the nouveau riche strivers and wannabes that are trying to either become them or replace them. If the novel ends with the strivers and the poor being killed off and the old money literally getting away with murder, who wins this class battle?

The American Dream —does the novel endorse or mock the dream of the rags-to-riches success story, the ideal of the self-made man? Is Gatsby a successful example of what's possible through hard work and dedication, or a sham whose crime and death demonstrate that the American Dream is a work of fiction?

Love, Desire, and Relationships —most of the major characters are driven by either love or sexual desire, but none of these connections prove lasting or stable. Is the novel saying that these are destructive forces, or is just that these characters use and feel them in the wrong way?

Death and Failure —a tone of sadness and elegy (an elegy is a song of sadness for the dead) suffuses the book, as Nick looks back at a summer that ended with three violent deaths and the defeat of one man's delusional dream. Are ambition and overreach doomed to this level of epic failure, or are they examples of the way we sweep the past under the rug when looking to the future?

Morality and Ethics —despite the fact that most of the characters in this novel cheat on their significant others, one is an accidental killer, one is an actual criminal, and one a murderer, at the end of the novel no one is punished either by the law or by public censure. Is there a way to fix the lawless, amoral, Wild East that this book describes, or does the replacement of God with a figure from a billboard mean that this is a permanent state of affairs?

The Mutability of Identity —the key to answering the title's implied questions (What makes Gatsby great? Is Gatsby great?) is whether it is possible to change oneself for good, or whether past history and experiences leave their marks forever. Gatsby wants to have it both ways: to change himself from James Gatz into a glamorous figure, but also to recapitulate and preserve in amber a moment from his past with Daisy. Does he fail because it's impossible to change? Because it's impossible to repeat the past? Or both?

Other Ways to Study Great Gatsby Themes

Often, themes are represented by the a novel's symbols. Check out our overview of the main symbols in The Great Gatsby , or click on an individual symbol for a deeper exploration of its meaning and relevance:

The green light at the end of Daisy's dock
The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg
The valley of ashes

Themes are also often reinforced by recurring motifs. Delve into a guide to the way motifs color and enrich this work.

The Bottom Line

Use our analysis, gathered quotations , and description for help with homework assignments, tests, and essays on this novel.

What's Next? More Great Gatsby Analysis and Study Guides!

Understand how the book is put together by looking at its genre, narrator, and setting .

Learn the background of and context for the novel in our explanations of the history of the composition of the book and the biography of F. Scott Fitzgerald .

Get a sense of how the novel has been adapted by reading about its many film versions .

Read an overview of how to write analytical essays about the characters in the Great Gatsby before diving into the nitty-gritty for each main character (including the question of if Jay Gatsby really is great ).

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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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I was battling cancer while starring on Broadway and no one knew

I knew I wanted to be on Broadway since age 6, when I saw my first musical. Growing up, that goal informed almost every decision I made: the kind of music I listened to, the books I read, and even where I went to college. After graduating, I moved to New York City to pursue this dream.

That same year I tested positive for the BRCA1 gene . The BRCA1 mutation means you have a 50% chance of developing breast cancer by age 70, and also a higher risk of other cancers, like ovarian cancer , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . I got tested because my mother had recently survived her second battle with breast cancer, and my grandmother and her sister both died of ovarian cancer. When the results came back positive, I was disappointed and sad, but I adapted my lifestyle accordingly. I got screened regularly. I started exercising, and changed my diet to limit my risk. Genetically, I couldn’t do much. Epigenetically, I did everything in my power to prevent the gene from presenting itself.

Meanwhile, I worked. Eventually I made my Broadway debut at the age of 29. It was short-lived, but then I got a role on “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” on Netflix, where I remained for the next seven years. All the while, I was maintaining the healthy habits I’d established in the wake of testing positive for the BRCA1 gene, with one exception: My doctors had started advising me, as I got older, to remove my fallopian tubes, but I always came up with excuses to put the surgery off.

When “Kimmy” was over, I realized just how much I missed the stage. As luck would have it I was soon asked to join the cast of a new musical adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” on Broadway as Myrtle Wilson. For those who haven’t read the book in a while (or ever, as was my case, though I still somehow managed to graduate high school), Myrtle is married to the poor gas station owner and dreams of a better life with Tom Buchanan. In the musical, Myrtle gets a big, splashy, musical comedy number in Act 1 and a gut-wrenching 11 o’clock ballad in Act 2. It was every Broadway fantasy I had ever dreamed of. The show was already getting a lot of attention and it hadn’t even opened.

