THE GREAT GATSBY: FINAL ESSAY PROMPTS
Please respond to one of the following questions to address in a well-organized essay. Essays should be three to
five pages in length. Papers must be typed in MLA format (1 inch margins, double-spaced, appropriate heading, size
12 Times New Roman font). Essays should demonstrate clarity of thought and fully answer the question. Use
specific textual (from the book and film) evidence to support your argument.
The Novel and Citizen Kane
1. Compare and contrast the characters of Gatsby and Kane. What are their motivations, desires, and
backgrounds? How do other characters perceive and react to each character? What themes are suggested
through these characters?
2. Discuss the similarities between the two narrators (Nick in The Great Gatsby and Thompson in Citizen Kane).
What exactly is each man trying to achieve? As a result of their efforts, what do they (and us as readers) find
out about their subject? What is expressed about humanity in general?
3. How do the film and novel utilize symbolism? What do the symbols convey about the setting, characters,
themes, etc.? Are there any similarities between the symbolism in The Great Gatsby and the symbolism in
Citizen Kane? Think about what the characters want and the cause of their downfall.
Formal Essay Format:
Introduction
Start out broadly and then narrow down to your thesis statement (your argument). Your thesis is
the last sentence in your introduction. Remember that your thesis statement must be arguable.
Body
Make and justify your argument. Include specific examples and details from the text.
Conclusion: Restate your thesis statement, and broaden your thoughts.
Other Tips:
Absolutely, positively, do not refer to yourself in the paper! Do not use any “I think, my argument is, etc.”
statements anywhere in your paper.
When including direct quotes or paraphrasing passages from the text, include page numbers in parentheses
following the quote:
“she’s going to adopt me and sivilize me and I can’t stand it. I been there before” (Twain, 307).
Be sure that you use the prompts as a guide. It is not necessary to answer each question posed in the entire
prompt. Think of the prompt as questions to help you formulate a response to the question as a whole.
THE GREAT GATSBY: FINAL ESSAY PROMPTS
Please respond to one of the following questions to address in a well-organized essay. Essays should be three to
five pages in length. Papers must be typed in MLA format (1 inch margins, double-spaced, appropriate heading, size
12 Times New Roman font). Essays should demonstrate clarity of thought and fully answer the question. Use
specific textual (from the book and film) evidence to support your argument.
The Novel
1. Fitzgerald uses color as a symbol throughout the novel. How is color used to define the characters? How is
it used to create the setting? How is it used to create mood? Explore Fitzgerald’s use of colors as symbols
and their significance throughout the novel.
2. Explore Jay Gatsby as a symbol of the American Dream. How does he represent the Modernist perception of
the American Dream? What might Fitzgerald be saying about the idea of the American Dream throughout
the novel? In what ways does Gatsby represent the idealist version of the dream? In what ways does he
represent the decline of America?
Formal Essay Format:
Introduction
Start out broadly and then narrow down to your thesis statement (your argument). Your thesis is
the last sentence in your introduction. Remember that your thesis statement must be arguable.
Body
Make and justify your argument. Include specific examples and details from the text.
Conclusion: Restate your thesis statement, and broaden your thoughts.
Other Tips:
Absolutely, positively, do not refer to yourself in the paper! Do not use any “I think, my argument is, etc.”
statements anywhere in your paper.
When including direct quotes or paraphrasing passages from the text, include page numbers in parentheses
following the quote:
“she’s going to adopt me and sivilize me and I can’t stand it. I been there before” (Twain, 307).
Be sure that you use the prompts as a guide. It is not necessary to answer each question posed in the entire
prompt. Think of the prompt as questions to help you formulate a response to the question as a whole.