What is the American Dream? “The traditional social ideals of the United States, such as equality, democracy, and material prosperity.” – Google “That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.”- James Truslow Adams “To every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity … the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood and his vision can combine to make him.” – Thomas Wolfe

Challenges to the American Dream “The trouble with our American Dream infatuation [obsession] is that it transcends these common-sense boundaries. It has become a substitute for addressing real problems and a collective act of self-deception.” – Robert Samuelson “Domination is at the heart of the American Dream … we must face the brokenness of our world. Only then can we embrace the anguish of the American Dream and confront honestly our moment in history.” – Robert Jensen “F. Scott Fitzgerald’s life is a tragic example of both sides of the American Dream – the joys of young love, wealth and success, and the tragedies associated with excess and failure.”

How do you think The American Dream connects to The Great Gatsby?

Describe how the American Dream appears in The Great Gatsby in one adjective. Adjectives: ideal, complicated, straightforward, prominent, flawed, flawless Share your word with your neighbor.

Theme is… … a view or perspective on people or the world. … implicit [implied/understood]. You have to interpret it by analyzing characters, language, setting, plot, or details in fiction. … open to interpretation and debate. You may or may not agree with an author’s perspective. … an author’s attempt to connect with you as a fellow human being.

Example Theme Statements “We sometimes tend to see the world the way we want it, but we often don’t see how the world truly is.” “The American Dream sometimes can be stressful. People can have everything they want, but they can have problems with their lives that can’t be fixed.” “The American Dream conflicts with human nature and therefore generates more problems than it solves.” “The American Dream is about fulfilling what you want to become. It doesn’t always make happiness.” “The American Dream is and will be clouded with greed and corruption, but you can’t give in to them if you wish to fully achieve.”

Theme is NOT… … a moral or lesson. Authors aren’t trying to tell you what to do. … cliché. Life may be like a box of chocolates, but The Great Gatsby’s theme isn’t. … explicit. You cannot pick a single excerpt from The Great Gatsby and say, “THIS IS THE THEME!” You have to interpret it. … always clear-cut or straightforward. This is why people write papers about literature. There are many ways to interpret a novel.

Theme Statements A theme statement clearly identifies a perspective on humankind or the world. A theme statement “lives beyond the text,” although you need to analyze text to write it. Example: “Long-held beliefs and values rarely change unless stimulated by a dramatic event.” Example: “A child’s sense of identity comes from interacting with others. If no positive role model is available, the child may never reach his/her true potential.”

How do I write a theme statement? Keep your statement general. Don’t allude to The Great Gatsby. Use your own words. Express an “insight” about life, the world, or humankind. Use words like “sometimes,” “can,” “may,” and “often.” Theme statements aren’t absolute or final. Avoid second person (e.g., “you,” “your”)

Analysis Essay Prompt You will write an essay in which you analyze Fitzgerald’s portrayal of one character and at least two literary elements to convey a message about the American Dream. You must include a theme statement regarding the American Dream in your introduction as part of your thesis statement.

What’s a thesis statement? A simple and clear statement of your argument The central idea of your analysis A “guide” for your paper The concise answer to a prompt’s question Adapted from Indiana University’s Writing Tutorial Services

How do I write a good thesis statement? Take a stand! Make me want to read your paper. Justify discussion. Discuss ONE main idea. HINT: Fitzgerald’s message about the American Dream Be specific! Adapted from Indiana University’s Writing Tutorial Services

Which is better? Why? World hunger has many causes and effects. v. Hunger persists in Belize because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable. Credit: Indiana University’s Writing Tutorial Services

Credit: Indiana University’s Writing Tutorial Services Which is better? Why? F. Scott Fitzgerald complicates the American Dream with flawed and unfulfilled characters in The Great Gatsby. v. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s message about the American Dream is that it’s bad. Credit: Indiana University’s Writing Tutorial Services

What are literary elements? Examples from The Great Gatsby: Irony Setting Color/imagery Motifs Language Symbols Foreshadowing Flashback Narration (shifts and unreliability)