This Side of Paradise features several poems written by Amory and other characters like Eleanor. Revisit these poems and analyze their style and themes. Consider their significance in the novel and their connection to Amory's intellectual growth. What are your thoughts on these poems? Why do you believe Fitzgerald included them in the novel? How do they convey themes such as traditionalism, radicalism, paganism, or other noteworthy ideas? Is their style akin to that of the novel itself? Would you classify them as modernist poems? Provide your reasoning for your answers.

Fitzgerald's personal life has intrigued critics for a long time. Read Arthur Mizener's biography, The Far Side of Paradise (1951), or another detailed biography of Fitzgerald, focusing particularly on his life before 1920. Discuss how this information influences your perception of This Side of Paradise. How do the personalities and experiences from Fitzgerald's life manifest, directly or indirectly, in his debut novel? Explore why you think Fitzgerald incorporated certain life events into the novel and how critics should approach the knowledge of an author’s life when evaluating their work.

Amory is portrayed as a self-centered egotist in the novel. Do you consider this trait undesirable? Are there any positive aspects to it? By the novel's conclusion, does Amory view it as undesirable? Does Fitzgerald? Do you believe Amory’s personality will evolve? Why do you think Fitzgerald chose to write about such a character? How does egotism contribute to the novel's significance in literary history?

Two pivotal scenes in This Side of Paradise are presented in a play format. Gather a cast of characters and perform these scenes. Afterwards, discuss how this exercise enhances your comprehension of the novel and how these scenes impact the rest of the book. Why do you think Fitzgerald opted for the dramatic format? Is it effective, and does it integrate well into the novel? Why or why not?