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122 The Great Gatsby Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a classic novel that has captivated readers for generations. With its themes of love, wealth, and the American Dream, there are countless essay topics that can be explored when analyzing this novel. Whether you are a student writing a paper for class or just a fan of the book looking for some inspiration, here are 122 great Gatsby essay topic ideas and examples to get you started.

• The symbolism of the green light at the end of Daisy's dock.
• The role of social class in the novel.
• The theme of illusion vs. reality in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the Valley of Ashes in the novel.
• How does Fitzgerald use weather to create mood and atmosphere in the novel?
• The role of women in The Great Gatsby.
• The character of Jay Gatsby as a tragic hero.
• The impact of World War I on the characters in the novel.
• The symbolism of Gatsby's parties.
• The theme of time in The Great Gatsby.
• The role of religion in the novel.
• The significance of the color yellow in the novel.
• The character of Tom Buchanan as a symbol of the old money elite.
• The theme of morality in The Great Gatsby.
• The role of Nick Carraway as a narrator.
• The symbolism of the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg.
• The significance of the character of Meyer Wolfsheim.
• The theme of love in The Great Gatsby.
• The role of race and ethnicity in the novel.
• The symbolism of cars in the novel.
• The theme of betrayal in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Daisy Buchanan.
• The role of alcohol in the novel.
• The symbolism of the letter from Gatsby's father.
• The theme of isolation in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of Gatsby's mansion.
• The role of music in the novel.
• The theme of materialism in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Jordan Baker.
• The role of Nick Carraway as a foil to Gatsby.
• The symbolism of the weather in the novel.
• The theme of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of George Wilson.
• The role of fashion in the novel.
• The symbolism of the East and West Egg.
• The theme of social mobility in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Myrtle Wilson.
• The role of architecture in the novel.
• The theme of loyalty in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Owl Eyes.
• The role of violence in the novel.
• The theme of forgiveness in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Dan Cody.
• The role of nature in the novel.
• The theme of fate in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Catherine.
• The role of technology in the novel.
• The theme of identity in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Henry C. Gatz.
• The role of consumerism in the novel.
• The theme of justice in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Pammy Buchanan.
• The role of education in the novel.
• The theme of power in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Michaelis.
• The role of politics in the novel.
• The theme of memory in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Lucille McKee.
• The role of geography in the novel.
• The theme of ambition in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Edythe.
• The role of communication in the novel.
• The significance of the character of Horace Kean.
• The role of language in the novel.
• The theme of trust in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Lillian Gish.
• The role of media in the novel.
• The theme of friendship in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Mrs. McKee.
• The theme of wealth in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Ewing Klipspringer.
• The role of art in the novel.
• The theme of sacrifice in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of James Gatz.
• The role of literature in the novel.
• The theme of obsession in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Mr. McKee.
• The role of science in the novel.
• The theme of truth in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Mr. Gatz.
• The role of philosophy in the novel.
• The theme of beauty in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Mrs. Gatz.
• The role of psychology in the novel.
• The theme of desire in The Great Gatsby.
• The significance of the character of Mr. Carraway.
• The role of sociology in the novel.
• The significance of the character of Mr. Buchanan.
• The role of anthropology in the novel.
• The significance of the character of Miss Baker.
• The role of history in the novel.
• The significance of the character of Miss Wilson.
• The significance of the character of Miss Gish.

With so many different angles to explore, The Great Gatsby offers endless possibilities for analysis and interpretation. Whether you are interested in exploring the symbolism, themes, characters, or historical context of the novel, there is sure to be a topic that will spark your interest. So pick a topic, start writing, and dive into the world of The Great Gatsby.

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157 The Great Gatsby : Best Topics and Examples

Looking for some creative titles for The Great Gatsby essay? There are many themes to explore about this novel. We offer you The Great Gatsby essay examples about symbolism, character analysis, the style of the novel, and many other topics.

📙 The Great Gatsby – Essay Writing Tips

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The Great Gatsby, the masterpiece written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, will help you dive into the Roaring Twenties’ wealth atmosphere. This is a story of a millionaire Jay Gatsby and his passion for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan

Your professor may ask you to analyze topics such as decadence, money, American Dream, or symbolism in your The Great Gatsby Essay. But what if you have no idea what to write? Well, below, you can find some tips and essay samples that you may use to compose your papers

Tip #1. Analyze symbolism in The Great Gatsby

First, let’s define what symbolism is. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, symbolism is “practice of using symbols, especially by investing things with a symbolic meaning or by expressing the invisible or intangible using visible or sensuous representations.” The Great Gatsby story is full of symbols. And here are just two examples of them:

• The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg painted on a billboard in the Valley of Ashes. You can find a lot of The Great Gatsby essay samples that draw the conclusion that Eckleburg represents God. However, let’s ask a few more questions. Why do these eyes have no mouth or arms, or legs? Does this mean that Eckleburg can only watch people transgressions without any ability to punish them as a God-like entity? Does this billboard mean anything?
• Use of color in Fitzgerald’s story. If you carefully read the novel, you might notice the use of a few colors throughout the book. They are green, gray, gold, and yellow. Think, what do these colors can symbolize and represent these ideas in your paper.

Tip #2. Think about point of view in The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is written in the first-person point of view. Nick Carraway, one of the main characters, tells us about the life and thoughts of Gatsby. In your writing, you can imagine how different the novel would be if it were told in the third-person point of view.

You also can provide some examples if the story was told from Gatsby’s perspective.

Tip #3. Assess how the book relates to the American Dream

If you look through the vast majority The Great Gatsby essay titles, you can find out plenty of samples that address the validity of high society or the social class divide. Gatsby had achieved the American Dream by building his wealth. However, he’s still not satisfied with the shallowness of the upper class and wants something more.

In your paper, you can argue why does one can never attain the American Dream, and why dreamers always want more.

Tip #4. Analyze the characters and their relations

Fitzgerald put each character into the novel for a particular reason. And your job is to analyze what they represent and why they are in the story. For example, Tom represents evil, while Daisy represents innocence. Another aspect you should examine is relationships between Daisy and Gatsby, Tom and Daisy, Nick and Gatsby.

Tip #5. Examine the tone of the novel

When we talk about the tone of the story, we mean how the author describes the events and characters. In your paper, decide what the tone of the novel is and analyze how it affects the readers’ attitude to characters and events.

Now, check The Great Gatsby essay examples below and use the acquired ideas to write your own paper!