But a month or so before rehearsals began, my doctors again recommended I go through with removing my fallopian tubes. With Broadway rehearsals starting soon, and a grueling show schedule ahead of me, I decided to just go for it. I had the procedure 10 days before rehearsals started. Now, I thought, I could put it out of my head.

Two weeks later, I was at home practicing my lines when the phone rang. It was my doctor. They had found cancer in one of my fallopian tubes. Thankfully, it was caught early, but the standard of care was an immediate full hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and six rounds of chemotherapy every three weeks. I couldn’t believe what he was telling me. After I could compose myself, I nervously asked, “Can I still do ‘Gatsby’?”

We got out our calendars. “Gatsby” was to rehearse for two more weeks before a four-week “previews” period — a grueling process where the cast rehearses changes to the show by day and performs them for an audience that evening. Then, the big opening night. I knew I had three days off soon, so I arranged to have the surgery then, and if the pathology reports came back clean, the doctors could let me delay starting chemo until after opening night.

I went into rehearsal and didn’t tell anyone. Mostly because I was in denial. If I said it out loud, it would be true. That I have cancer. That I am rehearsing a Broadway show while being treated for cancer. Or maybe I thought someone would try and take my dream away from me.

I went into rehearsal the next morning and didn’t tell anyone. Mostly because I was in denial. If I said it out loud, it would be true. That I have cancer. That I am rehearsing a Broadway show while being treated for cancer. Or maybe I thought someone would try and take my dream away from me. Or people might treat me differently. Best to keep it to myself until absolutely necessary, I thought. Besides, the stress of creating a new Broadway show was already so palpable in the room.

I found myself living a secret double life. In the early mornings I would meet with doctors, get blood work done and then run down the street to Broadway rehearsals, stashing my hospital bracelets along the way. Two weeks after my diagnoses, I secretly got a full hysterectomy, oophorectomy and cervix removal. Four days after that, I was on stage singing and dancing in full costumes and wigs like nothing had happened. (For the record, I do not recommend this.) I hid my scars with compression garments underneath my costumes, and I hid my pain too.

As an actor opening a new Broadway show, my job was to do things like learn a whole new set of lyrics a few hours before being expected to perform them flawlessly in front of a sold-out audience. As a secret cancer patient, I had to experience one of my first hot flashes alone on stage while 1,400 people watched. I would never know if the sensations I was feeling were just nerves, a side effect of a new medication, or both. I never knew if I was crying on stage because that’s what my character would do or because I was sad knowing I would lose my eyelashes and eyebrows soon.

Thankfully, two weeks into previews, the doctors called to say the pathology reports came back clean and I could perform on opening night. I was absolutely elated. Still, as my cast and crew looked for opening night outfits, I secretly looked for wigs and scarves in case I needed them. As people were telling their friends and family about this new Broadway show they were in, I was telling friends and family about what to expect in the next coming months. My colleagues met with stylists; I met with oncologists.

Opening night finally arrived. Minutes before the show was about to start, I finally found a moment to be by myself in my dressing room. I started to sob uncontrollably. I had been so focused on getting to this night, I don’t think I had ever fully allowed myself to acknowledge all I had been going through. But the show must go on. So I pulled myself together, put my costume on, circled up with my cast backstage for our pre-show ritual, and the curtains opened.

I walked to center stage at the end of Act 2 to sing my big solo. I was alone singing on a Broadway stage, just like I had always dreamed about. I’ve heard the journey of cancer described as incredibly lonely, and I’ve found that to be true. No matter how many people I have in my corner (and I have so many wonderful people), no matter how many people applaud for me or greet me at the stage door, no matter how many incredible cast members and crew surround me, this was ultimately something I had to do by myself.

And as I stood by myself on stage, just a spotlight on me and my secret hiding in plain sight, whatever I was feeling earlier melted away and was replaced with pride.

The next week, I told my cast the truth. In the months to come, I relied heavily on understudies until I took a leave of absence to finish out treatments. Drugs have thankfully come a long way in the past 10 years, and, while my experience wasn’t fun, it was not even close to what the women in my family had to go through. I even got to keep 50% of my hair.

