The Great Gatsby
Literary Analysis Essay
Assignment
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a widely studied novel. Not only does this novel
Summary:
embody struggles of the everyman, but he presents compelling characters and themes that still
ring true today. Gatsby has been studied for its commentary on the 1920’s as a decade,
economics, and the conflict between classes as well as the failure of the American dream. See
topics below.
Writer’s Purpose:
To inform the reader of your interpretation and findings on the novel.
Writer’s Role:
Yourself – an informed reader!
Audience:
Your audience is comprised of teachers, students, and anyone who has read The Great Gatsby
Expect that your audience has a working knowledge of the novel and do not write a summary.
Reference the novel to prove what you are saying. Quotations=evidence.
Literary Analysis: The purpose of a literary analysis essay is to carefully examine and sometimes evaluate
Form:
a work of literature or an aspect of a work of literature. As with any analysis, this requires you to break the
subject down into its component parts. Examining the different elements of a piece of literature is not an
end in itself, but rather a process to help you better appreciate and understand the work of literature as a
whole.
2 ½- 3 pages (3 is a MAXIMUM)
size 12, Times New Roman, double-spaced, standard margins (1-inch)
st
do not use 1
person
smoothly integrate direct quotations from the novel
Focus Correction
Content: Thesis (clear, arguable thesis) (5pts)
Areas
Content: Quotes Effectively support thesis and are embedded smoothly (5 times) (40 pts)
(Points are based on appropriate selection, placement, and embedding.)
Content: Commentary: Your analysis of text adds to thesis development (40 points)
Organization: Paragraph structure: All paragraphs have a topic sentence that directly relates to
the thesis and sequencing of details is purposeful and effective. (10 points)
Conventions: Proper internal and end punctuation, including MLA formatting (5 pts)
Procedure:
1. Select your topic.
2. Brainstorm possible sections of the novel that will help you narrow and support a thesis.
3. Find primary references (5 or more quotations) to support your thesis. Remember, you must
prove everything you say by giving evidence.
5. Write an outline with a thesis statement to plan your essay.
6. Compose the introduction and one body paragraph.
7. Write your essay.
8. Proofread
9. Proofread
10. Submit to