• Analysis of the Shirt Scene in “The Great Gatsby” Film Although the shirts mean nothing to Gatsby without Daisy, the audience watches Gatsby’s facial expression display a great deal of empathy and love whenever Daisy seems distressed, especially in this scene when she begins to […]
• Tom and Gatsby: Compare and Contrast Essay In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald pays attention to the relationships between both Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan and Daisy Buchanan. Scott Fitzgerald’s book is mainly focused on the relationship of Daisy with Gatsby and Tom, […]
• The Great Gatsby Reflection Paper Throughout the novel the major character Nick who was the narrator managed to bring out the main themes of the novel as well as developing other characters.
• Autobiographical Elements in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The story is set during the roaring twenties, a period of significant social and cultural change, and it incorporates many of the author’s personal experiences, feelings, and perceptions of the time.
• The Clock as a Symbol in “The Great Gatsby” By incorporating metaphorical elements that allude to the fleeting nature of time, “the Great Gatsby” emphasizes the idea of the futility of life and the inescapability of the past and its mistakes.
• Daisy Buchanan: “I Did Love Him Once, but I Loved You, Too” Another scene shows Daisy’s immoral behavior when she is in the room with Gatsby, Jordan, and Nick. This view shows Daisy’s lustful side in that she pushes Jordan to do the same and is out […]
• The Great Gatsby All these characteristics of America during 1920 are evident and inherent in the main character, Jay Gatsby, in the novel The Great Gatsby. This is one of the themes in the novel The Great Gatsby.
• Nick as the Narrator in The Great Gatsby Therefore, his connection with the Gatsby’s story is that he is depended upon to serve as the mouthpiece of the older generation as he metaphorically transcends through time to retell the Great Gatsby tale accurately […]
• The Great Gatsby: Analysis and Feminist Critique The feminist critique is an aspect that seeks to explore the topic of men domination in the social, economic, and political sectors.
• Daisy’s Character Study in “The Great Gatsby” The argument is that the author attempts to describe her as a pure and innocent female to ensure that the reader understands the perspective of Jay, but particular aspects of her true identity are revealed […]
• American Culture in the Novel “The Great Gatsby” In The Great Gatsby, Scott Fitzgerald documents these changes through an in-depth exploration of cultural changes such as the rise in consumerism, materialism, greed for wealth, and the culture of loosening morals in the 1920s […]
• Silver & Gold: Color Symbolism in The Great Gatsby Although the color palette presented in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is rich, the problem of differing social status is most vividly described in the novel through the use of golden and silver colors that stand […]
• Fairy Tale Traits in The Great Gatsby Basing on the several evident parameters, for instance, the character traits, the behavior of prince and princess, and gender distinctions amongst others, Fitzgerald’s masterwork stands out as a variation and sophisticated version of the fairy […]
• “The Great Gatsby” Film by Baz Luhrmann The Great Gatsby is a film that stars Jay Gatsby, Nick Carraway, Tom Buchanan, and the Southern Belle Daisy. The influence of the past comes out throughout the course of the film.
• Babylon Revisited & The Great Gatsby: Motifs & Themes When he pleads his case to the guardians of Honoria, his sister-in-law Marion, and her husband, he continually evades his escapades of the past and recounts his hard work and sincerity of the present.
• ‘The Great Gatsby’: Tom and Blanche Like Tom, Blanche in the book of Street Car Named Desire, is loyal to her sister who is the only member of her family that we come across.
• Why is Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby a Satire? Another aspect of satire in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is the wealth associated with Gatsby, as the reader observes in chapter two.
• Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’, Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ and the American Dream “The America Dream’ is a longstanding common belief of the American population that in the United States, people are free to realize the full potential of their labor and their talents and every person in […]
• The Great Gatsby and Winter Dreams by Scott Fitzgerald In this analysis, the researcher will try to confirm the argument that the Great Gatsby was a continuation of the Winter Dreams.
• Gatsby & Nick in The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby is a novel of vibrant characters, and paradox is one of the main themes of the book. Even though Daisy and Tom are married, Nick agrees to help Gatsby be with the […]
• Time as a Theme in The Great Gatsby The embodiment of these negative aspects comes in the form of Gatsby and his life, which in the end is seen as hollow and empty, just as the morals and values of the characters seen […]
• Tom and George in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby At the same time, the motives of Tom and George’s behavior differ due to their backgrounds, origins, and belonging to different social classes.
• ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ Literature Comparison Stella is a devoted wife struggling to make her marriage work, even though her husband Stanley, subjects her to a lot of pain and suffering.
• The American Dream in The Great Gatsby After spending some time in this neighborhood, Nick finally attends Gatsby’s exuberant parties only to realize that Gatsby organizes these parties to impress Daisy, Nick’s cousin, and wife to Tom.
• Fitzgerald’s American Dream in The Great Gatsby & Winter Dreams To my mind, Winter Dream is a perfect example of the American Dream, since the main hero, Dexter, implemented each point of it, he was persistent and very hard-working, he was a very sensible and […]
• Architecture in “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald From this perspective, the case of Gatsby’s mansion is a symbolic call for leaving behind the anachronistic ideas of aristocracy and embracing American ideals.
• The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald Review Gatsby’s dream to become wealthy to gain Daisy’s attention “is simply believable and is still a common dream of the current time”. However, Gatsby is the story’s main character and is a “personification” of the […]
• Fertile Questions: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald The two fertile questions arising from the novel are: what are political and economic impacts of the World War I? and what are the challenges faced by American students born from poor families post-World War […]
• “The Great Gatsby”: The American Dream in the Jazz Age The Jazz Age is a period in the history of the United States of America from the end of World War I to the beginning of the Great Depression due to the remarkable popularity of […]
• Women’s Role in “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald Though the women in the novel are depicted as careless, treacherous, and selfish, the author uses them to underscore the power of the will to rebel against societal norms in pursuit of happiness.
• “The Great Gatsby Directed” by Baz Luhrmann This is due to the fact that the film is an indirect adaptation of Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald’s book “The Great Gatsby”.
• The Corrupted American Dream and Its Significance in “The Great Gatsby” The development of the American dream and its impact on the society of the United States is a pertinent topic of discussion for various authors.
• Jay Gatsby: The Great Fool or the Unfortunate Genius The main idea of the work is to show the unfairness of the fate of a poor young man who cannot marry the girl he loves.
• Novel Analysis: The Great Gatsby and Siddhartha Hesse’s Siddhartha seems complementary to The Great Gatsby as Brahman, the main role in Siddhartha, finds contentment in self-realization and not in money, sensuality, and love.
• “The Great Gatsby” by Scott Fitzgerald Who will take care of the dead creatures seems not to be in Tom’s order of what to bother him and together with the wife is comfortable enjoying their wealth while the creatures are rotting […]
• Characters in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” and Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” The author presents challenges faced in the society as a result of the mixture racial and gender discrimination that a young black girl goes through in search of her dream and personal identity.
• Greene’s “Our Man in Havana” and “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald It is imperative to realize that the purpose of the paper is not to carry out a critical analysis of the plays but to carry out a comparison of the attributes in which they relate […]
• What Money Cannot Buy: ‘The Great Gatsby’ Book by F. S. Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby is a book that unveils the instrumental role of the social aspect of life among people; which not only concentrates on the economic part of it.
• “The Great Gatsby” by Baz Luhrmann The filmmakers never stop depicting Gatsby’s wealth and his otherness. He throws money around and he is a topic of heated debates in the society.
• First-Person Narrative in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” Joyce’s “The Boarding House,” Bowen’s “The Demon Lover” In Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Joyce’s short story “The Boarding House,” and the Scottish poem The Demon Lover, the first-person narrative is used differently to achieve the authors’ objectives and create a comprehensive picture of […]
• First-Person Narrative in Bowen’s ”The Demon Lover,” Updike’s ”A&P,” Fitzgerald’s ”The Great Gatsby” In this work, the unworked, repressed experience of the First World War is personified and embodied in the image of the ghost of a person who died in this war.
• “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald: Betrayal, Romance, Social Politics and Feminism This work seeks to outline the role of women in the development of the plot of the book and in relation to the social issues affecting women in contemporary society.
• Jay Gatsby, Jean Valjean and Henry Fleming: The Compare and Contrast Analyses of the Characters The way the characters of the main protagonists are revealed in the novel is one of the most important things in every piece of literature.
• “The Great Gatsby” Novel by Francis Scott Fitzgerald However, what the reader should acknowledge is that the author manages to present a wholesome and clear image of the issues and occurrences that defined the United States throughout the 1920s.
• The Great Gatsby’ by Scott Fitzgerald Literature Analysis This is one of the details that can be identified. This is one of the issues that can be singled out.
• Political Satire in American Literature Scott Fitzgerald was one of the more famous satirists of the time, particularly in his production of the work The Great Gatsby.
• The Dilemmas of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby is a story of a young man in the early twentieth century who seems to know what he wants in the way of that dream and what to do to achieve it.
• The Great Gatsby – Love, Wealth, and Illusion In the novel, the fictional village of West Egg is perhaps one of the key items that symbolize the life of the new millionaires in the city.
• Gatsby & Jean Valjean He is a mysterious person, and no one exactly knows his origins and the ways he used to acquire his fortune.
• The Ethicality of an Action Jay Gatsby As well, an action is “wrong” if it results in the opposite of happiness to the people. Mill’s utilitarian theory can be used to assess the ethically of Jay Gatsby’s action, as presented in the […]
• Female Characters in A Streetcar Named Desire & The Great Gatsby: Comparative It can be seen in the case of Stella and Daisy wherein in their pursuit of what they think is their “ideal” love, they are, in fact, pursuing nothing more than a false ideal that […]
• Francis Scott Fitzgerald & His American Dream In the novel “Tender is the Night,” Fitzgerald describes the society in Riviera where he and his family had moved to live after his misfortune of late inheritance.
• Jay Gatsby & Eponine From Les Miserables: Compare & Contrast Gatsby is the main character in the book “The Great Gatsby,” while Eponine is one of the characters in the book “Les Miserables”.
• Jay Gatsby & Gean Valjean: Characters Comparison This essay compares and contrasts the characters of Gatsby and Jean Valjean in the Les Miserable novels and films. Gatsby strikes the readers as a na ve and lovesick individual though his character is negative.
• Jay Gatsby and Valjean in ‘Les Miserables’: Comparative Valjean’s life contains a series of misfortunes in the sense that he has to hide his true identity. Most of the people in his life were there just for convenience and for the fact that […]
• The Idea of Love in The Great Gatsby and the Parallels or Contrasts That Can Be Drawn With the Presentation of Love in The Catcher in the Rye Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and Jerome Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, it is possible to state that the notion of love is presented there similarly even though the texts are absolutely different and […]
• What Are the Literary Devices Used to Create the Image of Jay Gatsby?
• Analyze How Fitzgerald Uses Imagery in the Great Gatsby
• What Do Colors Symbolize in the Great Gatsby?
• How Does Fitzgerald Use Geographical Setting to Show the Contrast Between Social Classes in the Novel?
• How Does Fitzgerald Convey a Notion of the American Dream Through Metaphors and Symbols?
• What Does the Green Light in Daisy’s Window Represent in the Great Gatsby?
• What Does the Valley of Ashes Symbolize in the Great Gatsby?
• What Role Does Nick Carraway’s Narration Play in the Story? If We Got It Through an Omniscient Third-Person Narrator, What Would We Gain or Lose?
• Could the Story Have Been Set in Other Places, Like Chicago or Los Angeles, or Were New York City and Long Island Absolutely Necessary?
• Look at the Novel’s Opening Lines. If We Accept Nick’s Advice When We Read the Story, Will Our Views of It Change? Or, in Other Words, Does Refraining From Criticism Promote Compassion?
• Is There a Hidden Meaning of the Title of the Great Gatsby? What Is It?
• How Is the Color White Used Within the Novel? When Does It Make a False Representation of Innocence? When Does It Truly Represent Innocence?
• What Is the Role of a New York Setting in the Novel’s Storyline?
• What Is the Real Meaning of ‘Great’ in the Title of the Great Gatsby?
• What Significance Do Colors Have in the Party’s Descriptions in Chapter 3?
• Elaborate on the Green Light as the Symbol of the American Dream
• What Is the Meaning of the Phrase “Can’t Repeat the Past?.. Why of Course You Can!” What Does Gatsby Really Want From Daisy?
• What Role Do the Eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg Play in the Great Gatsby?
• How Is the Great Gatsby a Satirical Representation of the Society?
• Are the Rich in the Novel Really So Careless as Everyone Believes Them to Be?
• Create an Alternative Ending for the Great Gatsby. Justify Your Choice
• What Is the Relationship Between Those Born Rich and Those Who Became Rich in the Novel?
• Discuss Female Characters and Their Significance in the Great Gatsby
• Compare Gatsby and Wilson. In What Ways Are They Similar?
• Who Is the Most Responsible for Gatsby’s Death? Why Is It So?
• Why Do Tom and Daisy Stay Together at the End of the Novel?
• Does Gatsby’s Money Bring Him Real Happiness?
• Can Jay’s Feelings for Daisy in the Great Gatsby Be Considered Love?
• How Do Secondary Characters Affect the Story?
• Who Is the Real Hero in the Great Gatsby?
• Can We Call Jay Gatsby a Romantic Hero or a Villain?
• What Does Jay Gatsby Really Live For in the Novel: the Present or the Past?
• Compare Myrtle and Daisy
• What Does Tom’s Quarrel With Myrtle in Chapter 2 Tell Us About His Personality?
• Elaborate on How Both Tom and Gatsby Want to Change Not Only the Future, but the Past in Chapter 7.
• What Was Gatsby’s Power of Dreaming Like? Was Daisy a Worth Object?
• Is Anyone to Blame for Gatsby’s Death?
• Are There Any Moral Characters in the Novel?
• Can Jordan and Daisy Be Considered Perfect Role Models for the Upper Class in America? Why or Why Not?
• Is Gatsby Really Great? In What Way? How Does His Greatness Evolve as the Plot Unfolds?
• How Does Nick’s Character Change over the Course of the Great Gatsby?
• Does Gatsby Deserve the Definition of a Self-Made Man? Why or Why Not?
• What Role Does Daisy Play in the Conflict Between Gatsby & Tom?
• Describe How F.S. Fitzgerald’s Life Experiences Influenced the Great Gatsby
• What Are the Central Themes in the Great Gatsby?
• What Roles Do Fidelity and Infidelity Play in Fitzgerald’s the Great Gatsby?
• What Importance Does Sex Have in the Story?
• What Role Does Alcohol Play in the Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald?
• Did Fitzgerald Really Criticize the Idea of the American Dream in the Great Gatsby?
• Does Love Play Have Any Importance in the Great Gatsby?
• What Role Does the Relationship Between Geography and Social Values Play in the Novel?
• What Is the Meaning of Time in the Great Gatsby?
• How Do the Aristocratic East Eggers, Tom and the Sloanes, Regard Gatsby in Chapter 6? How Is Their Contempt Connected to the Theme of Social Class in the Novel?
• Analyze the Great Gatsby Through the Prism of Feminist Theory
• How Are the Themes of Kindness and Compassion Presented in the Great Gatsby?
• Describe How the Theme of Ambition Is Presented in the Novel
• Elaborate on How Fitzgerald Contrasts Education and Experience in the Great Gatsby
• Make a Critical Comparison of the Novel With the 2013 Movie
• Make a Comparison of the Novel With the 1949 Movie
• Compare the Great Gatsby Movies of 1949 and 2013
• Compare and Contrast Two Classic American Novels: The Great Gatsbyand the Grapes of Wrath
• How Are Donald Trump and the Great Gatsby’s Tom Buchanan Alike?
• Compare Miller’s Death of a Salesman and the Great Gatsby
• What Other Fictional or Non-fictional Character From a Book or Movie Can Nick Carraway Be Compared To?
• Make a Critical Comparison of the Sun Also Rises and the Great Gatsby
• Compare the Great Gatsby With a Farewell to Arms
• Make a Comparison of Daisy From the Great Gatsby With Henrietta Bingham From Irresistible
• What Pop Stars of Nowadays Daisy Can Be Compared To?
• Macbeth vs. Jay Gatsby: Make a Character Comparison
• What Destroyed Gatsby’s Dreams in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald?
• How Far Does “The Great Gatsby” Demonstrate a View of the American Dream?
• What Is a Good Thesis Statement for“The Great Gatsby”?
• How Does Fitzgerald Represent the Society of His Time in the Novel? Would You Like to Live in the Jazz Era? Why or Why Not?
• Is “The Great Gatsby” a Real Story?
• How “The Great Gatsby” Is a Replica of America?
• What Are the Examples of Modernism in the Great Gatsby?
• How Is America Shown in the Great Gatsby? What Values Do the East and the West Represent?
• How Does “The Great Gatsby” Explore the Ideas of Illusion Versus Reality?
• How Does “The Great Gatsby” Compare to the Life of Fitzgerald?
• What Going From West to East Meant for the Characters in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald?
• How Does “The Great Gatsby” Portray the Death of the American Dream?
• How Does Tom Buchanan Represent 1920’s Society in “The Great Gatsby”?
• How and Why Does F. Scott Fitzgerald Use Nick Carraway as His Narrator of “The Great Gatsby”?
• How New Money and Women Are Marginalized in “The Great Gatsby”?
• What Part Does Social Class Play in “The Great Gatsby”?
• How Are Racial Anxieties of the Time Shown in the Novel?
• Does Fitzgerald Condemn the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”?
• What Does the Green Light Symbolize in “The Great Gatsby”?
• How Does Fitzgerald Provide a Critical Social History of Prohibition-Era America in His Novel?
• How Women Are Portrayed in “The Great Gatsby”?
• What Techniques Does Fitzgerald Use to Convey the Main Themes in “The Great Gatsby”?
• Why Did Fitzgerald Write “The Great Gatsby”?
• How Does Nick Carraway Narrate “The Great Gatsby”?
• How Is the Economic Boom of Postwar America Shown in the Great Gatsby?
• What Social Problems Are Exposed in “The Great Gatsby”?
• How Multiple Incidents Develop the Plot Line in “The Great Gatsby”?
• Does Money Buy Love in “The Great Gatsby”?
• How Has Fitzgerald Used Cars as a Motif in “The Great Gatsby”?
• Why Did the Great Gatsby Was neither a Critical nor Commercial Success Just After Its Publication? Why Did Its Popularity Grow Exponentially Several Decades After?
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149 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics

