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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.

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"The Great Gatsby": Theme and Symbols

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

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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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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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The Great Gatsby Essay Topics: Dive Deep into Fitzgerald’s World

When F. Scott Fitzgerald penned “The Great Gatsby,” he probably didn’t foresee the cultural phenomenon it would become. It’s not just a story about the Roaring Twenties, but a timeless exploration of ambition, love, societal pressures, and the ever-elusive American Dream. As students and literature enthusiasts, analyzing this classic novel can lead to intriguing insights.

What is a Great Gatsby Essay?

A “Great Gatsby” essay is an analytical or argumentative piece that delves into the themes, characters, symbols, and narrative techniques in Fitzgerald’s novel. From the opulent parties at Gatsby’s mansion to the faded eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg on a billboard, the novel offers a plethora of subjects ripe for exploration.

Guide to Choosing a Great Gatsby Essay Topic

When it comes to picking the perfect topic for your “Great Gatsby” essay, think about what fascinates you the most about the novel. Is it a particular character’s arc, a recurring symbol, or a central theme? Consider:

Your Passion : Choose a topic that genuinely intrigues you. This will make your writing process more enjoyable.
Relevance : If your essay has specific guidelines, make sure your topic aligns with them.
Scope : Ensure your topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. It should allow for a deep dive without overwhelming.

Great Gatsby Essay Topics Lists

Character analysis.

The evolution of Jay Gatsby: From James Gatz to the Golden Boy
Daisy Buchanan: A symbol of the American Dream or its victim?
The duality of Tom Buchanan: Aristocratic charm and brutish behavior
Jordan Baker: The modern woman of the 1920s
The tragic trajectory of George and Myrtle Wilson

Themes Explored

The decay of the American Dream
The superficiality of the Jazz Age
The role of wealth and class
The portrayal of love and obsession
Morality and corruption in the Roaring Twenties

Symbols and Motifs

The green light: Hope, dreams, and unattainable desires
The Valley of Ashes: Decay, despair, and the downtrodden
Dr. T. J. Eckleburg’s eyes: The omnipresent moral judgment
Cars in the novel: Symbols of status, freedom, and impending doom
East vs. West: The inherent tension and their symbolic meanings

Narrative Techniques

The reliability of Nick Carraway as a narrator
Fitzgerald’s use of color symbolism
The role of setting in character development
The significance of the title: Who is the “Great” Gatsby?
The structure of the novel and its impact on the narrative

Character Insights

The metamorphosis of James Gatz to Jay Gatsby: A self-made illusion
The allure and tragedy of Daisy Buchanan
Tom Buchanan: The embodiment of 1920s excess and entitlement
The enigmatic charm of Jordan Baker
George Wilson: A product of societal neglect
Myrtle Wilson’s desperate grasp for a luxurious life
Meyer Wolfsheim and the underworld of the Jazz Age
The subtle influences of Catherine, Myrtle’s sister

Exploring Central Themes

The ephemeral nature of the American Dream
Love versus obsession: Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy
Moral decay in the heart of the Jazz Age
The consequences of unchecked ambition
Illusion vs. reality: The facades characters maintain
The societal clash: Old Money vs. New Money
The isolation and loneliness lurking beneath the parties

Symbols and Their Interpretations

The elusive green light and its manifold meanings
The Valley of Ashes: The grim face of industrialization
The haunting eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg
The significance of Gatsby’s lavish parties
The role of automobiles: Symbols of modernity and death
The shirts and materialism: Daisy’s emotional collapse

Narrative Techniques & Structure

Assessing Nick Carraway’s reliability as a narrator
Fitzgerald’s prose: A blend of poetic and prosaic
The non-linear timeline and its effects on suspense
The role of weather and its influence on the narrative mood
Foreshadowing in the novel: Predicting Gatsby’s downfall

Comparative Analyses

“The Great Gatsby” and the plays of Tennessee Williams: A study in Southern Gothic
Comparing Daisy Buchanan and Blanche DuBois
The Jazz Age in “The Great Gatsby” vs. “This Side of Paradise”
Comparing the tragedies of Jay Gatsby and Oedipus Rex
The portrayal of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby” vs. “Death of a Salesman”

Societal Implications

The role of women in “The Great Gatsby”: Traditionalism vs. Modernism
Racism and xenophobia: The dark undertones of the Jazz Age
The impact of Prohibition on the characters and plot
Jazz music and its influence on the Roaring Twenties ethos
The disillusionment of World War I veterans: Gatsby’s hidden scars

