essay outline for the great gatsby

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Essays on The Great Gatsby

The great gatsby essay topic examples.

Whether you want to analyze the American Dream, compare and contrast characters, vividly describe settings and characters, persuade readers with your viewpoints, or share personal experiences related to the story, these essay ideas provide a diverse perspective on the themes and complexities within the book.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays require you to analyze and present arguments related to the novel. Here are some topic examples:

• 1. Argue whether the American Dream is achievable or illusory, as depicted in The Great Gatsby .
• 2. Analyze the moral ambiguity of Jay Gatsby and the consequences of his relentless pursuit of the American Dream.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a tale of ambition, decadence, and the elusive American Dream. This essay delves into the complex theme of the American Dream, exploring whether it remains attainable or has transformed into a tantalizing illusion, luring individuals like Jay Gatsby into its enigmatic embrace.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: In conclusion, the analysis of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby invites us to reevaluate our perceptions of success and fulfillment. As we contemplate the fate of Jay Gatsby and the characters entangled in his world, we are challenged to define our own version of the American Dream and the sacrifices it may entail.

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast essays enable you to examine similarities and differences within the novel or between it and other literary works. Consider these topics:

• 1. Compare and contrast the characters of Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan, exploring their contrasting worldviews and motivations.
• 2. Analyze the similarities and differences between the portrayal of the Jazz Age in The Great Gatsby and Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises .

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: The characters and settings in The Great Gatsby and other literary works offer a rich tapestry for comparison and contrast. This essay embarks on a journey to compare and contrast the enigmatic Jay Gatsby and the brash Tom Buchanan, delving into their contrasting values, aspirations, and roles within the novel.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan illuminate the divergent paths individuals can take in pursuit of their desires. As we consider the consequences of their choices, we are prompted to reflect on the complexities of ambition and morality.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays allow you to vividly depict settings, characters, or events within the novel. Here are some topic ideas:

• 1. Describe the opulent parties at Gatsby's mansion, emphasizing the decadence and extravagance of the Jazz Age.
• 2. Paint a detailed portrait of Daisy Buchanan, focusing on her beauty, charm, and the allure she holds for Gatsby.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: The Great Gatsby immerses readers in the lavish world of the Roaring Twenties. This essay embarks on a descriptive exploration of the extravagant parties at Gatsby's mansion, capturing the opulence and hedonism of the era, as well as the illusions they create.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: In conclusion, the descriptive portrayal of Gatsby's parties serves as a vivid snapshot of the Jazz Age's excesses and the fleeting nature of indulgence. Through this exploration, we are reminded of the allure and transience of the materialistic pursuits that captivated the characters of the novel.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays involve arguing a point of view related to the novel. Consider these persuasive topics:

• 1. Persuade your readers that Nick Carraway is the moral compass of the story, serving as the voice of reason and morality.
• 2. Argue for or against the idea that Gatsby's love for Daisy is genuine and selfless, despite his questionable methods.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: The Great Gatsby presents a tapestry of characters with complex moral dilemmas. This persuasive essay asserts that Nick Carraway emerges as the moral compass of the story, guiding readers through the labyrinth of decadence and disillusionment in the Jazz Age.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument regarding Nick Carraway's role as the moral compass underscores the importance of ethical navigation in a world characterized by excess and moral ambiguity. As we reflect on his influence, we are compelled to consider the enduring value of integrity and virtue.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays offer you the opportunity to tell a story or share personal experiences related to the themes of the novel. Explore these narrative essay topics:

• 1. Narrate a personal experience where you encountered the allure of materialism and extravagance, similar to the characters in The Great Gatsby .
• 2. Imagine yourself as a character in the Jazz Age and recount your interactions with Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: The themes of The Great Gatsby resonate with the allure of a bygone era. This narrative essay delves into a personal encounter with the seductive pull of materialism and extravagance, drawing parallels to the characters' experiences in the novel.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my personal encounter with the allure of materialism reminds us of the timeless nature of the themes in The Great Gatsby . As we navigate our own desires and ambitions, we are encouraged to contemplate the balance between aspiration and morality.

