Keyword Guide · study-guide
Whether you’re prepping for a class quiz, drafting an essay, or gearing up for a discussion, organized The Great Gatsby notes are your key to success. This study guide breaks down the novel’s core elements into digestible, assignment-focused sections. We’ll cover everything you need to analyze the text confidently and meet your course requirements.
Focus on 4 key figures to simplify analysis: Jay Gatsby, Nick Carraway, Daisy Buchanan, and Tom Buchanan. For each, note their core motivations, flaws, and narrative roles—like Nick’s position as both participant and observer, or Gatsby’s obsession with recapturing the past. These notes will help you answer character-focused quiz questions and build essay arguments about identity and class.
Prioritize 3 central themes for discussions and essays: the emptiness of the American Dream, the divide between old and new wealth, and the impossibility of repeating the past. For each theme, jot down 1-2 specific plot moments that illustrate it (avoid direct quotes). These notes will give you concrete evidence to back up your claims in any academic setting.
Memorize 3 critical symbols: the green light, the Valley of Ashes, and Dr. T.J. Eckleburg’s billboard. For each, note what it represents (e.g., the green light as a symbol of unfulfilled desire) and how it ties to the novel’s core themes. These symbols are frequent quiz questions and strong essay hooks.
For quizzes: Review character motivations and symbol meanings daily for 10 minutes leading up to the test. For class discussions: Prepare 2-3 talking points tied to themes, like how new wealth is portrayed. For essays: Use your notes to outline a clear thesis (e.g., "Gatsby’s downfall exposes the American Dream’s corruption") and pair it with 2-3 supporting evidence points from your character and theme notes.
Focus on connecting characters, symbols, and themes—don’t just list plot events. This will help you analyze the text, not just summarize it, which is key for essays and class discussions.
Pre-outline 2-3 potential essay prompts using your theme and character notes. For example, draft a quick structure for a prompt about the American Dream, so you can jump straight to writing during the timed session.
Only if your course focuses on them. For most high school and college classes, sticking to the 4 core characters and key symbols will cover 90% of quiz and essay requirements.
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