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

🪩 7 The Great Gatsby Essay Topics

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• Love in Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
• The American Dream in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
• The Great Gatsby: Book Review
• How Money and Wealth Depicted in the Fitzgerald’s “Great Gatsby”
• Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan: Character Comparison
• The Great Gatsby Themes
• Examples of Racism in The Great Gatsby
• Old and New Money in The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in the twentieth century, the “Jazz Age” in America. The writer considers many socially and morally significant topics in the novel, such as love, friendship, social division, and money. The last one is trickier than it seems at first….
• 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.
• The Great Gatsby: Gatsby and the Decline of the American Dream This paper will research the decline of Gatsby’s American dream by summarizing the novel, defining the discussed notion, and providing several supporting examples from the story.
• Benjamin Franklin vs. Jay Gatsby: Character Comparison The paper aims to consider the character traits of Gatsby through the portrayal of Ben Franklin, discuss their aims and features.
• 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.
• Gender in The Great Gatsby & The Yellow Wallpaper The complexities of men and women in the texts were examined and evaluated on the basis of sexuality and relationship and the inferences would be supported by the text itself.
• The 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• “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.
• 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: 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.
• The Deception of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby Fitzgerald’s magnum opus The Great Gatsby raises an important question about the legitimacy of the American Dream. The novel centers on Jay Gatsby, a millionaire who came from humble beginnings and spends his time trying to reunite with his former lover, Daisy. Gatsby’s warped perception of success makes him see…
• “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald “The Great Gatsby” is a recognized classic of American literature with the characteristic idea of that era – a dream that transforms into a tragedy eventually.
• Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” Book Review The central thesis of the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is that American society in the Roaring Twenties is disillusionment and moral decay.
• Owl Eyes in “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald This paper discusses and examines the significance of the minor character Owl Eyes in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby”.
• The Great Gatsby: Chapters’ Review Chapter 1: Nick Carraway decides to move from Minnesota to New York. He starts his story by mentioning that his father told him not to judge others.
• “The 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Relationships in Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun vs. Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” are two novels that explore the complexities of human relationships in different contexts.
• The Great Gatsby: Illusions in Human Existence The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is often analyzed from the point of view of opposing dreams and reality, the spiritual and material world.
• “The 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
• Money and Wealth in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” The paper discusses what money means for Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway and how this theme is essential for developing topics like the American dream and love.
• The Novel “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald This paper attempts to trace the peculiarities of the protagonist of the novel “The Great Gatsby” and argues that Fitzgerald has transferred some of his own peculiarities to him.
• Failure of American Dream: “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald Review Despite the seeming glamor and wealth, the character of Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald is deeply and inherently tragic.
• Ethics in The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald In The Great Gatsby, many of the characters have questionable ethics. The story, written by Scott Fitzgerald, reflects a society where moral decadence thrives
• The Film “The Great Gatsby” and the American Dream The film “The Great Gatsby” is just one example, which leaves hope for people that the American Dream in any of its interpretations is attainable for the majority today.
• Jay Gatsby by F. S. Fitzgerald and the American Dream The American Dream means the individual’s striving for success, material well-being, and other kinds of achievement, implying an ascent to recognition, wealth, and fame
• The American Dream Discussion Based on the Film “The Great Gatsby” In “The Great Gatsby”, Franklin’s assertion the American Dream is available to all people is incorrect – Gatsby achieved wealth by fraud, but it didn’t fulfill his American dream.
• 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.
• Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” Book and Movie Comparison “The Great Gatsby” can be called a faithful interpretation, however, it still has some personal analysis of the director.
• “The Great Gatsby”: The American Dream Is Not Feasible for All “The Great Gatsby” declares that the American Dream is not feasible for all because neither virtuous character nor hard work leads to prosperity, and hope remains unrewarded.
• “The Great Gatsby” Is the Best Fitzgerald’s Novel “The Great Gatsby” is practically the most successful book of Francis Scott Fitzgerald as it has been translated into many languages.
• The Great Gatsby: How Money and Class Create and Destroy Relationships Money and class always played a huge role in the life of any society. Since ancient times, people have been marrying for money: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
• “The Great Gatsby” by F.S. Fitzgerald Hero Review Nick Carraway by “The Great Gatsby” by F.S. Fitzgerald is the novel’s narrator and protagonist who undergoes considerable personal change.
• Francis Scott Fitzgerald’s Jazz Age Perception in “The Great Gatsby” The purpose of this paper is to analyze the features used by Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby in terms of its contribution to the reader’s impression and the work’s status.
• Pursuit of Daisy Buchanan in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” “The Great Gatsby” is a novel by F. S. Fitzgerald. The purpose of this essay is to examine whether Gatsby should have sought Daisy and the reasons why this pursuit was justified.
• American Dream in Fitzgeralds’s “The Great Gatsby” Among the many concepts explored in Fitzgeralds’s The Great Gatsby, American Dream is one of the most notable ones.
• The Great Gatsby: American Dream Concept The movie, The Great Gatsby, satirizes American Dream by showing that it is an illusion that cannot be attained: wealth is not always a product of hard work.
• Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”: Gatsby’s Impossible Dream In The Great Gatsby, the story concerns a mysterious character named Jay Gatsby. He is exceptionally wealthy, hosting parties at his manor attended by many people.
• Scott Fitzgerald “The Great Gatsby”: Literary Devices In the book Fitzgerald applies literary techniques such as dramatic irony, allegory, exposition, personification, and foreshadowing to accord the story a smart finishing.
• Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway: Character Analysis This paper compares and contrasts two characters from “The Great Gatsby”, which are Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway, who represent the novel’s protagonist and narrator respectively
• The Great Gatsby: Analysis The main character Jay Gatsby returns after the overpast of World War I. As we see, he is a respectable veteran being newly wealthy. He settles in “West Egg”.
• Color Symbolism in The Great Gatsby The novel Great Gatsby depicts the unique vision of the American dream and its impact on the life of a person during the 1920s.
• Infidelity in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” The Great Gatsby is the story of materialism, its pursuit, symbolism on those who possess it at different stages of life, and how the majority may decline morally in its lure.
• Society in The Great Gatsby The novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a bitter satire to the American dream, which according to the ideas of the majority implies the heap of the happiness.
• In the Time of the Butterflies and The Great Gatsby: Compare & Contrast Essay The settings of both stories help us understand the canvasses upon which the authors paint their pictures and contextualizes the actions of stories’ characters.
• Money & Wealth in The Great Gatsby In The Great Gatsby, Jay wants to win back the only girl he ever felt he loved. It’s hard to blame Gatsby for attempting to win Daisy by impressing her with his material wealth.
• Jazz Age in “The Great Gatsby” by Scott Fitzerald The topic of changes in the American society in 1920s, in the book “The Great Gatsby” by Scott Fitzerald, and the change of the concept of the American Dream.
• Masculinity in The Great Gatsby and The Breakfast Club The paper demonstrates how the American culture depicts masculinity as reflected in media (movies) and American literature in the course readings.
• “The Great Gatsby” a Novel by Francis Scott Fitzgerald The novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is set up in the 1920’s, an era during which new liberties were being discovered in fashion.
• Difference Between Illusion and Reality in “The Great Gatsby”
• “The Great Gatsby” Through the Lens of Feminist Criticism
• How Money Widens the Gap of Loneliness in “The Great Gatsby”
• What Part Does Social Class Play in “The Great Gatsby”?
• Broken Dreams and Fallen Themes: The Corruption of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”
• Dreams the Main Theme in “The Great Gatsby”
• Connection Between Saint Hedwig of Silesia and “The Great Gatsby”
• Imagination and Its Effects on the World of “The Great Gatsby”
• Love Lust and Obsession in “The Great Gatsby”
• Beauty and Foolishness: The Role of Pammy Buchanan in “The Great Gatsby”
• Discover the Hidden Reality in “The Great Gatsby”
• Equating Money and Prosperity to the Power of Love in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• What Going From West to East Meant for the Characters in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• America and the Decay of Morality: “The Great Gatsby” and “The Sun Also Rises”
• How Does the Author Use Theme, Setting, and Character to Instil in the Reader a Desire to Read on “The Great Gatsby”?
• Why Has “The Great Gatsby” Been Hailed as the Ultimate Testament to the Glamorous Side of the Jazz Era?
• “The Great Gatsby” Displaying the Corruption of the American
• “The Great Gatsby”: Fitzgerald Tying Is Life to the Book
• Pure Happiness and Self-Satisfaction in the Pursuit of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”, a Novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• “The Great Gatsby”: Evidence of Insecurity and Ambiguity That Question Nick Carraway’s Heterosexuality
• Ambition and the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”
• Existentialism, Jungian Analysis, and Marxist Criticism in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• “The Great Gatsby”, Their Eyes Were Watching God and Grapes
• Man’s Dreams for Elite Social Class in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
• Similarities Between “The Great Gatsby” and Julius Caesar
• Lying and Its Consequences in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Emotion Over Reason: Frankenstein and “The Great Gatsby”
• Dreaming Can Bring Misery in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitgerald
• The Thin Line Between Dreams and Reality in “The Great Gatsby”
• Beneath the Surface Glitter, ‘“The Great Gatsby”’ Is a Profoundly Pessimistic Novel
• “The Great Gatsby”: Wealth Allows People to Be Careless and Dangerous
• Women’s Intentions Towards Men in “The Great Gatsby” by Francis Scott Fitzgerald
• Breathing Dreams Like Air in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• East and West Egg in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Overview How Fitzgerald Presents Marriage as a Dysfunctional
• Affairs, Wealth, and Murder in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
• American Dream and Materialism in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• How Does Great Gatsby’s Morality Apply to Modern Society?
• Achieving Hopes and Dreams in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Idealized Love Hope and Mortality in “The Great Gatsby”
• Death and the Relief of “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Analysis and Literary Interpretation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
• Greed for Success and Wealth in “The Great Gatsby”
• How Is the American Dream Corrupted in “The Great Gatsby”?
• What Characters in “The Great Gatsby” Represent the American Dream?
• How Did the Author Elicit Sympathy for the Character of Great Gatsby?
• What Are the Major Themes in “The Great Gatsby”?
• Does Money Buy Happiness in “The Great Gatsby”?
• Who Is the Most Tragic Character in “The Great Gatsby”?
• How Is Illusion Mistaken for Reality in “The Great Gatsby”?
• Is “The Great Gatsby” Movie Accurate to the Book?
• Does Money Cause Problems in “The Great Gatsby”?
• How Is Happiness Portrayed in “The Great Gatsby”?
• What Is the Main Message of “The Great Gatsby”?
• Should “The Great Gatsby” Still Be Read in Schools?
• How Does Money Affect the Characters in “The Great Gatsby”?
• What Makes Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” a Timeless Classic?
• How Is Violence Shown in “The Great Gatsby”?
• Does the Novel “The Great Gatsby” Relate to Modern-Day Society?
• How Has Fitzgerald Presented the Character of Daisy in “The Great Gatsby”?
• What Does Great Gatsby Say About Society?
• How Does “The Great Gatsby” Show That Money Can’t Buy Love?
• Why Does “The Great Gatsby” Criticize Society?
• How Is Social Class Presented in “The Great Gatsby”?
• What’s the Difference Between “The Great Gatsby” Movie and Book?
• How Does Fitzgerald Portray Class at the Start of “The Great Gatsby”?
• What Is Fitzgerald Ultimately Trying to Say About Money and Materialism in “The Great Gatsby”?
• Why Is Gatsby Known as Great?