Lies and Deceit in The Great Gatsby

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How Do The Clothes Symbolize in The Great Gatsby?

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"The Great Gatsby": Theme and Symbols

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The Portrayal of Female Characters in F.s. Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby

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April 10, 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald

Novel; Fiction, Tragedy

Jay Gatsby , Nick Carraway, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, Jordan Baker, Meyer Wolfsheim, George B. Wilson, Trimalchio, Mr. Gatz

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote "The Great Gatsby" with multiple motivations in mind. Firstly, he sought to critique the materialistic excesses and moral decay of the Roaring Twenties, a period of post-World War I prosperity. Fitzgerald aimed to expose the disillusionment and hollowness behind the glittering facade of the American Dream. Additionally, he drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of the wealthy elite and their decadent lifestyles. Through the character of Jay Gatsby, Fitzgerald explored themes of unrequited love, longing, and the pursuit of an unattainable ideal. Ultimately, Fitzgerald's intent was to capture the essence of an era and offer a profound commentary on the human condition.

The story revolves around Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire, and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a married woman with whom he had a romantic past. Narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man from the Midwest, the novel delves into the opulent and extravagant lives of the wealthy elite in Long Island. As Gatsby throws lavish parties in the hope of rekindling his relationship with Daisy, the narrative explores themes of love, wealth, illusion, and the disillusionment that comes with the pursuit of the American Dream.

The American Dream , decadence, idealism, resistance to changes, social excess, caution.

The influence of "The Great Gatsby" extends far beyond its initial publication in 1925. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel has become a literary classic, revered for its exploration of themes such as wealth, love, and the elusive American Dream. It remains relevant due to its timeless portrayal of human desires, societal decadence, and the consequences of relentless pursuit. The book's vivid characters and atmospheric prose have inspired countless writers and artists, shaping the landscape of American literature. With its commentary on the dark underbelly of the Jazz Age, "The Great Gatsby" continues to captivate readers, serving as a cautionary tale and a poignant reflection of the human condition.

1. During F. Scott Fitzgerald's lifetime, approximately 25,000 copies of the book were sold. However, since then, it has gained immense popularity, selling over 25 million copies and establishing itself as one of the most renowned American novels. 2. The Great Gatsby did not have its original title as the author considered various options, ranging from "Under the Red, White and Blue" to "The High-Bouncing Lover." These alternative titles were potentially revealing too much about the content prematurely. 3. In 1926, just a year after its publication, the book was adapted into a film, demonstrating its quick transition from page to screen. 4. Fitzgerald's cause of death is believed to have been tuberculosis rather than a heart attack. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 44. 5. The price of this famous novel at the time of its publication in 1925 was $2, representing its value in that era. 6. The Great Gatsby did not immediately receive critical acclaim upon release. However, it has since garnered recognition and praise, becoming a significant literary work.

"The Great Gatsby" has made a significant impact on various forms of media, captivating audiences across generations. The novel has been adapted into several films, with notable versions including the 1974 adaptation starring Robert Redford and the 2013 adaptation featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. These cinematic interpretations have brought the story to life visually, further immersing audiences in the opulent world of Jay Gatsby. Additionally, the novel has been referenced and alluded to in countless songs, television shows, and even video games, solidifying its cultural significance. Its themes of love, wealth, and the pursuit of the American Dream continue to resonate and inspire creative works in popular culture.

“In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. ‘Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.’” “I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.” “Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.” “So we drove on toward death through the cooling twilight.” “I hope she'll be a fool -- that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”

Studying "The Great Gatsby" holds great importance due to its enduring relevance and literary significance. The novel offers profound insights into themes such as wealth, love, social class, and the corruption of the American Dream. Its exploration of the Jazz Age exposes the allure and emptiness of a materialistic society, making it a compelling study of human desires and societal decay. F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterful prose and symbolic imagery provide rich material for analyzing character development, narrative techniques, and social commentary. Moreover, delving into the novel's historical context allows for a deeper understanding of the cultural and societal shifts of the 1920s.

