Name _____________________________________ Bell ___________ Date

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The Great Gatsby Literary Analysis Five Para.

Directions: Choose one of the following options. Draft a five
paragraph LITERARY ANALYSIS of The Great Gatsby. The FORMAT
is that of a standard five-paragraph essay. The FOCUS of this
paper is the text itself. Each option revolves around some aspect
of the text. Opinions should be limited and always justified with
evidence from the story itself.
BAD: I think Jordan is stupid because she lies a lot.
GREAT: Jordans character is not to be trusted; we know this
from Nicks
description of an incurably dishonest girl...within
the novel she(TGG
pg. #).
Three different graphic organizers are included within the packet.
Choose whichever one fits with you the most. Drafting is
important! Getting ALL your thoughts onto paper is just as
important as the final paper itself. Also included is a sheet with
literary analysis language. USE THIS SHEET! It can only help you!
STAY FOCUSED. WORK HARD. This is your opportunity to PROVE. I
have faith in all of you, do your best.
1. Does Gatsby deserve to be called "Great"? In what ways is
he great? In what ways is he not? Did the author want us to
like or dislike Gatsby at the end of the novel?
2. Analyze the topic of carelessness. How is carelessness
central in the characters lives? Jordan, Nick, Tom, and Daisy
are all accused of being careless, do you agree with this or
no? Who is guiltier of being careless, if any at all?
3. Gatsby has a dream; some might say an American Dream,
something that he is striving for throughout the novel.
Define what this dream is. Does Gatsby ever take hold of
his dream? How realistic is his dream?

Name _____________________________________ Bell ___________ Date

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4. How does (Nick, Tom, Gatsby, or Daisy) change throughout

the novel? Trace the ONE character through three significant
scenes/ events/ chapters. How/ why does the author make
them change? Or if they dont, why not? What does this say
about the authors intention for his character?
5. Compare and contrast Gatsby and Tom. How are they alike?
How are they different? Which one deserves Daisy?
6. Throughout the story, Gatsby has difficulty accepting that
the past is over and done with; this is a major aspect for
plot. Where do you find evidence of his trying to recapture
the past? What does this say about him? Why or why not?
7. Compare and contrast Gatsbys parties to his funeral. Citing
specific evidence from the text, how is each described? What
can we draw from these descriptions?
8. Nick says, I am one of the few honest people that I have
ever known. When you consider his role as narrator, do you
believe this point of view is honest? Are his descriptions of
others honest? If he is not honest, why does he believe he is
so honest?
9. What are the lessons/ themes we should learn from this
book? Choose three. Use quotes from the book to explain
your answers.
10.
Choose one color, explain its symbolism, and give at
least three examples of why you feel that way. OR choose
several colors. Explain their symbolism and tell us how this
color symbolism helps us understand more of the book and
its themes.
11.
Nick tells Gatsby that hes better than the whole
bunch of the other characters. Choose one character,
Compare and contrast that character with Gatsby. Who is
better? Who is worse? What do we learn from these
characters?

Name _____________________________________ Bell ___________ Date

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Dont like these? Choose your own topic. Just make sure
it has to do with literary analysis of the book. Be sure to
check with Ms. Krause to approve your topic before getting
started.

12.