Miscellaneous Topics

The significance of the Midwest vs. the East Coast
The influence of Gatsby’s father and his cameo in the novel
Analyzing the epigraph: Why “Then wear the gold hat”?
The role of minor characters in building Gatsby’s world
The cultural legacy of “The Great Gatsby” in modern media

Unraveling Relationships

Gatsby and Nick: A friendship built on admiration and intrigue
The love triangle: Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom
The tragic love affair of George and Myrtle Wilson
Tom and Myrtle: Lust, power, and socioeconomic dynamics
The nuanced relationship between Nick and Jordan

Behind the Illusions

The significance of Gatsby’s Oxford photograph and medal
The root of Gatsby’s wealth: Ill-gotten gains and their implications
The role of gossip and rumors in shaping perceptions
The real reason behind Gatsby’s infatuation with Daisy
The illusion of East Egg’s sophistication and its moral bankruptcy

Contextual Analysis

The influence of the Lost Generation on Fitzgerald’s narrative
The impact of the stock market and economic dynamics on the story’s backdrop
Jazz, flappers, and the cultural shifts of the 1920s
The role of organized crime and its influence on the novel’s events
The societal implications of prohibition in the Roaring Twenties

Deeper Dive into Symbols

The significance of the color yellow in the novel
Gatsby’s mansion as a symbol of his ambitions and insecurities
The motif of water and barriers in Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship
The broken clock during Gatsby’s reunion with Daisy
The juxtaposition of fire and water in the novel’s climax

Literary Legacy

The influence of “The Great Gatsby” on modern American literature
Adapting “The Great Gatsby”: Comparing the novel to its film adaptations
“The Great Gatsby” in popular culture: References, homages, and parodies
The continued relevance of “The Great Gatsby” in the 21st century
How “The Great Gatsby” reflects the cyclical nature of societal excess and downfall

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Useful References:

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald – Read the full novel for free on Project Gutenberg.
F. Scott Fitzgerald and the American Dream – A deep dive into the author’s perspective on the American Dream.
The Roaring Twenties and The Great Gatsby – Understand the historical context of the novel.

The Great Gatsby: Essay Samples

Welcome to The Great Gatsby Essay Samples page prepared by our editorial team! Here you’ll find a heap of wonderful ideas for your Great Gatsby essay. Absolutely free research paper and essay samples on The Great Gatsby are collected here, on one page.

📝 The Great Gatsby: Essay Samples List

Below you’ll find a large collection of The Great Gatsby essay and research paper samples. Feel free to use any of them to inspire your own writing!

