The Great Gatsby Group

Question:

teletubbiemummy
teletubbiemummy
Student
Graduate School

To what extend does fitzgerald present a negative attitude towards the society portrayed in chapters 2 & 3?

I'm a mature student doing Eng Lit and it's been so long from i was at school that sometimes the questions stump me.

Firstly i had to compare & contrast myrtle's party to jay gatsby's then the above question has to be intermingled with my info on the above.

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Posted by teletubbiemummy on Monday November 2, 2009 at 2:09 AM and tagged with negative attitude, society portrayed, the great gatsby.

Answers:

  1. krstngross
    krstngross Student
    Graduate School

    In order for you to answer the question thoroughly, you will need specific examples to support your interpretation.  Is this a short answer or essay question?

    Look closely at the language.  In both chapters, look at the Fitzgerald's choice of words.  His diction will offer clues about the negative attitude.  Explain the connotations of the words to make your argument strong, after all literary criticism is very much about constructing a solid argument.  Read closely to see if Fitzgerald is using characterization, or setting to criticize society.  Characters are often crafted to help the author make his or her point about the society they are criticizing.

    When comparing the two parties, what is the major contrast that stands out to YOU.  Focus on that.  The class will churn out different answers, and that is fine.  If you are able to support your claims with specific textual references you will be fine.  Have fun with it, treat literary analysis like a game or mystery.  Literature is brought to life by what each person can bring to it.  Good luck!

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    Posted by krstngross on Monday November 2, 2009 at 3:17 AM

  2. teletubbiemummy
    teletubbiemummy Student
    Graduate School

    Thank you so much krstngross

    this is an essay question and i'm now at the conclusion stage and feel panic has set in, your words of guidance are a blessing.

    Thanks again for taking the time

    Kate

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    Posted by teletubbiemummy on Monday November 2, 2009 at 4:51 AM