The inclusion of "The Great Gatsby" as an essay topic for college students stems from its exploration of themes like the American Dream, the juxtaposition of poverty and wealth, and the destructive allure of corruption. The character of Gatsby embodies the American spirit and can be paralleled to contemporary individuals fixated on materialism and fame as measures of romantic success. Furthermore, this literary masterpiece holds a significant place in American literature, as F. Scott Fitzgerald skillfully weaves socio-cultural elements into each sentence, providing a timeless portrayal of American life that resonates across generations. The choice to analyze and write about "The Great Gatsby" allows students to delve into these thought-provoking themes and examine their relevance to society.

1. Stallman, R. W. (1955). Conrad and The Great Gatsby. Twentieth Century Literature, 1(1), 5–12. (https://doi.org/10.2307/441023) 2. John Jerrim, Lindsey Macmillan, (2015). Income Inequality, Intergenerational Mobility, and the Great Gatsby Curve: Is Education the Key?, Social Forces, Volume 94, Issue 2. (https://academic.oup.com/sf/article/94/2/505/2583794) 3. Robert C. Hauhart (2013) Religious Language and Symbolism in The Great Gatsby’s Valley of Ashes, ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews, 26:3 (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0895769X.2013.798233) 4. Burnam, T. (1952). The Eyes of Dr. Eckleburg: A Re-Examination of “The Great Gatsby.” College English, 14(1), 7–12. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/371821) 5. Tom Phillips (2018) Passing for White in THE GREAT GATSBY: A Spectroscopic Analysis of Jordan Baker, The Explicator, 76:3. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00144940.2018.1489769?scroll=top&needAccess=true&role=tab) 6. Matterson, S. (1990). The Great Gatsby and Social Class. In: The Great Gatsby. The Critics Debate. Palgrave, London. (https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-349-20768-8_9) 7. Licence, A. (2008). Jay Gatsby: martyr of a materialistic society: Amy Licence considers religious elements in The Great Gatsby. The English Review, 18(3), 24+. (https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA173676222&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=09558950&p=LitRC&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7E5a84816e) 8. Khodamoradpour, Marjan and Anushiravani, Alireza, (2017) Playing the Old Tunes: A Fiskean Analysis of Baz Luhrmann's 2013 Cinematic Adaptation of the Great Gatsby. International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences, Volume 71. (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3020752) 9. Anderson, H. (1968). THE RICH BUNCH IN" THE GREAT GATSBY". Southern Quarterly, 6(2), 163. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/6a9e704a476d873aada2d2529821b95a/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2029886)

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Great gatsby outline.

• Word Count: 359
• Approx Pages: 1
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                                                    Etymologically, modernism means an exaggerated love of what is modern, an infatuation for modern ideas. The term modernism is widely used to identify new and distinctive features in the subjects, forms, concepts, and styles of literature and the other arts in the early decades of the present century, but especially after World War I. A wide variety of new and experimental forms and techniques arose in architecture, dance, literature, music, painting, and sculpture.              B. They novel The Great Gatsby reflects this style of "modernist- writing, as well as the characters in the novel. .              II. Characters.              A. Jay Gatsby.              1. Represents the perfect modernist hero.              2. He belongs to the lost generation of WW1.              3. Has a dream that is torn and deferred.              A. In love with Daisy and goes to great lengths to impress her.              4. The hero is not a real hero.              a. Although he is the hero of the novel, he has no heroic characteristics; in fact nothing he does comes close to heroic. .              5. Characteristics.              a. Dedicated.              b. Loyal.              c. Determined.              ` d. Good hearted.              .              B. Nick Carraway.              1. Narrator.              2. Represents Fitzgerald's voice in the novel.              3. Gives the audience the realization of moral depletion in this era.              4. Characteristics.              a. Tolerant.              b. Open-minded.              c. Quiet.              d. Good listener.              .              C. Daisy.              1. Object of Gatsby's pursue.              2. Represents perfection to Gatsby.              a. Charm.              b. Wealth.              c. Sophistication.              d. Grace.              3. Actual Characteristics.              a. Shallowness.              b. Sardonic .              c. Bored.              .              D. Tom Buchanan.              1. Daisy's Husband.              2. Characteristics.              a. Hypocritical.              1. Having an affair yet expects other to uphold excellent moral standards.              b. Bully.              c. Racist.              d. Sexist.              E. Jordan Baker.              1. Characteristics.              1. Cynical.              2. Boyish.              3. Self-centered.              4. Dishonest.              5. Habitual liar.              2. Represents the "new woman- of the 20's.              a. Single.              b. Independent.              c. Sporty.              III. Conclusion.              Each of the characters and their traits represents the time and period.