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

StudyCorgi . 2021. "149 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 June 24, 2024 .

100+ Great Gatsby Essay Topics

Table of Contents

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

Call to Action

Feeling overwhelmed? Our essay writing service at writeondeadline.com is here to help! Whether you need assistance in topic selection, research, or the entire essay, our team of experts can craft the perfect piece tailored to your needs.

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.

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

Essays on The Great Gatsby

The great gatsby essay topic examples.

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

Argumentative Essays

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

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essays

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

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

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

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

Descriptive Essays

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

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

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

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

Persuasive Essays

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

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

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

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

Narrative Essays

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

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

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

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

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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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The Great Gatsby Essay TDA Writing Prompts, Grading Rubrics, & Prewriting Tasks

Description.

In this resource, students will conduct a literary analysis of  The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald  and write a  TDA Essay  using textual evidence to support their responses.

There are TWO writing options students can choose from for this Response to Literature/TDA essay.

Included in this product you will get one copy of the following each as PDFs  (ready to print)  as well as one copy of the following each as WORD Documents (as to be  editable   for teachers ).

• Essay Prompts for two different topics on the novel  The Great Gatsby
• Two Prewriting Graphic Organizers for students to brainstorm ideas, thesis, examples, and textual evidence
• TDA Essay Rubric broken down into categories: content, focus, organization, style, conventions, and format

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 & 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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Essays About The Great Gatsby: Top 5 Examples and Prompts

The Great Gatsby is a classic American tale; if you are writing essays about The Great Gatsby, find interesting essay examples and writing prompts in our guide. 

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925) revolves around a young man named Nick Carraway and his interactions with his New York neighbors, including the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby. Throughout the novel, Gatsby attempts to rekindle his relationship with Daisy Buchanan, a cousin of Carraway’s; along the way, he is revealed not to be who he seems. The novel is regarded as a literary masterwork due to its profound exploration of love, social class, gender, and race, among other themes. As a result, it has developed into one of the most well-known ls of all time. 

If you need to write a good essay about The Great Gatsby , look at our featured essay examples below. 

1. The Great Gatsby – Really Great by Grace Nguyen

2. five reasons ‘gatsby’ is the great american novel by deirdre donahue, 3. “the great gatsby” color analysis by kurt medina, 4.  in defense of plot: an analysis of the tension in the great gatsby by aatif rashid.

• 5. ​​Behind The Great Gatsby by William Peace

Top Writing Prompts on Essays about The Great Gatsby

1. how does the novel manifest the american dream, 2. the story behind the title, 3. compare and contrast, 4. how is new york city portrayed, 5. the great gatsby’s legacy, 6. the theme of race, 7. the theme of social class.

“Gatsby is the prime example of a person disregarding whatever morals he might have had, in order to pursue Daisy, his own personal American Dream. Consequently, his actions were reprehensible, not great. Gatsby also showed himself to be a generally dishonest person. Daisy

was married to a man named Tom. By trying to win her affections Gatsby is, in turn, adamantly trying to get Daisy to cheat on her husband.”

Nguyen writes about the novel’s titular character and how he changed himself so much for one person. This would be admirable if not because he was most enamored with Daisy’s rich life rather than her shallow character. From a working-class background, Gatsby acquired massive amounts of wealth through illegal means to match Daisy’s life, letting go of his morals to achieve his goals. In the end, Nguyen writes that Gatsby dies due to his deception. 

“One reason: It offers complicated characters who can be interpreted in fresh ways for new readers. Is Nick in love with Gatsby, as Greg Olear theorized on Salon? Could Gatsby — the other, the outsider — actually be a black man? Often dismissed as a selfish ditz, is Daisy victimized by a society that offers her no career path except marriage to big bucks?”

Donahue enumerates reasons for which The Great Gatsby is so highly regarded and considered the “great American novel.” These include an “American Dream”-type story, complex and exciting language, and most importantly, the unbelievable love story of Gatsby and Daisy. The millionaire is not motivated by greed but by love; however, he is in love with the idea of Daisy and the past in general rather than Daisy herself. 

“These colors connect the reader to the novel by making him see and feel the actual events and emotions a character has and not only an imaginative image. Gatsby’s example, which is full of lines rich of color imagery, makes the reader feel what he feels; sense what he senses; and try to be what he is. Gatsby’s figure is greatly shaped by this color imagery, validating and supporting the title of the book, colors show how great The Great Gatsby was.”

In his essay, Medina explains how Fitzgerald uses color symbolism to progress the plot and characters, using quotes from the novel as sources. For example, yellow represents Gatsby’s wealth, green symbolizes his greed and jealousy, and white symbolizes the pure, innocent idea he has of Daisy. Medina believes that these colors help readers connect more to the characters, making them feel what they feel and identify with them. 

“The central tension and conflict in the novel is not just whether Daisy will chose Gatsby or Tom but whether Nick will come to sympathize with Gatsby or not. And with this line, it’s clear that Nick does indeed sympathize with Gatsby. He realizes that old money Daisy and Tom are rotten, and that Gatsby is worth more than them. Human sympathy, thus, becomes more expansive than Nick had previously thought.”

Rashid starts off his essay by summarizing The Great Gatsby, then reveals how much of an impact tension has on the novel. Rather than the tension between Gatsby and Daisy, he believes that the tension lies in the extent to which Nick’s sympathy goes. He sympathizes greatly, going so far as to help invite people to Gatsby’s funeral (barely anyone comes, however). Rashid says this is emblematic of the “larger failures of society.”

5. ​​ Behind The Great Gatsby by William Peace

“Drawing on his own personal experience, Fitzgerald specialises in drawing characters who yearn to break into the ranks of the rich and powerful. Through his vivid depiction of the Wilsons, the unhappily married couple who run the gas station in Ash Valley, Fitzgerald captures the sense of life literally passing them by.”

Peace’s essay explores the background of Fitzgerald, the novel’s author, and how it inspired him to write it. He joined the army, fell in love with another wealthy woman named Zelda Sayre, and proposed to her; however, she rejected him, and he fell into despair. However, his later success led Zelda to accept him. Nevertheless, their relationship was rocky, as they struggled to sustain their extravagant lifestyle. Peace writes that the story, particularly the character of Daisy, is based on this period in his life. 

A significant reason for the novel’s status today is its reflection of the“American Dream” many desperately wish to achieve. Explain exactly what the American dream is and how it is represented in The Great Gatsby , particularly in the character of Gatsby. 

The title refers to Gatsby as “great”; the question is, is he truly deserving of this title? Analyze the character of Jay Gatsby, citing quotes from the novel and online sources, and determine whether you believe he is indeed “great” or not. Be sure to justify your response correctly; there is no wrong answer as long as it is well-supported. 

For your essay, compare and contrast any two characters from the novel. How are they similar? How are they different? What is their fate at the end of the story? Answer these questions in your essay and cite text evidence when analyzing a character. 

The Great Gatsby has also gained much notoriety due to its portrayal of New York City. Analyze the setting of the story and the way it is described- what is he trying to say about the city and its way of life? Compare Fitzgerald’s vision of the city to how it is seen today. 

The novel has left a longstanding impression on American literature and the world, having been adapted countless times. Write about why the novel has become a classic and how its legacy can be seen today in film, literature, television, art, and pop culture. What exactly has been its impact on society? Delve into this question in your essay to create an exciting piece of writing.

Being set in the 1920s, when racism was rife in society, The Great Gatsby is littered with racial prejudice. Discuss the presence of racism, particularly against Jewish people and African-Americans. Which characters show it? Who is the racism being subjected to? Answer these questions in your essay and use quotes to support your arguments.

The theme of social class is prevalent in the novel. Write about how Fitzgerald views the social hierarchy of the 1920s based on the novel. Keep in mind the author’s background when writing; the book is primarily based on his own experiences. 

Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead. If you’re stuck picking your next essay topic, check out our guide on how to write an essay about diversity .

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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Most Important Themes in Great Gatsby, Analyzed

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Need to write about a theme for a Great Gatsby assignment or just curious about what exactly a theme is? Not sure where to start? Learn here what a theme is, what the main themes in The Great Gatsby are, and what the best tips for writing about themes for your English/Language Arts class essays are.

We will also link to our specific articles on each theme so you can learn even more in-depth about themes central to Gatsby .

What Is a Theme? Why Should You Care?

First things first: what exactly is a theme? In literature, a theme is a central topic a book deals with. This central topic is revealed through plot events, the actions and dialogue of the characters, and even the narrator's tone. Themes can be very broad, like love, money, or death, or more specific, like people versus technology, racial discrimination, or the American Dream.

In short, a book's theme can usually answer the question, "what's the point of this book?". They're the "so what?" of literary analysis. Also, note that books can definitely have more than one major theme —in Gatsby we identify seven!

Knowing a book's major theme(s) is crucial to writing essays, since many assignments want you to connect your argument to a book's theme. For example, you might be asked to write an essay about a prompt like this: "How does the life of Jay Gatsby exemplify (or deconstruct) the idea of the American Dream?" This prompt has you connect specific details in Jay Gatsby's life to the larger theme of the American Dream. This is why many teachers love theme essays: because they encourage you to connect small details to big ideas!

Furthermore, the AP English Literature test always has an essay question that has you analyze some aspect of a book and then "compare it to the theme of the work as a whole." (If you want specific examples you can access the last 15 years of AP English Literature free response questions here , using your College Board account.) So this skill won't just help you in your English classes, it will also help you pass the AP English Literature test if you're taking it!

So keep reading to learn about the major themes in Gatsby and how they are revealed in the book, and also to get links to our in-depth articles about each theme.

Overview of Key Themes in The Great Gatsby

Before we introduce our seven main themes, we'll briefly describe how the story and characters suggest the major Great Gatsby themes. Remember that the story is set in the 1920s, a period when America's economy was booming, and takes place in New York: specifically the wealthy Long Island towns of West Egg and East Egg, as well as Manhattan and Queens.

