The Great Gatsby Essay Tips

Sample Intro Grabber (general) Grabber (general) Bridge to introduce author, title, time period (bridge should link the grabber to main topic) Bridge to introduce author, title, time period (bridge should link the grabber to main topic) Set up main topic of essay (idea of counterpoint) Set up main topic of essay (idea of counterpoint) Roadmap (3 sentences) Roadmap (3 sentences) Thesis: significance of these contrasts—be sure your thesis answers the question, “So what?” Thesis: significance of these contrasts—be sure your thesis answers the question, “So what?” Refer to the sample intro I gave you. Refer to the sample intro I gave you.

Sample body paragraph Topic sentence (must allude to the thesis) Ex: Fitzgerald contrasts Buchanan’s hard physicality with Gatsby’s almost spiritual purity in order to suggest/demonstrate/illustrate… Topic sentence (must allude to the thesis) Ex: Fitzgerald contrasts Buchanan’s hard physicality with Gatsby’s almost spiritual purity in order to suggest/demonstrate/illustrate… Set up the first example (provide context) Set up the first example (provide context) Integrated quote (w/citation) & significance Integrated quote (w/citation) & significance Transition to 2 nd example (In contrast, Conversely, While, In direct opposition) with set-up of 2 nd example (provide context) Transition to 2 nd example (In contrast, Conversely, While, In direct opposition) with set-up of 2 nd example (provide context) Integrated quote #2 (w/citation) & significance Integrated quote #2 (w/citation) & significance Analysis examining this contrast and how it proves/ contributes to the universal truth in your thesis Analysis examining this contrast and how it proves/ contributes to the universal truth in your thesis

Helpful Hints Clarity & concision Clarity & concision Active voice Active voice Present tense except when providing historical overview Present tense except when providing historical overview Watch for wordiness and awkwardness Watch for wordiness and awkwardness In your quote analysis, do not just summarize the quote AND do not just restate your thesis; explain how the example proves the thesis—be specific! In your quote analysis, do not just summarize the quote AND do not just restate your thesis; explain how the example proves the thesis—be specific!