The Great Gatsby Research Paper Assignment

This will be a sophisticated topic and a difficult paper. Not only that, but it will require you to do outside research on your own. If you procrastinate this until shortly before the due date, it will be very difficult to get a good grade. This paper is the culmination of a year of studying and experimenting with writing. It should involve maximum effort. I am not even going to make you write in a specific format. That is up to you. Find and search through articles and other books, absorb the novel, and wrack your brain for the best way to organize and present your information.

BOTTOM LINE: BEGIN TO ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS AND JOT DOWN NOTES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THIS WILL NOT BE AN EASY ASSIGNMENT. PREPARE FOR 100% EFFORT!

The prompt:

After researching, discuss how understanding F. Scott Fitzgerald’s real life is key to understanding The Great Gatsby. How did he use his own life experiences in plotting and writing the novel? You must look beyond the obvious similarities and try to discuss more deeply what Fitzgerald may have been saying about his life. You must also include a discussion of “The American Dream.” What is Fitzgerald saying about it in Gatsby? How does THAT relate to his own life?

The requirements:

1. Cite at least two quotes or paraphrases from The Great Gatsby.

2. Cite information or quotes from at least three other legitimate sources. You must cite least one book – use our library or a public library. If you anticipate difficulty finding a book, start NOW.

3. Address the prompt – do not leave out a discussion of his perspective on The American Dream.

4. Create an accurate “Works Cited” page.

5. Write AT LEAST 2 pages.

6. Use everything you have learned so far this year: this is a tough one.

DON’T JUST PUT THIS AWAY AND FORGET ABOUT IT UNTIL THE PAPER IS ALMOST DUE. GET YOUR BRAIN WAVES FLOWING AND KEEP IT IN THE BACK OF YOUR MIND AS WE FINISH READING THE GREAT GATSBY.

DUE May 10th (B) or May 11th (A)