As you should know from the book ( check out our summary if you're still hazy on the details!), The Great Gatsby tells the story of James Gatz , a poor farm boy who manages to reinvent himself as the fabulously rich Jay Gatsby, only to be killed after an attempt to win over his old love Daisy Buchanan . Daisy is married to Tom Buchanan , and they're both from old money, causing them to look down Gatsby's newly rich crowd (and for Tom to look down at Gatsby himself).

Meanwhile, Tom is having an affair with Myrtle Wilson , the wife of mechanic George Wilson . Through the Wilsons, we see the struggles of the working class in dismal Queens , NY. As if they didn't already have it hard enough, Myrtle is killed in a hit-and-run accident (caused by Daisy Buchanan), and George, who's manipulated by Tom to believe that Jay Gatsby was both his wife's lover and her murderer, ends up shooting Gatsby and then himself.

The whole story is told by Nick Carraway , a second cousin of Daisy's and classmate of Tom's who moves in next to Gatsby's mansion and eventually befriends Jay -- and then comes to deeply admire him, despite or perhaps because of Jay's fervent desire to repeat his past with Daisy. The tragic chain of events at the novel's climax, along with the fact that both the Buchanans can easily retreat from the damage they caused, causes Nick to become disillusioned with life in New York and retreat back to his hometown in the Midwest.

Aside from having a very unhappy ending, the novel might just ruin swimming pools for you as well.

The fact that the major characters come from three distinct class backgrounds (working class, newly rich, and old money) suggests that class is a major theme. But the rampant materialism and the sheer amount of money spent by Gatsby himself is a huge issue and its own theme. 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. Every major character is involved in at least one romantic relationship , revealing that they are all driven by love, sex, and desire -- a major theme. Also, the rampant bad behavior (crime, cheating, and finally murder) and lack of real justice makes ethics and morality a key theme. Death also looms large over the novel's plot, alongside the threat of failure.

And finally, a strong undercurrent to all of these themes is identity itself: can James Gatz really become Jay Gatsby, or was he doomed from the start? Can someone who is not from old money ever blend in with that crowd? Could Gatsby really aspire to repeat his past with Daisy, or is that past self gone forever?

In short, just by looking at the novel's plot, characters, and ending, we can already get a strong sense of Gatsby's major themes. Let's now look at each of those themes one by one (and be sure to check out the links to our full theme breakdowns!).

The 7 Major Great Gatsby Themes

Money and Materialism : Everyone in the novel is money-obsessed, whether they were born with money (Tom, Daisy, Jordan, and Nick to a lesser extent), whether they made a fortune (Gatsby), or whether they're eager for more (Myrtle and George). So why are the characters so materialistic? How does their materialism affect their choices? Get a guide to each of the characters' material motivations and how they shape the novel.

Society and Class: Building on the money and materialism theme, the novel draws clear distinctions between the kind of money you have: old money (inherited) or new money (earned). And there is also a clear difference between the lifestyles of the wealthy, who live on Long Island and commute freely to Manhattan, and the working class people stuck in between, mired in Queens. By the end of the novel, our main characters who are not old money (Gatsby, Myrtle, and George) are all dead, while the inherited-money club is still alive. What does this say about class in Gatsby? Why is their society so rigidly classist? Learn more about the various social classes in Gatsby and how they affect the novel's outcome.

The American Dream : The American Dream is the idea anyone can make it in America (e.g. gain fame, fortune, and success) through enough hard work and determination. So is Jay Gatsby an example of the dream? Or does his involvement in crime suggest the Dream isn't actually real? And where does this leave the Wilsons, who are also eager to improve their lot in life but don't make it out of the novel alive? Finally, do the closing pages of the novel endorse the American Dream or write it off as a fantasy? Learn what the American Dream is and how the novel sometimes believes in it, and sometimes sees it as a reckless fantasy.

Love, Desire, and Relationships : All of the major characters are driven by love, desire, or both, but only Tom and Daisy's marriage lasts out of the novel's five major relationships and affairs. So is love an inherently unstable force? Or do the characters just experience it in the wrong way? Get an in-depth guide to each of Gatsby's major relationships.

Death and Failure: Nick narrates Gatsby two years after the events in question, and since he's obviously aware of the tragedy awaiting not only Gatsby but Myrtle and George as well, the novel has a sad, reflective, even mournful tone. Is the novel saying that ambition is inherently dangerous (especially in a classist society like 1920s America), or is it more concerned with the danger of Gatsby's intense desire to reclaim the past? Explore those questions here.

Morality and Ethics: The novel is full of bad behavior: lying, cheating, physical abuse, crime, and finally murder. Yet none of the characters ever answer to the law, and God is only mentioned as an exclamation, or briefly projected onto an advertisement . Does the novel push for the need to fix this lack of morality, or does it accept it as the normal state of affairs in the "wild, wild East"?

The Mutability of Identity: Mutability just means "subject to change," so this theme is about how changeable (or not!) personal identity is. Do people really change? Or are our past selves always with us? And how would this shape our desire to reclaim parts of our past? Gatsby wants to have it both ways: to change himself from James Gatz into the sophisticated, wealthy Jay Gatsby, but also to preserve his past with Daisy. Does he fail because it's impossible to change? Because it's impossible to repeat the past? Or both?

How to Write About The Great Gatsby Themes

So now that you know about the major themes of The Great Gatsby , how can you go about writing about them? First up: look closely at your prompt.

Sometimes an essay prompt will come right out and ask you to write about a theme , for example "is The American Dream in Gatsby alive or dead?" or "Write about the relationships in Gatsby. What is the novel saying about the nature of love and desire?" For those essays, you will obviously be writing about one of the novel's major themes. But even though those prompts have big-picture questions, make sure to find small supporting details to help make your argument.

For example, if you're discussing the American Dream and arguing it's dead in the novel, don't just make that claim and be done with it. Instead, you can explore Gatsby's past as James Gatz, George Wilson's exhausted complacency, and Myrtle's treatment at the hands of Tom as examples of how the American Dream is treated in the novel. Obviously those examples are far from exhaustive, but hopefully you get the idea: find smaller details to support the larger argument.

On the other hand, many essay prompts about Gatsby will look like a question about something specific, like a character or symbol:

• Explore Tom and Daisy as people who 'retreat into their money.'
• What does the green light at the end of Daisy's dock represent? How does its meaning change throughout the novel?
• Show how Fitzgerald uses clothing (and the changing of costumes) to tell the reader more about the characters and/or express theme(s).

These prompts are actually a chance for you to take that detailed analysis and connect it to one of the larger themes—in other words, even though the prompt doesn't state it explicitly, you should still be connecting those more focused topics to one of the big-picture themes.

For example, if you talk about Tom and Daisy Buchanan, you will definitely end up talking about society and class. If you talk about the green light, you will end up talking about dreams and goals, specifically the American Dream. And if you discuss clothing to talk about the characters, you will definitely touch on money and materialism, as well as society and class (like how Gatsby's pink suit makes him stand out as new money to Tom Buchanan, or how Myrtle adopts a different dress to play at being wealthy and sophisticated).

In short, for these more specific prompts, you start from the ground (small details and observations) and build up to discussing the larger themes, even if the prompt doesn't say to do so explicitly!

What's Next?

Now you're an expert on themes, but what about symbols? If you need to write about the important symbols in The Great Gatsby, check out our symbols overview for a complete guide.

Want a full analysis of Jay Gatsby and his backstory? Not sure how his story connects with the American Dream? Get the details here .

Want to go back to square one? Get started with Chapter 1 of our Great Gatsby plot summary.

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Writing Prompts for THE GREAT GATSBY

Here are 40 writing prompts for The Great Gatsby . The list includes prompts for quick writing activities (by chapter) as well as extended The Great Gatsby writing assignments.

Before Reading

• We will be investing considerable time reading a famous novel that many consider “literature.” What makes a book “literature?” What gives a text “superior or lasting value?”
• What is the point of reading fiction? Be honest. If you see no point, explain your views.
• Many consider The Great Gatsby a timeless masterpiece of American literature. What would be your criteria or requirements for “The Great American Novel?”
• Fitzgerald’s works critique American society in the 1920s. Think about our society today. What are the shortcomings of our society today? What are the strengths and successes of our society?
• When it comes to romance, do you believe in the idea of finding a soulmate or perfect match? Explain your view.
• Fortune favors some with wealth and privilege. This position may be earned or unearned.  What responsibility, if any, do the more fortunate have to the greater society? Explain your view.
• At the very start of the novel, Nick Carraway explains a quality imparted by his father. What is the quality? Do you think that this trait is a blessing or a curse?
• After the birth of her daughter, Daisy says, “And I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” (20) What does she mean? What does this indicate about her worldview?
• Upon meeting Jordan Baker, Nick explains that “Almost any exhibition of complete self-sufficiency draws a stunned tribute from me.” (12) What are your thoughts on Nick’s reaction?
• What is “the valley of ashes?” (26) Describe the scene in plain language.
• Why do you think Tom Buchanan reacts so violently to Myrtle saying his wife’s name? What do you imagine is the nature of his objection?
• According to our narrator, Tom has always wanted Nick to like him. Why might someone like Tom Buchanan care if someone such as Nick Carraway liked him?
• Which details stand out to you in the descriptions of Gatsby’s parties? What impression of the parties does Fitzgerald create?
• Literary luminaries laude Fitzgerald’s style. Describe it. What are the key features in how he uses language?
• What are your initial thoughts on Nick Carraway? Do you like him? Would you trust him?
• Why are the people in the novel so fascinated by the mystery surrounding Gatsby’s past? What does this say about human nature in general?
• A linguist might interpret the name “Wolfshiem.” The German / Norwegian root “heim” (not an exact match) means home or world. What might be the meaning behind this name?
• What clues indicate that Gatsby’s “God’s truth” about his life history may be fabricated? Why would Gatsby care if Nick Carraway believes his supposed life story?

Related Post: The Great Gatsby Unit Plan: 23 Lessons with Materials

• Describe Gatsby’s convoluted (overly complex) plan for reuniting with Daisy. What might be the reasons behind him taking this approach?
• What does the narrator mean by saying, “Americans, while occasionally willing to be serfs, have always been obstinate about being peasantry”? (88) Do you agree?
• Throughout The Great Gatsby , Fitzgerald gives great attention to Daisy’s unusual voice. What impression does he create? (See the very end of Chapter 5.)
• Would James Gatz have become Jay Gatsby without the influence of Dan Cody? Explain.
• How does Daisy’s presence diminish Gatsby’s party for Nick? Have you ever experienced a change in perspective like this?
• Nick and Gatsby disagree about recapturing the past. What is your view?
• In Chapter 7 as in Chapter 2, Fitzgerald gives inordinate attention to a random billboard for an optometrist (Dr. T.J. Eckleburg). What could possibly be the meaning of this emphasis?
• Why does Gatsby continually call people “old sport?” Why does Tom make this an issue?
• What details indicate that Gatsby’s personality has a darker side?
• In Chapter 8, Gatsby reveals the truth he has worked for years to conceal. Why does Gatsby suddenly decide to tell Nick Carraway the truth about his past?
• Why does Gatsby refuse to accept that Daisy ever loved Tom Buchanan?
• Of Gatsby Nick says, “…I disapproved of him from beginning to end.” Yet, he is glad he told Gatsby, “You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.” (164) What can we make of this?
• Why doesn’t anyone want to come to Gatsby’s funeral? Why is Nick so concerned that people show up for the ceremony?
• Why does Nick suddenly lose interest in Jordan Baker? What changed?
• Why do you think people who have “old money” are sometimes prejudiced against those with “new money?” Afterall, wealth is something that they have in common.