Gatsby & Nick in The Great Gatsby Essay Genre : Essay Words : 1763 Focused on : The Great Gatsby characters Characters mentioned : Nick Carraway, Jay Gatsby
Gatsby & Jean Valjean: Compare & Contrast Essay Genre : Essay Words : 1259 Focused on : The Great Gatsby characters Characters mentioned : Nick Carraway, Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan
The Ethicality of an Action Jay Gatsby Genre : Assessment paper Words : 833 Focused on : The Great Gatsby themes Characters mentioned : Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson
The American Dream in The Great Gatsby: Essay Genre : Essay Words : 619 Focused on : The Great Gatsby themes Characters mentioned : Nick Carraway, Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, George Wilson
Babylon Revisited & The Great Gatsby: Motifs & Themes Genre : Essay Words : 1216 Focused on : The Great Gatsby themes Characters mentioned : Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan
Time as a Theme in The Great Gatsby: Essay Genre : Essay Words : 896 Focused on : The Great Gatsby themes Characters mentioned : Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson
Daisy Buchanan: Quotes Analysis Essay Genre : Essay Words : 1077 Focused on : The Great Gatsby characters Characters mentioned : Nick Carraway, Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, Jordan Baker
Female Characters in The Streetcar Named Desire & The Great Gatsby: Comparative Essay Genre : Essay Words : 1639 Focused on : The Great Gatsby characters Characters mentioned : Nick Carraway, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan
Why Is Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby a Satire? Genre : Essay Words : 680 Focused on : The Great Gatsby genre Characters mentioned : Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Mr. McKee
Jay Gatsby & Tom Buchanan: Compare & Contrast Genre : Essay Words : 812 Focused on : The Great Gatsby characters Characters mentioned : Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan
Francis Scott Fitzgerald & His American Dream Genre : Essay Words : 1815 Focused on : F.S. Fitzgerald’s biography Characters mentioned : Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan
Jay Gatsby & Eponine from Les Miserables: Compare & Contrast Essay Genre : Essay Words : 812 Focused on : The Great Gatsby characters Characters mentioned : Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan
Jay Gatsby and Valjean in ‘Les Miserables’: Comparative Essay Genre : Essay Words : 769 Focused on : The Great Gatsby characters Characters mentioned : Jay Gatsby, Nick Carraway
Love in The Great Gatsby & The Catcher in The Rye: Comparative Essay Genre : Analytical essay Words : 1059 Focused on : The Great Gatsby themes Characters mentioned : Jay Gatsby, Nick Carraway, Daisy Buchanan
The Great Gatsby: Analysis and Feminist Critique Genre : Essay Words : 1365 Focused on : The Great Gatsby analysis Characters mentioned : Nick Carraway, Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, George Wilson
Fairy Tale Traits in The Great Gatsby Genre : Essay Words : 1146 Focused on : The Great Gatsby analysis & context Characters mentioned : Nick Carraway, Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan
The Great Gatsby: Book Review Genre : Book review Words : 701 Focused on : The Great Gatsby context Characters mentioned : Nick Carraway, Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan
The Great Gatsby: Book Review & Reflection Genre : Essay Words : 587 Focused on : The Great Gatsby characters Characters mentioned : Nick Carraway, Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, George Wilson, Jordan Baker
Fitzgerald’s American Dream in The Great Gatsby & Winter Dreams Genre : Argumentative essay Words : 1119 Focused on : The Great Gatsby themes Characters mentioned : Nick Carraway, Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan
Silver & Gold: Color Symbolism in The Great Gatsby Genre : Essay Words : 889 Focused on : The Great Gatsby color symbolism Characters mentioned : Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, Jordan Baker
Nick as the Narrator in The Great Gatsby Genre : Essay Words : 2473 Focused on : The Great Gatsby characters Characters mentioned : Nick Carraway
The Dilemmas of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby Genre : Essay Words : 687 Focused on : The Great Gatsby themes Characters mentioned : Jay Gatsby
Political Satire in American Literature Genre : Essay Words : 788 Focused on : The Great Gatsby genre Characters mentioned : Nick Carraway, Jay Gatsby
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Study Guide Menu

Short Summary
Summary (Chapter 1)
Summary (Chapter 2)
Summary (Chapter 3)
Summary (Chapter 4)
Summary (Chapter 5)
Summary (Chapter 6)
Summary (Chapter 7)
Summary (Chapter 8)
Summary (Chapter 9)
Symbolism & Style
Quotes Explained
Essay Topics
Essay Samples
Questions & Answers
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Biography
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Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Great Gatsby: Essay Samples." May 21, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/lit/the-great-gatsby-study-guide/essay-samples/.

144 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.

The American Dream in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby: Book Review
Old and New Money in The Great Gatsby
Gender in The Great Gatsby & The Yellow Wallpaper
Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan: Character Comparison
The Great Gatsby Themes
Benjamin Franklin vs. Jay Gatsby: Character Comparison
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.
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: 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.
Love in Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” The main characters of both modern and traditional works, “Pride and Prejudice” and “The Great Gatsby,” openly say that a human cannot hide her feelings.
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…
How Money and Wealth Depicted in the Fitzgerald’s “Great Gatsby” Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby shows how wealth is a major element in the social order by showcasing, how money corrupts individual and classifies social groups.
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.
“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.
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
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.
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.
“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 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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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”.
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.
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.
“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
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: 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.
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: 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.
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”.
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.
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 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.
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.
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” 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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
“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” 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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). 144 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/the-great-gatsby-essay-topics/

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1. StudyCorgi . "144 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics." November 12, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/the-great-gatsby-essay-topics/.

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StudyCorgi . "144 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics." November 12, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/the-great-gatsby-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2021. "144 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics." November 12, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/the-great-gatsby-essay-topics/.

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 January 20, 2024 .

226 Great Gatsby Essay Topics & Prompts

Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
Icon Page 2708 words
Icon Clock 13 min read

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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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to write a compare/contrast essay for the great gatsby.

Book Guides

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

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

Article Roadmap

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

What to Do in a Compare/Contrast Essay

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

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

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

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

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

What to Avoid in a Compare/Contrast Essay

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

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

Why Are These Characters Paired Most Often?

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

Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby

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

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

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

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

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

Quick Note on Our Citations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nick and Gatsby Essay Ideas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom and Gatsby Essay Ideas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom and George Essay Ideas

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daisy and Jordan Essay Ideas

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daisy and Myrtle Essay Ideas

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

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

What’s Next?