I’m also comforted by the fact that soon I’ll be back on stage. And this time, I know I’ll be even stronger.

Sara Chase is a Broadway actor living in New York City. She is best known for playing Cyndee Pokorny on Tina Fey’s Emmy-nominated hit Netflix series, "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," and "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: The Interactive Special." Follow her on Instagram @sarachase_.

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COMMENTS

185 The Great Gatsby : Best Topics and Examples
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. 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.
20 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics
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.
50+ Best Great Gatsby Essay Topics [2024 Updated]
Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald wrote one of the greatest American thriller novel, The Great Gatsby, in 1925. It has turned out to be one of the best sellers and most-read fictional works in the US. The popularity of this novel makes it an easy target for college tutors teaching the English language. Here, you will find the most common topics and ...
149 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics
The Great Gatsby is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in the twentieth century, the "Jazz Age" in America. The writer considers many socially and morally significant topics in the novel, such as love, friendship, social division, and money. The last one is trickier than it seems at first….
The Great Gatsby Suggested Essay Topics
Suggested Essay Topics. PDF Cite. Chapter 1. 1. Consider the references to people in literature or history in the chapter. What purpose (s) do they serve? 2. Write a character sketch of Daisy (or ...
The Great Gatsby Essay Examples
The Great Gatsby Essay Topic Examples. Whether you want to analyze the American Dream, compare and contrast characters, vividly describe settings and characters, persuade readers with your viewpoints, or share personal experiences related to the story, these essay ideas provide a diverse perspective on the themes and complexities within the book.
226 Great Gatsby Essay Topics & Prompts
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.
Most Important Themes in Great Gatsby, Analyzed
Related to money and class, the fact that both Gatsby and the Wilsons strive to improve their positions in American society, only to end up dead, also suggests that the American Dream -- and specifically its hollowness -- is a key theme in the book as well. But there are other themes at play here, too.
The Great Gatsby Essay Topics
Essay Topics. 1. At the beginning, Nick explains his father's attitude toward judging the morals of others, which specifically suggests that immoral acts are committed by those with fewer social advantages. By the end of the novel, he has become so disgusted with the East Coast world he's inhabited that he returns to the Midwest.
The Great Gatsby Critical Essays
Gatsby retains the American Dream in its purest form. A. He has the quality of the original seekers of the dream—the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. III. He adheres to the precept of ...
The Great Gatsby Essays and Criticism
Romantics relate to Gatsby's unrelenting commitment to Daisy, the love of his life. But beneath all the decadence and romance, The Great Gatsby is a severe criticism of American upper class ...
PDF AP English III Great Gatsby Essay Prompts
P English III Great Gatsby Essay Prompts:Assignment: Cho. se two of the following six essay topics. Construct a specific thesis whic. utlines your ideas and. n support it. -Underline your thesis. -Cite examples from th. vely support your thesis.Requirements: Each should be 2-3 pages, typed, double spaced, Times.
The Great Gatsby Essay Questions
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; Glossary ...
The Great Gatsby Research Paper Topics
100 The Great Gatsby Research Paper Topics. The Great Gatsby, penned by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a seminal work that has inspired a vast array of The Great Gatsby research paper topics. The novel is a brilliant tapestry of themes, characters, and plot intricacies that continue to spark discussions and analyses in literature and society.
The Great Gatsby Topics for Discussion
6. How significant is Myrtle Wilson's death? Why does Daisy allow Gatsby to take the blame for it? 7. What is the symbolic importance of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg's eyes on the billboard overlooking the ...
Topics for The Great Gatsby Argumentative Essay
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 Summary and Analysis: The Great Gatsby
He has always been extremely ambitious, creating the Jay Gatsby persona as a way of transforming himself into a successful self-made man—the ideal of the American Dream. Nick, Gatsby, Daisy, Tom, and Jordan get together for lunch. At this lunch, Daisy and Gatsby are planning to tell Tom that she is leaving him.
The Great Gatsby: Essay Topics & Samples
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 ...
'Great Gatsby' Broadway Star Sara Chase Reveals Cancer Struggle
I knew I wanted to be on Broadway since age 6, when I saw my first musical. Growing up, that goal informed almost every decision I made: the kind of music I listened to, the books I read, and even ...

185 The Great Gatsby : Best Topics and Examples

📙 The Great Gatsby – Essay Writing Tips

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The Great Gatsby

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