The Great Gatsby - Paragraph 2

This post is for JUNIORS only.

For this unit, we will be doing things a little differently. Instead of one long essay, we will be writing a series of paragraphs worth 30 points each. These paragraphs will be graded with the same rigor as a formal essay, and, in the end, will be worth about the same amount of points. In other words, work diligently, hand in your work on time, and be thoughtful and thorough in your responses. These grades most certainly count.

In a thoughtful, thorough paragraph, answer the following question:

Regarding Gatsby's obsession with Daisy, Nick says to him, "You can't repeat the past" (Fitzgerald 110). Gatsby responds, "Why of course you can. [...] I'm going to fix everything just the way it was before" (110). 

With whom do you agree - Nick or Gatsby? Is it possible to "repeat the past"? Why? Use examples from movies, books, current events, etc. to support your claim.

Here are the criteria on which you should focus:

• include at least two quotations from two different pages
• correctly cite all quotations
• set up each quotation with insightful context
• use commas correctly
• use correct spelling
• avoid first and second person
• avoid contractions and informal language
• write in present tense
• take time to thoroughly explain your point of view

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to get help from the TLC or one of the class instructors.