Final Writing Assignments for The Great Gatsby

• In The Great Gatsby , color is more than color (especially green, white, gray, and yellow). How does Fitzgerald use color in the novel?
• Many consider The Great Gatsby “the great American novel.” What do you think inspires some to hold this high opinion of Fitzgerald’s work?
• Fitzgerald uses Nick’s point of view in telling the story. What are the effects of this choice? How do Nick’s perspectives, biases, and opinions impact narrative?
• The character names in The Great Gatsby contain layers of meaning. Choose three names to analyze.
• “ The Great Gatsby is a morality tale for America.” Sounds great, but what is the moral? What lessons are we supposed to learn from deaths of George, Myrtle, and Jay Gatsby?
• Choose one symbolic element from the novel and explain its development and purpose.
• Which theme has prominence in the novel? How do you know?

Thanks for stopping by 40 The Great Gatsby Writing Prompts!

I hope that you have found some The Great Gatsby writing prompts that will aid you in your teaching.  If you have found these writing activities / assignments helpful, consider following The Great Gatsby Unit Plan . For more creative and engaging project and essay ideas, check out Top 10 THE GREAT GATSBY Project Options .

The Great Gatsby

Literary Analysis

Character analysis, character development.

• AK RL.9-10.1,
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• AL 10.CL.W.9.b,
• AL 10.CL.W.9.c,
• AL 10.RL.R.21,
• AL 10.RL.W.25,
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• AL 9.CL.R.4,
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• AL 9.CL.W.9.b,
• AL 9.CL.W.9.c,
• AL 9.RL.W.25,
• AL 9.RL.W.26,
• AR 10.RC.3.RF,
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• AR 10.W.4.P,
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• AR 9.RC.5.RL,
• AR 9.W.1.S,
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• CA 9-10.RL.1,
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• CA 9-10.W.1,
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• DC RL.9-10.1,
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• DC W.9-10.9,
• DE RL.9-10.1,
• DE RL.9-10.3,
• DE W.9-10.1,
• DE W.9-10.2,
• DE W.9-10.4,
• DE W.9-10.9,
• FL ELA.10.R.1.1,
• FL ELA.9.R.1.1,
• GA ELAGSE9-10RL1,
• GA ELAGSE9-10RL3,
• GA ELAGSE9-10W1,
• GA ELAGSE9-10W2,
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• GA ELAGSE9-10W9,
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• IA RL.9-10.1,
• IA RL.9-10.3,
• IA W.9-10.1,
• IA W.9-10.2,
• IA W.9-10.4,
• IA W.9-10.9,
• ID 9/10.RC.L.5,
• ID 9/10.RC.L.5.b,
• ID 9/10.RC.TE.3,
• ID 9/10.W.RW.1,
• IL RL.9-10.1,
• IL RL.9-10.3,
• IL W.9-10.1,
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• IN 9-10.RC.1,
• IN 9-10.RC.3,
• IN 9-10.W.2,
• KS RL.9-10.1,
• KS RL.9-10.3,
• KS W.9-10.1,
• KS W.9-10.2,
• KS W.9-10.4,
• KS W.9-10.9,
• KY C.9-10.1,
• KY C.9-10.1.a,
• KY C.9-10.2,
• KY C.9-10.2.a,
• KY C.9-10.3.a,
• KY C.9-10.6,
• KY RL.9-10.1,
• KY RL.9-10.3,
• LA RL.9-10.1,
• LA RL.9-10.3,
• LA W.9-10.1,
• LA W.9-10.2,
• LA W.9-10.4,
• LA W.9-10.9,
• MA RL.9-10.1,
• MA RL.9-10.3,
• MA W.9-10.1,
• MA W.9-10.2,
• MA W.9-10.4,
• MA W.9-10.9,
• MD RL.9-10.1,
• MD RL.9-10.3,
• MD W.9-10.1,
• MD W.9-10.2,
• MD W.9-10.4,
• MD W.9-10.9,
• ME R.4.9-D,
• ME R.6.9-D,
• ME R.6.9-D.a,
• ME W.1.9-D,
• ME W.3.9-D,
• MI RL.9-10.1,
• MI RL.9-10.3,
• MI W.9-10.1,
• MI W.9-10.2,
• MI W.9-10.4,
• MI W.9-10.9,
• MN 9.4.1.1,
• MN 9.4.3.3,
• MN 9.7.1.1,
• MN 9.7.2.2,
• MN 9.7.4.4,
• MN 9.7.9.9,
• MO 9-10.RL.1.A,
• MO 9-10.RL.2.B,
• MO 9-10.RL.2.D,
• MO 9-10.W.2.A,
• MO 9-10.W.3.A.a,
• MO 9-10.W.3.A.b,
• MO 9-10.W.3.A.d,
• MS RL.10.1,
• MS RL.10.3,
• MT RL.9-10.1,
• MT RL.9-10.3,
• MT W.9-10.1,
• MT W.9-10.2,
• MT W.9-10.4,
• MT W.9-10.9,
• NC RL.9-10.1,
• NC RL.9-10.3,
• NC W.9-10.1,
• NC W.9-10.1.g,
• NC W.9-10.2,
• NC W.9-10.2.h,
• NC W.9-10.3.g,
• NC W.9-10.6,
• ND 9-10.R.2,
• ND 9-10.R.8.a,
• ND 9-10.W.1,
• ND 9-10.W.3,
• ND 9-10.W.4.a,
• NE LA.10.RP.2,
• NE LA.10.W.2,
• NE LA.10.W.4,
• NE LA.10.W.5,
• NH RL.9-10.1,
• NH RL.9-10.3,
• NH W.9-10.1,
• NH W.9-10.2,
• NH W.9-10.4,
• NH W.9-10.9,
• NJ RL.9-10.1,
• NJ RL.9-10.3,
• NJ W.9-10.1,
• NJ W.9-10.2,
• NJ W.9-10.4,
• NJ W.9-10.9,
• NM RL.9-10.1,
• NM RL.9-10.3,
• NM W.9-10.1,
• NM W.9-10.2,
• NM W.9-10.4,
• NM W.9-10.9,
• NV RL.9-10.1,
• NV RL.9-10.3,
• NV W.9-10.1,
• NV W.9-10.2,
• NV W.9-10.4,
• NV W.9-10.9,
• NY 9-10 R.1,
• NY 9-10 R.3,
• NY 9-10 W.1,
• NY 9-10 W.2,
• NY 9-10 W.5,
• OH RL.9-10.1,
• OH RL.9-10.3,
• OH W.9-10.1,
• OH W.9-10.2,
• OH W.9-10.4,
• OH W.9-10.9,
• OK 10.3.R.3,
• OK 10.3.W.2,
• OK 10.3.W.3,
• OK 9.3.R.3,
• OK 9.3.W.2,
• OK 9.3.W.3,
• OR RL.9-10.1,
• OR RL.9-10.3,
• OR W.9-10.1,
• OR W.9-10.2,
• OR W.9-10.4,
• OR W.9-10.9,
• PA CC.1.3.9–10.B,
• PA CC.1.3.9–10.C,
• PA CC.1.4.9–10.A,
• PA CC.1.4.9–10.B,
• PA CC.1.4.9–10.G,
• PA CC.1.4.9–10.H,
• PA CC.1.4.9–10.S,
• RI RL.9-10.1,
• RI RL.9-10.3,
• RI W.9-10.1,
• RI W.9-10.2,
• RI W.9-10.4,
• RI W.9-10.9,
• SC E1.RL.11,
• SC E1.RL.11.1,
• SC E1.RL.5.1,
• SC E1.RL.8,
• SC E1.RL.8.1,
• SC E2.RL.11,
• SC E2.RL.5.1,
• SC E2.RL.8,
• SC E2.RL.8.1,
• SC ELA.E1.AOR.1.1,
• SC ELA.E1.C.1.1,
• SC ELA.E1.C.2.1,
• SC ELA.E2.AOR.1.1,
• SC ELA.E2.C.1.1,
• SC ELA.E2.C.2.1,
• SD 9-10.RL.1,
• SD 9-10.RL.3,
• SD 9-10.W.1,
• SD 9-10.W.2,
• SD 9-10.W.4,
• SD 9-10.W.9,
• TN 9-10.RL.KID.1,
• TN 9-10.RL.KID.3,
• TN 9-10.W.PDW.4,
• TN 9-10.W.RBPK.9,
• TN 9-10.W.TTP.1,
• TN 9-10.W.TTP.2,
• TX TEKS E1.10,
• TX TEKS E1.10.B,
• TX TEKS E1.10.C,
• TX TEKS E1.4,
• TX TEKS E1.4.F,
• TX TEKS E1.5.B,
• TX TEKS E1.5.C,
• TX TEKS E1.6,
• TX TEKS E1.6.A,
• TX TEKS E1.6.B,
• TX TEKS E1.7,
• TX TEKS E1.7.A,
• TX TEKS E1.8.F,
• TX TEKS E1.9.B,
• TX TEKS E1.9.B.i,
• TX TEKS E2.10,
• TX TEKS E2.10B,
• TX TEKS E2.4,
• TX TEKS E2.4.F,
• TX TEKS E2.5.B,
• TX TEKS E2.5.C,
• TX TEKS E2.6,
• TX TEKS E2.6.A,
• TX TEKS E2.6.B,
• TX TEKS E2.7,
• TX TEKS E2.8.F,
• TX TEKS E2.9.B,
• TX TEKS E2.9.B.i,
• UT 9-10.R.5,
• UT 9-10.R.8,
• UT 9-10.W.1,
• UT 9-10.W.1.d,
• UT 9-10.W.2,
• UT 9-10.W.2.e,
• UT 9-10.W.3.e,
• VT RL.9-10.1,
• VT RL.9-10.3,
• VT W.9-10.1,
• VT W.9-10.2,
• VT W.9-10.4,
• VT W.9-10.9,
• WA RL.9-10.1,
• WA RL.9-10.3,
• WA W.9-10.1,
• WA W.9-10.2,
• WA W.9-10.4,
• WA W.9-10.9,
• WI R.9-10.1,
• WI R.9-10.3,
• WI W.9-10.2,
• WI W.9-10.2.a,
• WI W.9-10.2.b,
• WI W.9-10.3,
• WI W.9-10.3.a,
• WI W.9-10.3.b,
• WI W.9-10.3.c,
• WI W.9-10.4,
• WI W.9-10.9,
• WV ELA.10.1,
• WV ELA.10.20,
• WV ELA.10.21,
• WV ELA.10.23,
• WV ELA.10.28,
• WV ELA.10.3,
• WV ELA.9.1,
• WV ELA.9.20,
• WV ELA.9.21,
• WV ELA.9.23,
• WV ELA.9.28,
• WV ELA.9.3,
• WY RL.9-10.1,
• WY RL.9-10.3,
• WY W.9-10.1,
• WY W.9-10.2,
• WY W.9-10.4,
• WY W.9-10.9

Literary Devices

• AK RL.9-10.4,
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• AZ 9-10.RL.4,
• CA 9-10.RL.4,
• CCSS RL.9-10.4,
• CO RL.9-10.4,
• CT RL.9-10.4,
• DC RL.9-10.4,
• DE RL.9-10.4,
• FL ELA.10.R.3.1,
• FL ELA.10.V.1.3,
• FL ELA.9.R.3.1,
• FL ELA.9.V.1.3,
• GA ELAGSE9-10RL4,
• HI 9-10.RL.4,
• IA RL.9-10.4,
• ID 9/10.VD.WB.1,
• ID 9/10.VD.WB.2.d,
• IL RL.9-10.4,
• IN 9-10.RC.12,
• IN 9-10.RC.9,
• KS RL.9-10.4,
• KY RL.9-10.4,
• LA RL.9-10.4,
• MA RL.9-10.4,
• MD RL.9-10.4,
• ME R.7.9-D.a,
• MI RL.9-10.4,
• MN 9.4.4.4,
• MO 9-10.RL.1.B,
• MO 9-10.RL.2.C,
• MS RL.10.4,
• MT RL.9-10.4,
• NC RL.9-10.4,
• ND 9-10.R.5,
• NE LA.10.V.2,
• NH RL.9-10.4,
• NJ RL.9-10.4,
• NM RL.9-10.4,
• NV RL.9-10.4,
• NY 9-10 R.4,
• OH RL.9-10.4,
• OK 10.3.R.4,
• OK 10.4.R.2,
• OK 9.3.R.4,
• OK 9.4.R.2,
• OR RL.9-10.4,
• PA CC.1.3.9–10.F,
• RI RL.9-10.4,
• SC E1.RL.10,
• SC E1.RL.10.1,
• SC E1.RL.9,
• SC E1.RL.9.1,
• SC E2.RL.10,
• SC E2.RL.10.1,
• SC E2.RL.9,
• SC E2.RL.9.1,
• SC ELA.E1.AOR.1.2,
• SC ELA.E1.AOR.7.1,
• SC ELA.E2.AOR.1.2,
• SC ELA.E2.AOR.7.1,
• SD 9-10.RL.4,
• TN 9-10.RL.CS.4,
• TX TEKS E1.8.E,
• TX TEKS E2.8.E,
• VT RL.9-10.4,
• WA RL.9-10.4,
• WI R.9-10.4,
• WV ELA.10.7,
• WV ELA.9.7,
• WY RL.9-10.4,

Social-Historical Context

Social and historical context.

