Approaching the Comparative Essay

“The composers’ values are shaped by their respective contexts.” Discuss how true this statement
is in relation to shared themes in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and one of the following
texts:

a) William Ernest Henley’s Invictus

b) Childish Gambino’s This is America (use song, its lyrics and the video clip)
c) Giovanni Boccacio’s Federigo’s Falcon

1. FIRST, think about the important words in the prompt – VALUES, CONTEXTS, TRUTH of the
statement in relation to SHARED THEMES.
2. Values – what do we see that the author deems to be an appropriate way to behave? Eg. F.Scott
Fitzgerald demonstrates his attitude towards the American Dream through Gatsby’s ascension to
“success”. Fitzgerald suggests that the American Dream is a lie – it is NOT possible for anyone to
achieve social mobility and success from any starting point. This is explored through Gatsby only
achieving his wealth (success) through illegal means, as well as being startlingly illustrated
through the Valley of the Ashes. In addition, Fitzgerald suggests that the American Dream does
not bring happiness/satisfaction through Daisy and Tom. These two characters have been born
into the dream of ordinary Americans and yet they are deeply unfulfilled and dissatisfied with
their lives.
Context – how has Fitzgerald’s view been shaped by the context in which he was living? Think
about historical context such as the wealthy’s excessive behaviour of the 1920s amidst
prohibition and the extreme poverty of others. Also consider Fitzgerald’s own life and
experiences.
Truth – determine the extent to which Fitzgerald’s values/beliefs have been shaped by the
context in which he was writing
3. Consider the main themes in the secondary texts:
Invictus – self-determination / freedom
This is America – the American Dream
Federigo’s Falcon – love / sacrifice
4. CHOOSE one secondary text to discuss in relation to The Great Gatsby
5. Continuing with the example in step 2 above, This is America would be the most appropriate text
through which to explore the American Dream.
6. Values - Consider Childish Gambino’s portrayal of the American Dream. Through the clip, he too,
suggests that the American Dream is unachievable, but largely for a very specific sector of
society, African Americans.
7. Context – consider how Childish Gambino’s view been shaped by the modern American context
(ie. Trump / guns / overrepresentation of African Americans in prison etc) in which he is living.
Also consider Gambino’s own background and experiences, such as his family history being
punctuated by slavery and disadvantage.
8. Truth – determine the extent to which Childish Gambino’s values/beliefs have been shaped by
the contemporary American context in which he created the clip
Structure of Essay
 Before writing the essay, PLAN CAREFULLY. You will need 3 main strands of discussion which
can be applied to both of the texts:
o Idea 1. The American Dream does not exist for some sectors of society – Fitzgerald
demonstrates this through the Valley of the Ashes / Childish Gambino demonstrates
this through the generational disadvantage of African Americans
o Idea 2. For those who “live” the American Dream, they are dissatisfied and
unhappy - Fitzgerald presents Daisy and Tom as being bored, exclusive of
newcomers and careless with the way they treat others / Childish Gambino looks at
the way in which “fortunate” Americans are frightened of each other through gun
violence, yet at the same time, consume violence for entertainment.
o Idea 3. The hope of nobly achieving the American Dream is misplaced – Fitzgerald
shows this through Gatsby only making his money through deception and corrupt
activities, only to be ostracised by those with “old money”. Childish Gambino looks
at the idea of African Americans only achieving “success” through the rap music
scene which has evolved out of a violent gang culture.
 Introduction – should mention the theme and secondary text to be discussed, with some
reference to the statement: “The composers’ values are shaped by their respective
contexts.” The intro should also touch on the truth of the statement for each text
 Body paragraphs should begin with strong topic sentences:
For confident essay writers, integrated discussion of both texts in each paragraph is
preferable with 1/3 of each paragraph looking at the secondary text.
For those less confident, it will be more manageable to spend the first 2 paragraphs
discussing Gatsby and the third body paragraph discussing the secondary text.
 Each body paragraph should include specific examples throughout and link back to the topic
before moving on to the next body paragraph.
 Conclusion – Revisit the core message from each text regarding the theme and evaluate the
truth of the topic statement in relation to both texts. End with a strong overarching
observation determining which of the composers’ values have been most shaped by context.