Explore the view that love is dangerous in The Great Gatsby

In your introduction you must introduce your argument clearly, paying attention to all aspects of the question. Offer your argument in relation to the statement; in this case make it clear what kind of love you are going to write about: The act of loving another person for who they are is absent within The Great Gatsby; Fitzgerald presents us with characters that are instead merely capable of obsession and hatred. It the nonexistence of love that is dangerous as it prevents his characters from feeling a sense of fulfillment and causes pain for others. Next support your argument using the Point Evidence Explain formula. Use as many as it takes to justify your argument. Point: It is clear that Gatsby is obsessed with the idea of being with Daisy rather than in love with her as a person. Evidence: Gatsby’s incredulous emphasis of the line ‘can’t repeat the past?... of course you can’ suggests that Nick is correct in believing that Gatsby was merely trying to recover some idea of himself rather than love Daisy as a person. His insistence that they marry at Daisy’s family home and that she tell Tom she never loved him proves that Gatsby is merely trying to rewrite his own history of humble origins. Explain: Gatsby’s obsession with this idea and what he asks of Daisy merely pushes her away from him, leaving Gatsby far from fulfillment. His obsession in recovering aspects of his past, for example his own personal poverty, leads him into becoming a bootlegger. This was extremely perilous in the 1920’s as alcohol was illegal and attracted dangerous gangsters such as Al Capone who placed other peoples lives in danger. Ultimately Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy surpasses the ultimate danger as he dies because of it. I have shown language analysis by mentioning the manner in which Gatsby speaks; also, I have brought context into my explanation as I explain how Fitzgerald draws upon the act of bootlegging, something this period is famous for. Throughout the essay it shows an intelligent understanding of the text to draw upon the views of various critics and why you agree or disagree with them. You must to acknowledge other points of view, just make sure you explain why you have come to formulate your own argument despite this- your voice must be clear. To conclude make sure you only summarize your argument and do not introduce any new points. I always springboard ideas and make suggestions to aid students in formulating their line of argument. It is crucial that they develop their own ideas and learn to voice their own opinions.