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Essays Related to Great Gatsby Outline

1. the great gatsby.

The novel the great Gatsby is set during the 1920's and outlines the style and the way people lived their lives threw out this era of time. ... Scott Fitzgerald outlines the unique life style lived by those men but especially the women living in this time frame. ... Gatsby had been in love with Daisy as had she been in love with him before he was deported of to war. ... For Daisy to become involved with Gatsby he must become of a higher class man. ... Although he does win her heart back there in one dilemma in the circumstances as while Gatsby was away Daisy re-married to a...

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2. great gatsby

The Great Gatsby In the book The Great Gatsby, by F. ... We do not really get a good look at him, just an outline of his figure. ... Now, the name of the book is called "The Great Gatsby", but we have never seen him, except the shadow in chapter 1, nor have we have any idea of why he is "great". ... So in a way, it does not really change the fact that we still think Gatsby is a great guy. ... The story of Gatsby is placed throughout the book to build up a great mystery of a person who is a step above every body else. ...

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3. Illusion in The Great Gatsby

In the novel The Great Gatsby, many of the characters build their whole lives on illusion. The characters Gatsby,Tom Buchanan and Daisy Buchanan outline themselves with false images to escape from reality and conform with society. ... In this novel, Gatsby has two lives; one that is false and one that is true that never seems to be reavled.To begin, Gatsby tells lies about his upbringing to create the great illusion that he was never in the hole or had to struggle and always had money. ... He poses that he is a great husband but behind the scenes when there are no cameras, he is an unfaithful ...

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4. Cultural Identity in The Great Gatsby

Identity is expressed from many different channels within F.Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. ... In the case of The Great Gatsby these cultural surroundings are an early 1920's America, specifically New York and the adjacent Long Island. ... Identity within The Great Gatsby's 1920's American setting is strongly defined as mentioned above by monetary circumstance. ... Colour is highly eminent in The Great Gatsby. ... Despite being set around New York The Great Gatsby is a mediation of the 1920's America as a whole in the sense of the American dream. ...

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She appears innocent and harmless, when actually she is an overall weak character for she puts material matters before her morals, depends on men, and hides her real selfish, uncaring personality under a fake character; therefore falling short of the greatness of Gatsby's dream of perfection. ... The reasons for which she loves Daisy outlines the reason for which she "loves" Gatsby. She loves him to increase her reputation; this truly does not make her worthy of a great man like Gatsby. ... Gatsby wants true love. ... Daisy will not even tell the truth about Gatsby to her husb...

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Connecting Topics into Theme Statements for "The Great Gatsby?"

Long story. First-year teacher here. Last week of Gatsby unit for my Juniors starts tomorrow. Focus is Lit. Analysis. My department does a lot with this unit -- Topics, Essential Questions, Literary Criticism (Sociological, Feminist and Psychoanalytical), Color Symbolism, a whole lot. I tried to keep up with all of that, excluding the Color stuff. Then my Principal walked into my classroom last week during a lesson and inquired about what they were doing. When she found out how much stuff I was trying to juggle, she advised me to weed it down significantly. (It sounds like the other teachers on my team, all much older / experienced, are going to push ahead.)

