How does the notion of the American Dream manifest through The Great Gatsby?

This is a fantastic question. Lots to get your teeth into. First of all - unpack the question. If you unpack the question you will know which way to take it. So what does the 'American Dream' really mean? And what is the Great Gatsby anyway? To start off, it would be useful to find out when the term 'American dream' was first coined, and when did the phrase become more popular? Does the popularity of the this phrase link with the context of Great Gatsby in any way? It could be useful to draw parallels within the first paragraph or introduction. Secondly, what do you understand contextually about The Great Gastby? E.g. When was it written, when was it set, who was it written by, do we know anything about the life of the author which will enable us to make connections between 'The Great Gatsby' and 'the American Dream'?I have a help-sheet available with prompts and contextual information. Feel free to request this to support with your 'question unpacking'!

LH

Related English A Level answers

All answers ▸

‘Much American literature is characterised by the importance of hope in adversity.’ By comparing at least two texts prescribed for this topic, discuss how far you have found this to be the case.


How to write a powerful conclusion in a literature essay


How do I effectively analyse a pre-modern English text, e.g. Chaucer, Sir Gawain?


How does Virginia Woolf deplore canonic conventions in 'Mrs Dalloway' through the characters of Elizabeth and Clarissa Dalloway?