• AK RL.9-10.5,
• AR 10.RC.6.RL,
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• CA 9-10.RL.5,
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• CO RL.9-10.5,
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• DC RL.9-10.5,
• DE RL.9-10.5,
• FL ELA.10.R.2.1,
• FL ELA.9.R.2.1,
• GA ELAGSE9-10RL5,
• HI 9-10.RL.5,
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• ID 9/10.RC.L.5.c,
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• LA RL.9-10.5,
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• ME R.8.9-D,
• MI RL.9-10.5,
• MN 9.4.5.5,
• MO 9-10.RL.2.A,
• MS RL.10.5,
• MT RL.9-10.5,
• NC RL.9-10.5,
• ND 9-10.R.6,
• NE LA.10.RP.4,
• NH RL.9-10.5,
• NJ RL.9-10.5,
• NM RL.9-10.5,
• NV RL.9-10.5,
• NY 9-10 R.5,
• OH RL.9-10.5,
• OR RL.9-10.5,
• PA CC.1.3.9–10.E,
• RI RL.9-10.5,
• SC E1.RL.12.1,
• SC E1.RL.12.2,
• SC E2.RL.12,
• SC E2.RL.12.1,
• SC E2.RL.12.2,
• SC E4.RL.12.2,
• SC ELA.E1.AOR.5.1,
• SC ELA.E2.AOR.5.1,
• SD 9-10.RL.5,
• TN 9-10.RL.CS.5,
• TX TEKS E1.4.C,
• TX TEKS E1.6.C,
• TX TEKS E2.4.C,
• TX TEKS E2.6.C,
• UT 9-10.R.10,
• VT RL.9-10.5,
• WA RL.9-10.5,
• WI R.9-10.5,
• WV ELA.10.8,
• WV ELA.9.8,
• WY RL.9-10.5,

Themes and Motifs

Central theme.

• AK RL.9-10.2,
• AR 10.RC.1.RF,
• AR 10.RC.2.RF,
• AR 9.RC.1.RF,
• AR 9.RC.2.RF,
• AZ 9-10.RL.2,
• CA 9-10.RL.2,
• CCSS RL.9-10.2,
• CO RL.9-10.2,
• CT RL.9-10.2,
• DC RL.9-10.2,
• DE RL.9-10.2,
• FL ELA.10.R.1.2,
• FL ELA.9.R.1.2,
• GA ELAGSE9-10RL2,
• HI 9-10.RL.2,
• IA RL.9-10.2,
• ID 9/10.RC.L.5.a,
• IL RL.9-10.2,
• IN 9-10.RC.2,
• IN 9-10.RC.4,
• KS RL.9-10.2,
• KY RL.9-10.2,
• LA RL.9-10.2,
• MA RL.9-10.2,
• MD RL.9-10.2,
• ME R.5.9-D,
• ME R.5.9-D.a,
• ME R.5.9-D.b,
• MI RL.9-10.2,
• MN 9.4.2.2,
• MO 9-10.RL.1.D,
• MS RL.10.2,
• MT RL.9-10.2,
• NC RL.9-10.2,
• ND 11-12.R.3.b,
• ND 9-10.R.4,
• NE LA.10.RP.1,
• NE LA.10.RP.6,
• NH RL.9-10.2,
• NJ RL.9-10.2,
• NM RL.9-10.2,
• NV RL.9-10.2,
• NY 9-10 R.2,
• OH RL.9-10.2,
• OH RL.9-10.2.a,
• OH RL.9-10.2.b,
• OK 10.2.R.1,
• OK 9.2.R.1,
• OR RL.9-10.2,
• PA CC.1.3.9–10.A,
• RI RL.9-10.2,
• SC E1.RL.6,
• SC E1.RL.6.1,
• SC E2.RL.6,
• SC E2.RL.6.1,
• SC ELA.E1.AOR.2.1,
• SC ELA.E2.AOR.2.1,
• SD 9-10.RL.2,
• TN 9-10.RL.KID.2,
• TX TEKS E1.4.G,
• TX TEKS E1.6.D,
• TX TEKS E2.4.G,
• TX TEKS E2.6.D,
• UT 9-10.R.6,
• VT RL.9-10.2,
• WA RL.9-10.2,
• WI R.9-10.2,
• WV ELA.10.2,
• WV ELA.9.2,
• WY RL.9-10.2,

The Great Gatsby Essay Topics & Ideas

Use our essay topics suggestions to impress your reader.

• Argumentative Great Gatsby Topics
• Great Gatsby Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Analytical Great Gatsby Essay Topics

• “The Great Gatsby” Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Essay Examples on This Topic

Francis Scott Fitzgerald – a writer who informed the world about the beginning of a new century – “the age of jazz”, author of the novels “The Great Gatsby”, “Gentle Night”, “The Last Tycoon” – is one of the most prominent prose writers of the twentieth century.

In the novel The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald explores the phenomenon of the “American dream.” In the image of the main character Jay Gatsby, the writer managed to achieve a wonderful harmony in the image of the attractiveness of the dream and its inevitable collapse.

1922, Nick Carraway, a positive young man who works on Wall Street but dreams of becoming a writer, rents a house on Long Island, in a fashionable suburb of New York. On the other side of the bay lives his cousin Daisy, who married Tom Buchanan, a self-confident bastard from “old money”. And behind the nearest fence rises the mansion of Jay Gatsby, built under a medieval castle, a mysterious rich man who parties every day, but prefers to stand alone on the pier.

How to Choose Essay Topic on The Great Gatsby?

The Great Gatsby is a book that has been read and analyzed by thousands of students over the years. It’s a great piece of literature, and it’s also a fun story to read. You might think that writing an essay about it would be simple, but there are actually quite a few things that you need to consider. Here are some tips for choosing the right topic for your essay:

• Find something new – If you want your essay to stand out from the crowd and be remembered by your teacher, try to find something new in the book or movie that hasn’t been covered before. If everyone else writes about how Nick was an unreliable narrator or how Daisy’s party represented American excess in 1925, what will make your essay stand out?
• Use quotes – Quotes are great because they give you an idea of what someone else thought about the topic and help support your argument with evidence. But make sure that you know where each quote comes from so that other people can look it up and see if they agree with what you said!
• Be careful with research – It’s easy to get carried away when researching a topic because there is so much information available online these days—but don’t let yourself get carried away.

Tips on How to Write The Great Gatsby Essay

• Start with an introduction that’s interesting, engaging, and sets the scene for your essay.
• Make sure you have a thesis statement that is clear and directly related to your topic. It should also show that you understand the book, and know what your position is in relation to it.
• Use quotes from the book throughout the body of your essay, but don’t overuse them—you could end up sounding like a broken record!
• Be sure to support all of your claims with evidence from the text itself, not just personal opinions or other external sources (unless they are cited).
• End by summarizing your main points in one paragraph so that readers can easily see what was most important about what they read, rather than having to go back through all of it again themselves!

✒️ Argumentative Great Gatsby Topics

The Great Gatsby was not F.Scott Fitzgerald’s first choice for a title.

• “The Great Gatsby” – Themes And Moral Lessons Sample
• “The Great Gatsby”- Tom Buchanan ; Myrtle Wilson
• “The Past Haunts The Present” The Great Gatsby ; Going To Meet The Man
• Conflicts In The Great Gatsby
• “The Great Gatsby – Nick Carraway is the most important character in the novel”
• Great Gatsby as A Tragic Hero
• Are The Women In “The Great Gatsby” Presented As Immoral?
• The American Dream As Portrayed In “Great Gatsby”
• The Corruption Of The American Dream: The Great Gatsby
• Nature Of Man in The Great Gatsby
• Nick Carraway And Jay Gatsby In The Great Gatsby
• Portrayal Of Reality In Great Gatsby
• Outward Appearances in the Great Gatsby
• Purpose Of Tom Buchanan In The Great Gatsby
• Social Commentary – “The Great Gatsby”
• The Essence Of Success (Great Gatsby)