So, I've eliminated the EQs and the Lit. Crit. With the minor guidance of an Assistant Principal who meets with me weekly to help me with "new teacher" stuff, their in-class essay on Thursday and Friday will instead focus on themes. [Our topics are: American Dream, wealth / wastefulness, morality, Time, power, masked truth and social class.] This AP suggested on Monday I do something where the students have to make connections between the topics to, eventually, create a Theme Statement that combines two themes (e.g. "The American Dream has a negative influence on one's Morality." Boring, but you see the point.)

Any ideas for a way to do this? A lesson or activity? Designing new lessons / activities isn't my strong suit. Thanks for any ideas / help

EDIT: Yikes, okay, so new plan: they'll actually be discussing two theme STATEMENTS in their essay and, ultimately, how they interact and build upon one another (e.g. how "The American Dream is a false hope" interacts / builds upon "Social class is a dividing force between people"). So any activity that builds upon THAT would be helpful!

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The Great Gatsby American Dream Essay, with Outline

Published by gudwriter on May 25, 2021 May 25, 2021

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Great Gatsby American Dream Essay Outline

Introduction .

Thesis: The American dream entails more than just garnering wealth, the ways of amassing wealth are similarly important. It is impossible to live the American dream without other aspects of life such as love, health, and happiness.

Paragraph 1:

Many people have the wrong perception of the American dream.

• The American dream does not imply being wealthy.
• It entails realizing one’s goals in life supplemented with happiness.
• Living the American dream with materialistic things only is impossible.
• The American dream can only be achieved through hard work.

Paragraph 2:

Knowledge is essential in realizing the American dream.

• People in the 1920s did not know what the American dream entailed.
• They believed being wealthy translated to living the American dream.
• Gatsby, Myrtle, and Daisy failed to live the American dream due to lack of knowledge.

Paragraph 3:

The wrong factors motivate most people in search of the American dream.

• Myrtle was driven by the desire to lead a wealthy and luxurious life.
• These desires drove her to become Tom’s mistress, who devalued and mistreated her.

Paragraph 4:

Wealth, health and happiness define the American dream.

• Myrtle’s life was devoid of happiness.
• Her relationship with Tom, contributed to Daisy killing her.
• The American dream requires one to rise from a poor background to riches through legal ways and hard work.

Paragraph 5:

To live the American dream one must set their priorities right.

• Gatsby prioritized wealth over love and happiness.
• Gatsby used illegal economic undertakings to amass wealth.
• Unfulfilled desires drove his entire life.
• His relationship with Daisy contributed to his death.

Paragraph 6:

Daisy Buchanan hails from Louisville in Kentucky and Jay Gatsby is interested in her.

• In order to win over Daisy, Gatsby lies about his family background by claiming that his is a very rich family.
• In addition, he put up an outwardly positive character and personality.

Gatsby and Myrtle lived short lives owing to their desire for rich and luxurious experiences. They wasted their lives in the company of Tom and Daisy, who later reunited. Knowledge is of essential for one to realize the American dream. The only way to live the American dream is through hard work.  

The Great Gatsby Essay: The Pursuit of the American Dream

(A major theme in  The Great Gatsby  is the pursuit of what can be termed the American dream. Do you agree? By choosing a major character or a situation in Fitzgerald’s novel, discuss how or whether Fitzgerald is successful in exposing the underside of the American dream)

Among the themes portrayed in the novel  The Great Gatsby by by Scott Fitzgerald is the corruption of the American dream. The American Dream is defined as someone starting low economically or socially and then working hard towards wealth and prosperity.

In this sample essay of the Great Gatsby we expose the negative effects of the American Dream.

