The Great GatsbyCulminating Task

Task Questions

In response to one of the questions below, write a multiparagraph literary analysis and critical argument in which you state your interpretive position, and logically and sufficiently support your response with text-based claims. Develop your claims with textual evidence from the novel and at least one outside source, including direct quotations with parenthetical citations. Use correct and effective language, syntax, and mechanics to clearly communicate your analysis.

1. What does The Great Gatsby ultimately suggest about human perception, illusions, and dreams—and potentially about the American Dream?

   1. Take a position on this question based on your interpretation of the novel’s meaning.

   2. Analyze how Fitzgerald uses narrative elements (such as plot structure, scene development, and characterization) and literary devices (such as imagery, symbolism, and irony) to convey a central theme in the novel related to perceptions, illusions, and dreams.

   3. Use specific evidence from your reading and analysis of the text and at least one critical source.

2. As a narrator, is Nick Carraway the novel’s “most important character” (Mellard), a judgmental “snob” (Donaldson), or an “unreliable” voice (Boyle)? What is your own reading of Nick’s character and role in the novel?

   1. Take a position in response to these questions based on your perceptions of Nick as a character and narrator.

   2. Analyze Nick’s role in telling Gatsby’s story and in conveying a central theme in the novel related to perceptions, illusions, and dreams.

   3. Use specific evidence from your reading and analysis of the text and at least one critical source.

Be sure to complete the following in your response:

• Respond to the specific issues framed by the question.

• Form an interpretive position and thesis (central claim).

• Gather and organize relevant and strong evidence from the novel and at least one other critical source.

• Organize your analysis into a coherent sequence of well-developed paragraphs.

• Integrate quotations from the novel and other secondary sources.

• Use academic language and demonstrate your understanding of literary elements, devices, and terminology.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the novel and the author’s choices in developing it.

• Use appropriate language, syntax, grammar, and mechanics.