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

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

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

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The Great Gatsby: Essay Topics & Samples

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

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

💡 Essay Topics
✒️ Essay Samples

💡 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics & Prompts

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

✒️ The Great Gatsby: Essay Examples

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

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

This article by Custom-Writing.org experts contains all you need to know about the summary of The Great Gatsby: synopsis, a timeline diagram, and a detailed overview of the events by chapters. No summary machine would be able to provide you with this much in-depth information about The Great Gatsby plot....

This article by Custom-Writing.org experts has everything about The Great Gatsby characters, their values, and relationships. Check it out to learn about Jay Gatsby character traits, Nick Carraway, Klipspringer, Daisy and Tom Buchanan, Jordan Baker, Myrtle Wilson, and others. Additionally, in the first section, you’ll find The Great Gatsby character...

This article by Custom-Writing.org experts provides an explanation of The Great Gatsby themes. The core issues represented in the novel by Fitzgerald are: the American dream, money, social class, love, morality, and time. Keep reading to learn more about the themes of The Great Gatsby! ✉️ What Is the Main...

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

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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.
88 Perfect Essay Topics on The Great Gatsby
Welcome to The Great Gatsby Essay Topics page prepared by our editorial team! Here you'll find a large collection of essay ideas on the novel! Literary analysis, themes, characters, & more. Get inspired to write your own paper! We will write a custom essay specifically. for you for only 11.00 9.35/page.
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.
89 The Great Gatsby Essay Titles, Examples & Essay Samples
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.
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 ...
100+ Great Gatsby Essay Topics and Ideas
The metamorphosis of James Gatz to Jay Gatsby: A self-made illusion. The allure and tragedy of Daisy Buchanan. Tom Buchanan: The embodiment of 1920s excess and entitlement. The enigmatic charm of Jordan Baker. George Wilson: A product of societal neglect. Myrtle Wilson's desperate grasp for a luxurious life.
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: Essay Samples
Here you'll find a heap of wonderful ideas for your Great Gatsby essay. Absolutely free research paper and essay samples on The Great Gatsby are collected here, on one page. We will write a custom essay specifically. for you for only 11.00 9.35/page. 808 certified writers online.
PDF AP English III Great Gatsby Essay Prompts
The Great Gatsby AP Essay Prompts Choose one of the essay prompts below. Write a thoughtful, focused, and organized response. Your essay should focus on the novel as evidence— this means quoting directly from the novel at least twice. Your essay will be graded using the AP style rubric (available for viewing on my website) on how well
144 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics
144 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.
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.
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.
The Great Gatsby Topics for Discussion
6. What is the significance of Myrtle Wilson's death? Why does Daisy let Gatsby take the blame for her death? 7. What is the symbolic meaning of the billboard displaying Dr. T. J. Eckleburg's eyes ...
How to Write a Compare/Contrast Essay for The Great Gatsby
In a compare/contrast essay, you can't just present a list of similarities and differences. You also need to have an underlying argument you're supporting. Feel free to take these at face value or as jumping-off points for your own thoughts. Tom loves Daisy as a person, Gatsby loves her as an idea.
The Great Gatsby: Essay Topics, Samples, & Prompts
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 ...
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.
PDF English 351
English 351 - The Great Gatsby: Summative Essay. TARGET: Students will evaluate Gatsby as a text fitting with one of the 7 schools of literary criticism. Having decided that school, students will select and analyze a central topic that runs throughout Gatsby. Students will incorporate two outside sources as well as the novel for analysis.
The Use of Color Symbolism in "The Great Gatsby"
Throughout time, many have associated the color green with rebirth and hope; however, in The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses the color green to represent hopelessness and the failure of the American Dream. The American Dream is a belief held by many Americans that with hard work and determination one can achieve one's dreams.
The Great Gatsby Essays
Book Review The Great Gatsby. 'The great Gatsby' published in 1925 by F. Scott Fitzgerald tells the story of Nick Carraway, who narrates the novel from his perspective. He is a young Yale graduate who rents a house in the West Egg. Upon moving to New York, he rents a house next door to the mansion of a millionaire, Jay Gatsby who hosts ...
What is a good thesis statement for an essay on the Great Gatsby
Share Cite. Some possible thesis statements below: 1. Although Jay Gatsby lived his life loving Daisy, she did not even attend his funeral. 2. Although the night life was all glitter and glamor at ...

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