The Great Gatsby and the American Dream

The American dream is an idealistic perception that people have about life. Most people view the American dream as a life characterized by wealth and fame. Other supposed components of the American dream include a happy family and access to everything that can be purchased by money. It is possible to live the American dream, but one must dedicate themselves to hard work and perseverance. Achieving the dream is highly probable but living it is difficult. The novel “The American Dream” written by Scott Fitzgerald portrays the image of the American dream in the years of 1920s.

Many people have the perception that living the American dream is being wealthy. However, the exact definition of the American dream is to accomplish one’s goals in life and supplement them with happiness (Hartshell 1). It is unrealistic to argue that one is living the American dream if they have poor health, no friends, and no family, even if they are endowed with materialistic things. Giving an individual a big mansion and an expensive car would only give them temporary contentment after which they would feel even emptier (Hartshell 1). One of the things that characterize the American dream is hard work; it is impossible to live a good life in America without hard work.

Another critical factor towards living the American dream is knowledge. When one is aware that wealth will not translate to happiness, he or she will incorporate aspects of joy to supplement their wealth. People in the 1920s were devoid of this knowledge and would therefore risk every aspect of their lives to amass wealth (Hartshell 2). According to them, being wealthy, powerful, and famous translated to living the American dream. Gatsby, Myrtle, and Daisy involved themselves in corruption and devastation in efforts to realize the American dream. However, the mechanisms they used to achieve what they perceived as the American dream finally caught up with them ending their wealthy and unhappy lives.

Most people are aware that the American dream indeed exists. However, the factors that motivate them to chase after the goal push them away from experiencing the good things attached to the American dream. In the book “Great Gatsby,” Myrtle had the desire of living the American dream, but just like other characters in the book, her definition of the American dream was wealth and luxurious life. When she met her husband George, she overestimated his wealth and found herself getting married to a mechanic (Wullick 2). Her desire for the American dream was so big that she was willing to sacrifice everything to realize it. She even contemplates having a divorce, but in the early years, such processes were highly discouraged. In efforts to live the American dream, Myrtle ends up becoming Tom’s mistress (Wullick 2). Tom is a wealthy man who was born into a wealthy family and leads a very luxurious life with his wife, Daisy. Myrtle is so blinded by her desire to lead a prosperous life that she fails to realize that Tom neither values nor respects her. At one time, Tom hits Myrtle’s face, breaking her nose for repeatedly mentioning Daisy’s name.

In reality, the American dream should be defined by wealth, health, and happiness. In “The Great Gatsby” however, Myrtle leads a wealthy and luxurious life devoid of any pleasure. Her luxurious life is however short-lived as Tom’s wife later kills her by use of Gatsby’s car. Daisy uses Gatsby’s car to hit Myrtle, who she found at a gas station close to where the latter lived with her husband, George (Wullick 2). There is a stipulated way of living the American dream, and it involves using legal and socially acceptable methods to rise from poor financial grounds to the high-end life of the rich. Myrtle failed to adhere to these stipulated ways and ended up living a short and unhappy life.

To live the American dream, one must set their priorities right. Most people end up missing on the American dream owing to their failure to prioritize the essential things in life. Gatsby, unlike Tom, was born into a low-income family, but his desire to live the American dream was to get the attention of Daisy, who she first saw as a wealthy and young luxurious woman (Falth 7). To rise from his poor financial grounds to the high-end life of the wealthy, Gatsby had to use illegal economic undertakings to make money. He involved himself in the distribution of unlawful alcohol (Fitzgerald 13). To protect his relationship with Daisy, he lied about owning a chain of drug stores. Gatsby’s goal after garnering wealth was to take Daisy away from Tom, a task that proved impossible. At one time, he had to force Daisy to confess that she never loved Tom, which she did but later denied (Fitzgerald 13). Gatsby’s life was full of discontentment despite all his wealth. His entire life was controlled by the desire for love, sex, and luxurious experiences. He even had to purchase a mansion close to where Tom and Daisy lived so he could be able to see Daisy. But just like Myrtle, his luxurious life was short-lived because he was later shot by George, Myrtle’s husband as a reaction to the death of his wife which was caused by Gatsby’s car.

