Short Essay Response: Answer the following questions:

1. Does this novel have villains and heroes? Why, why not? If yes, who fits into these categories and
why?
There are no definite positive characters or villains in Francis Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great
Gatsby. This is, because the author portrays his characters as completely complete and complex personalities
with positive and negative qualities.
2. Why is the title of this novel The Great Gatsby? What about Gatsby makes him great? How might
this title be ironic?
The reason Fitzgerald decided to put the word "Great" before the name of the character Jay Gatsby,
is to denote the popularity of Gatsby in history.
Gatsby's character is considered "great", because of his wealth, the mysteries surrounding his
personality and the non-stop parties. The other characters in the novel adore him for it.
In my opinion, in a sense, the title of the novel is ironic. The protagonist is neither "great", nor is his
real name Gatsby. He is a criminal, whose real name is James Gatz, and the life, he has created for himself,
is fictional and unreal.
3. Gatsby can be called the American self-made man. Why? How does Gatsby’s life fit with “The
American Dream” of success?
Jay Gatsby was a determined man with a strong will, who aspired to climb the social ladder all his
life. Therefore, throughout his life he changes his name, works constantly and hard, makes memorable
parties, that everyone talks about. In this way, Gatsby lost his human qualities and became a self-made man.
Gatsby was poor at first, but he managed to get rich. His love for Daisy makes him strive for
boundless wealth. By raising his social rank and gaining his financial success, Gatsby achieved the
American dream.
4. Why are we reading a book written in the 1920's? What gives a book its longevity? And which of its
themes are eternal in the American psyche?
And today we continue to read with interest "The Great Gatsby" – a book that was written in the 20s
of the last century, because it deals with eternal and current topics. This makes this novel eternal and
longevity. Some of the eternal themes of American psychology are also considered, such as the themes of
social inequality, corruption, immorality, disguised by the glamor of luxury, and others.
5. What do you think is the moral of this story? Why? What stands out to you as the most important
thing to remember from Fitzgerald’s novel? What will you remember?
In my opinion, the moral of the novel „The Great Gatsby“ is in the understanding, that the American
dream is ultimately unattainable. Fitzgerald's character may have achieved great wealth and secular status,
but Gatsby's dream is to have a good future with his beloved – Daisy.
For me, the most important thing in Francis Stot Fitzgerald's novel „The Great Gatsby“ stands out
and I will remember, that it is not worth it, because of social status and wealth, to lose the most valuable
thing for a person – your human qualities.