Popular Questions

✨ Best the great gatsby Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

• The great gatsby introduction Tom and Myrtle Even though Tom and Myrtle are together, and seem happy, there times in the end Of the chapter that show toms anger towards Myrtle. What’s more, is how he gets anger at her when she starts chanting Daisy’s name to the group. Keeps her ….
• Dust in the Great Gatsby In the novel The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald incorporates many different themes, but the most prevalent message is that of the impossibility of the American Dream. Fitzgerald writes of two types of people: those who appear to have the ideal ….
• The Great Gatsby and Othello: Destruction of Lives Secrets, lies, jealousy, and rumors are a lethal combination which not only destroy lives but also cause multiple murders. Jay Gatsby, the character in Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, and Iago from Shakespeare’s play Othello are consumed with ….
• Theme of Reality and Illusion in The Great Gatsby Even though he was surrounded by a lot of people, he was isolated in himself, always stood apart and very sneaky. Since the whole Story has started, the narrator talks about Gatsby as someone that no matter what will be by himself even when he is ….
• Corruption of American Dream in The Great Gatsby 1997: Novels and plays often include scenes of weddings, funerals, parties, and other social occasions. Such scenes may reveal the values of the characters and the society in which they live. Select a novel or play that includes such a scene and, in ….
• The Great Gatsby & Enduring Love Sample ‘Obsessive love has the capacity to drive a individual to insanity. taking to irrational behavior. disaffection and despair’ Compare and contrast the ways McEwan and Fitzgerald present the complexnesss of human love in visible radiation of this ….
• Image of American Dream in the Great Gatsby “The American Dream, the idea of the happy ending, is an avoidance of responsibility and commitment” (https:// www. Barbiturate. Com). What Robinson is saying is that a lot of people expect to achieve the American Dream, I. E. Happiness, through the ….
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald One of the biggest fears in today’s world is the fear of not fitting into society. People of all age groups and backgrounds share this fear. Many individuals believe that to receive somebody’s affection, they must assimilate into that person’s ….
• Writing assignment #1 the great gatsby Graduating from high school- I chose graduating from high school, because graduation signifies that I had accomplished something and moving on to the next step. As a child I attended other people graduations, but I did not really get the meaning to ….
• The great gatsby word search 1 Maneuver you feel like criticizing anyone’ he told me just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the same advantages as you’ve had” (page 1) Many people believed having many expensive belongings or have a lot of money is what ….
• Symbolizm in The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgeralds novel The Great Gatsby is about a man named Gatsby and his struggle to attain the American Dream in 1920s Long Island. He fights to get his dream woman and to do so, he must first become rich. Unfortunately, he doesnt really go ….
• The Great Gatsby Quotes About Love The Great Gatsby “The loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly. ” In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald presents his audience with a novel with intricate ….
• gatjay F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby – Jay Gatsby as the Magician Great Gatsby EssaysJay Gatsby as the Magician in The Great Gatsby Magicians are known for the tricks that they play on the eyes. What often seems like magic, turns out to be just a careful flick of the wrist. In the book ….
• The American Dream in The Great Gatsby The American Dream or an Onion The American Dream is an endless onion. One will find endless layers of the American dream onion to peel back in order to grasp for an unattainable center. Only tears will be achieved from this endless peeling of the ….
• The Great Gatsby character analysis Throughout The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby plays the main character. He is slowly introduced and revealed by Nick Carraway, his neighbor. Gatsby does both right and wrong things, he has acquired his great amounts of wealth through shady business and ….
• The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald How similar are an chesty. affluent adult male. a hapless mechanic’s married woman. and a Southern beauty? Although apparently different. all three of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s characters pattern unfaithfulness throughout The Great Gatsby. By taking his ….
• Futility of the American Dream Exposed in The Great Gatsby In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, the principle character, Jay Gatsby makes an exhaustive effort in his quest for the American Dream. The novel is Fitzgerald’s vessel of commentary and criticism of the American Dream. “Fitzgerald ….
• The Great Gatsby Symbolism In Colors Colors can typify many different things. Artists use colors in their pictures when they want you to see what they are seeking to show. Like if an creative person is seeking to show sorrow or decease he frequently uses inkines blues, and greies ….
• The Great Gatsby – Nick Carraway is the most important character in the novel Nick Carraway comes off as a listener and honest man, which seems to give everyone in the novel an incentive to trust him – and these “intimate revelations” are essentially what catalyses the initiation of the plot and subsequently the termination ….
• The Great Gatsby – Significance of Title Some of these themes can even be taken on a more social level to include society in general and imply their prominence as well. Gatsby symbolizes the State Of idealism that had been a common ideal Of society when the novel had been published. His ….

✍ Great Gatsby Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Comparing The American Dream Of The Great Gatsby And Tender Is The Night
• Comparison Of Characters In “Death Of A Salesman,” “The Great Gatsby,” And “A Streetcar Named Desire”
• Comparison Of Great Gatsby And Sonnets From The Portuguese
• Great Expectations, Life Of Pi And The Great Gatsby
• The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald Idealized Women
• Great Gatsby And Catcher In The Rye
• Dominance Of Money And Consumer Culture In The Great Gatsby
• “The Great Gatsby” And “Death Of A Salesman”
• “The Great Gatsby” And The American Dream
• Failures Of The American Dream In The Great Gatsby And The Grapes Of Wrath
• Great Gatsby Movie Vs. Book
• Parallels Between “The Hollow Men” And The Great Gatsby
• The Debauchery Of Decadence: A Comparison Of Arrowsmith And The Great Gatsby

The famous cover of the Great Gatsby was designed by Francis Cugat.

• Betrayal In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
• Biographical Analysis Of The Great Gatsby
• Feminist Criticism Of The Great Gatsby
• Dust and Dreams and the Great Gatsby
• Great Gatsby-Failure Of The American Dream
• How Far Does The Great Gatsby Demonstrate View Of The American Dream?
• Immoral Nature Of The American Dream In The Great Gatsby
• According To The Great Gatsby, What Traits Constitute The Zeitgeist (Spirit Of The Time) Of The 1920’S?
• Foreshadowing In The Great Gatsby
• Female Power In The Great Gatsby
• What makes The Great Gatsby great?
• How does Fitzgerald use weather in the novel?
• Why do Daisy and Tom stay together?
• Can We Sympathise With Women In ‘The Great Gatsby’
• Color Symbolism In The Great Gatsby
• Color Used In The Great Gatsby
• Great Gatsby And Jazz Times
• A Reading Report of the Great Gatsby
• Great Gatsby And Morality
• Literary Devices In “The Great Gatsby”
• Love In The Great Gatsby
• Love Quotes From The Great Gatsby
• Love, Lust And Obsession In The Great Gatsby
• Moral Corruption In The Great Gatsby
• Moral Declination Of The American Dream As Portrayed In The Great Gatsby
• Motif Affairs: The Great Gatsby
• Movement And Change In The Great Gatsby
• Narrative Structure In The Great Gatsby
• Love and Relationships in The Great Gatsby
• Key Passage Analysis Great Gatsby
• Literary Analysis Of Great Gatsby
• Symbolism In “The Great Gatsby”
• Annotated Bibliography – the Great Gatsby
• Essay on the great gatsby
• Great Gatsby Essay
• Interpretation Of The Great Gatsby
• Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby in the Great Gatsby
• Short Essay – The Great Gatsby
• Symbols in The Great Gatsby
• The Great Gatsby Overview Essay
• The Great Gatsby Short Essay

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How to cite ChatGPT

Use discount code STYLEBLOG15 for 15% off APA Style print products with free shipping in the United States.

We, the APA Style team, are not robots. We can all pass a CAPTCHA test , and we know our roles in a Turing test . And, like so many nonrobot human beings this year, we’ve spent a fair amount of time reading, learning, and thinking about issues related to large language models, artificial intelligence (AI), AI-generated text, and specifically ChatGPT . We’ve also been gathering opinions and feedback about the use and citation of ChatGPT. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and shared ideas, opinions, research, and feedback.

In this post, I discuss situations where students and researchers use ChatGPT to create text and to facilitate their research, not to write the full text of their paper or manuscript. We know instructors have differing opinions about how or even whether students should use ChatGPT, and we’ll be continuing to collect feedback about instructor and student questions. As always, defer to instructor guidelines when writing student papers. For more about guidelines and policies about student and author use of ChatGPT, see the last section of this post.

Quoting or reproducing the text created by ChatGPT in your paper

If you’ve used ChatGPT or other AI tools in your research, describe how you used the tool in your Method section or in a comparable section of your paper. For literature reviews or other types of essays or response or reaction papers, you might describe how you used the tool in your introduction. In your text, provide the prompt you used and then any portion of the relevant text that was generated in response.

Unfortunately, the results of a ChatGPT “chat” are not retrievable by other readers, and although nonretrievable data or quotations in APA Style papers are usually cited as personal communications , with ChatGPT-generated text there is no person communicating. Quoting ChatGPT’s text from a chat session is therefore more like sharing an algorithm’s output; thus, credit the author of the algorithm with a reference list entry and the corresponding in-text citation.

When prompted with “Is the left brain right brain divide real or a metaphor?” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that although the two brain hemispheres are somewhat specialized, “the notation that people can be characterized as ‘left-brained’ or ‘right-brained’ is considered to be an oversimplification and a popular myth” (OpenAI, 2023).

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

You may also put the full text of long responses from ChatGPT in an appendix of your paper or in online supplemental materials, so readers have access to the exact text that was generated. It is particularly important to document the exact text created because ChatGPT will generate a unique response in each chat session, even if given the same prompt. If you create appendices or supplemental materials, remember that each should be called out at least once in the body of your APA Style paper.

When given a follow-up prompt of “What is a more accurate representation?” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that “different brain regions work together to support various cognitive processes” and “the functional specialization of different regions can change in response to experience and environmental factors” (OpenAI, 2023; see Appendix A for the full transcript).

Creating a reference to ChatGPT or other AI models and software

The in-text citations and references above are adapted from the reference template for software in Section 10.10 of the Publication Manual (American Psychological Association, 2020, Chapter 10). Although here we focus on ChatGPT, because these guidelines are based on the software template, they can be adapted to note the use of other large language models (e.g., Bard), algorithms, and similar software.

The reference and in-text citations for ChatGPT are formatted as follows:

• Parenthetical citation: (OpenAI, 2023)
• Narrative citation: OpenAI (2023)

Let’s break that reference down and look at the four elements (author, date, title, and source):

Author: The author of the model is OpenAI.

Date: The date is the year of the version you used. Following the template in Section 10.10, you need to include only the year, not the exact date. The version number provides the specific date information a reader might need.

Title: The name of the model is “ChatGPT,” so that serves as the title and is italicized in your reference, as shown in the template. Although OpenAI labels unique iterations (i.e., ChatGPT-3, ChatGPT-4), they are using “ChatGPT” as the general name of the model, with updates identified with version numbers.

The version number is included after the title in parentheses. The format for the version number in ChatGPT references includes the date because that is how OpenAI is labeling the versions. Different large language models or software might use different version numbering; use the version number in the format the author or publisher provides, which may be a numbering system (e.g., Version 2.0) or other methods.

Bracketed text is used in references for additional descriptions when they are needed to help a reader understand what’s being cited. References for a number of common sources, such as journal articles and books, do not include bracketed descriptions, but things outside of the typical peer-reviewed system often do. In the case of a reference for ChatGPT, provide the descriptor “Large language model” in square brackets. OpenAI describes ChatGPT-4 as a “large multimodal model,” so that description may be provided instead if you are using ChatGPT-4. Later versions and software or models from other companies may need different descriptions, based on how the publishers describe the model. The goal of the bracketed text is to briefly describe the kind of model to your reader.

Source: When the publisher name and the author name are the same, do not repeat the publisher name in the source element of the reference, and move directly to the URL. This is the case for ChatGPT. The URL for ChatGPT is https://chat.openai.com/chat . For other models or products for which you may create a reference, use the URL that links as directly as possible to the source (i.e., the page where you can access the model, not the publisher’s homepage).

Other questions about citing ChatGPT

You may have noticed the confidence with which ChatGPT described the ideas of brain lateralization and how the brain operates, without citing any sources. I asked for a list of sources to support those claims and ChatGPT provided five references—four of which I was able to find online. The fifth does not seem to be a real article; the digital object identifier given for that reference belongs to a different article, and I was not able to find any article with the authors, date, title, and source details that ChatGPT provided. Authors using ChatGPT or similar AI tools for research should consider making this scrutiny of the primary sources a standard process. If the sources are real, accurate, and relevant, it may be better to read those original sources to learn from that research and paraphrase or quote from those articles, as applicable, than to use the model’s interpretation of them.

We’ve also received a number of other questions about ChatGPT. Should students be allowed to use it? What guidelines should instructors create for students using AI? Does using AI-generated text constitute plagiarism? Should authors who use ChatGPT credit ChatGPT or OpenAI in their byline? What are the copyright implications ?

On these questions, researchers, editors, instructors, and others are actively debating and creating parameters and guidelines. Many of you have sent us feedback, and we encourage you to continue to do so in the comments below. We will also study the policies and procedures being established by instructors, publishers, and academic institutions, with a goal of creating guidelines that reflect the many real-world applications of AI-generated text.

For questions about manuscript byline credit, plagiarism, and related ChatGPT and AI topics, the APA Style team is seeking the recommendations of APA Journals editors. APA Style guidelines based on those recommendations will be posted on this blog and on the APA Style site later this year.

Update: APA Journals has published policies on the use of generative AI in scholarly materials .

We, the APA Style team humans, appreciate your patience as we navigate these unique challenges and new ways of thinking about how authors, researchers, and students learn, write, and work with new technologies.

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

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