The plot of the book goes that a young beautiful woman, Daisy Buchanan hails from Louisville in Kentucky. Jay Gatsby is interested in Daisy; he wants her to be his soul mate. Gatsby is a military officer stationed in Daisy’ home area. In order to win over Daisy, Gatsby lies about his family background by claiming that his is a very rich family. In addition, he put up an outwardly positive character and personality. “He had one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced, or seemed to face, the whole external world for an instant and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor” (“The Great Gatsby”).  Daisy’s heart is eventually won by Gatsby and they go on to make love.

Both Gatsby and Myrtle lived short but luxurious lives, which they deemed to be the American dream. Their decision to use wicked ways to amass wealth in chase of the American dream contributed significantly to their unexpected deaths. The most ironic thing is that both Tom and Daisy are portrayed as being united in their marriage at the end of the book despite the fact they were the cause of Gatsby and Myrtle’s death. The overall theme of the book is that the American dream can only be realized through hard work.

Works Cited

Fälth, Sebastian. “Social class and status in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.” (2013).

Fitzgerald, Francis Scott.  The Great Gatsby (1925) . na, 1991.

Hartshell, Wallace. “The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald the American dream.” Free Book Summary, 2018, https://freebooksummary.com/the-great-gatsby-by-f-scott-fitzgerald-the-american-dream-4234 .

“ The Great Gatsby”. [film] Hollywood: Jack Clayton, 1974.  

Wulick, Anna. “Best analysis: love and relationships in The Great Gatsby.”  SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips , 2018, blog.prepscholar.com/the-great-gatsby-theme-love-relationships .

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I was battling cancer while starring on Broadway and no one knew

I knew I wanted to be on Broadway since age 6, when I saw my first musical. Growing up, that goal informed almost every decision I made: the kind of music I listened to, the books I read, and even where I went to college. After graduating, I moved to New York City to pursue this dream.

That same year I tested positive for the BRCA1 gene . The BRCA1 mutation means you have a 50% chance of developing breast cancer by age 70, and also a higher risk of other cancers, like ovarian cancer , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . I got tested because my mother had recently survived her second battle with breast cancer, and my grandmother and her sister both died of ovarian cancer. When the results came back positive, I was disappointed and sad, but I adapted my lifestyle accordingly. I got screened regularly. I started exercising, and changed my diet to limit my risk. Genetically, I couldn’t do much. Epigenetically, I did everything in my power to prevent the gene from presenting itself. 

Meanwhile, I worked. Eventually I made my Broadway debut at the age of 29. It was short-lived, but then I got a role on “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” on Netflix, where I remained for the next seven years. All the while, I was maintaining the healthy habits I’d established in the wake of testing positive for the BRCA1 gene, with one exception: My doctors had started advising me, as I got older, to remove my fallopian tubes, but I always came up with excuses to put the surgery off. 

When “Kimmy” was over, I realized just how much I missed the stage. As luck would have it I was soon asked to join the cast of a new musical adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” on Broadway as Myrtle Wilson. For those who haven’t read the book in a while (or ever, as was my case, though I still somehow managed to graduate high school), Myrtle is married to the poor gas station owner and dreams of a better life with Tom Buchanan. In the musical, Myrtle gets a big, splashy, musical comedy number in Act 1 and a gut-wrenching 11 o’clock ballad in Act 2. It was every Broadway fantasy I had ever dreamed of. The show was already getting a lot of attention and it hadn’t even opened.

But a month or so before rehearsals began, my doctors again recommended I go through with removing my fallopian tubes. With Broadway rehearsals starting soon, and a grueling show schedule ahead of me, I decided to just go for it.  I had the procedure 10 days before rehearsals started. Now, I thought, I could put it out of my head.

Two weeks later, I was at home practicing my lines when the phone rang. It was my doctor. They had found cancer in one of my fallopian tubes. Thankfully, it was caught early, but the standard of care was an immediate full hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and six rounds of chemotherapy every three weeks. I couldn’t believe what he was telling me. After I could compose myself, I nervously asked, “Can I still do ‘Gatsby’?”

