The Great Gatsby Topics for Literary Analysis

The Great Gatsby Topics

Choose one of the main characters and show how indirect characterization significantly influences a reader’s interpretation of that character.  The thesis statement would tell how Fitzgerald wants readers to view the character.  The evidence and analysis would show the way in which Fitzgerald guides the impressions of the character throughout the book.

Examine the role of the female characters—namely Daisy, Jordan, and Myrtle—in the novel.  How does each of them find herself in conflict with society’s expectations of them?  How does each negotiate that conflict?  What is the novel revealing and/or asserting about the role of women?  Make an assertion and defend with evidence.

Consider Nick as a narrator.  We know that honesty is important to Nick and that he considers himself to be honest.  Examine Nick’s character, including his actions and his observations about others and himself.  Is he a reliable narrator?  Make an assertion and defend. 

Is Gatsby great?  Fitzgerald debated the titling of his novel, developing several other possible titles before choosing.  Are readers supposed to agree that Gatsby is great, or is this a satirical title?  Assert a position and defend with evidence.

A symbol in a novel is a concrete object that represents an idea or a set of ideas.  Choose one major symbol in the novel and explain what that symbol means and how it functions to support a theme of the novel.  Two symbols may be discussed together, but they must be related.  Make an assertion of meaning and, function, and importance, and then defend with evidence. 

Analyze the portrayal of wealth in the novel —the difference between old money and new money, as well as the things that money can and cannot buy.  What is Fitzgerald ultimately trying to say about money and materialism?  What does Gatsby’s rise and fall say about the pursuit of wealth and status in the world of the novel?  Make an assertion and defend with evidence.

One of the main themes of the novel is how illusion is mistaken for reality.  Illustrate how this is true in the various party scenes, in empty gestures and speeches of the main characters, and in the basic fabric of Jay Gatsby’s life.  Make an assertion and defend with evidence.

One of the main themes of the novel is the destruction of the American Dream.  Illustrate how this is true through analysis of the characters and actions of the novel.  Make an assertion and defend with evidence.