We got out our calendars. “Gatsby” was to rehearse for two more weeks before a four-week “previews” period — a grueling process where the cast rehearses changes to the show by day and performs them for an audience that evening. Then, the big opening night. I knew I had three days off soon, so I arranged to have the surgery then, and if the pathology reports came back clean, the doctors could let me delay starting chemo until after opening night.

I went into rehearsal and didn’t tell anyone. Mostly because I was in denial. If I said it out loud, it would be true. That I have cancer. That I am rehearsing a Broadway show while being treated for cancer. Or maybe I thought someone would try and take my dream away from me.

I went into rehearsal the next morning and didn’t tell anyone. Mostly because I was in denial. If I said it out loud, it would be true. That I have cancer. That I am rehearsing a Broadway show while being treated for cancer. Or maybe I thought someone would try and take my dream away from me. Or people might treat me differently. Best to keep it to myself until absolutely necessary, I thought. Besides, the stress of creating a new Broadway show was already so palpable in the room.

I found myself living a secret double life. In the early mornings I would meet with doctors, get blood work done and then run down the street to Broadway rehearsals, stashing my hospital bracelets along the way. Two weeks after my diagnoses, I secretly got a full hysterectomy, oophorectomy and cervix removal. Four days after that, I was on stage singing and dancing in full costumes and wigs like nothing had happened. (For the record, I do not recommend this.) I hid my scars with compression garments underneath my costumes, and I hid my pain too.

As an actor opening a new Broadway show, my job was to do things like learn a whole new set of lyrics a few hours before being expected to perform them flawlessly in front of a sold-out audience. As a secret cancer patient, I had to experience one of my first hot flashes alone on stage while 1,400 people watched. I would never know if the sensations I was feeling were just nerves, a side effect of a new medication, or both. I never knew if I was crying on stage because that’s what my character would do or because I was sad knowing I would lose my eyelashes and eyebrows soon.

Thankfully, two weeks into previews, the doctors called to say the pathology reports came back clean and I could perform on opening night. I was absolutely elated. Still, as my cast and crew looked for opening night outfits, I secretly looked for wigs and scarves in case I needed them. As people were telling their friends and family about this new Broadway show they were in, I was telling friends and family about what to expect in the next coming months. My colleagues met with stylists; I met with oncologists.

Opening night finally arrived. Minutes before the show was about to start, I finally found a moment to be by myself in my dressing room. I started to sob uncontrollably. I had been so focused on getting to this night, I don’t think I had ever fully allowed myself to acknowledge all I had been going through. But the show must go on. So I pulled myself together, put my costume on, circled up with my cast backstage for our pre-show ritual, and the curtains opened.

I walked to center stage at the end of Act 2 to sing my big solo. I was alone singing on a Broadway stage, just like I had always dreamed about. I’ve heard the journey of cancer described as incredibly lonely, and I’ve found that to be true. No matter how many people I have in my corner (and I have so many wonderful people), no matter how many people applaud for me or greet me at the stage door, no matter how many incredible cast members and crew surround me, this was ultimately something I had to do by myself.

And as I stood by myself on stage, just a spotlight on me and my secret hiding in plain sight, whatever I was feeling earlier melted away and was replaced with pride.

The next week, I told my cast the truth. In the months to come, I relied heavily on understudies until I took a leave of absence to finish out treatments. Drugs have thankfully come a long way in the past 10 years, and, while my experience wasn’t fun, it was not even close to what the women in my family had to go through. I even got to keep 50% of my hair.

I’m also comforted by the fact that soon I’ll be back on stage. And this time, I know I’ll be even stronger.

Sara Chase is a Broadway actor living in New York City. She is best known for playing Cyndee Pokorny on Tina Fey’s Emmy-nominated hit Netflix series, "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," and "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: The Interactive Special." Follow her on Instagram @sarachase_.

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