The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a novel that explores the decadence and excess of the Roaring Twenties. Set in New York, the novel follows the life of the wealthy young man Jay Gatsby as he navigates the social and economic landscape of the time. The Great Gatsby is a timeless classic that continues to be widely read and discussed to this day. There are many interesting and thought-provoking argumentative essay topics that can be derived from the novel, some of which are discussed below.
- Is Jay Gatsby a tragic hero?
One of the most enduring debates surrounding The Great Gatsby is whether or not Jay Gatsby can be considered a tragic hero. Some argue that Gatsby's rise to wealth and his ultimate downfall are indicative of the classic tragic hero arc. Others argue that Gatsby's actions and motivations are not noble enough to qualify him as a tragic hero. This topic could make for a interesting argumentative essay, with one side arguing that Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream and his ultimate demise make him a tragic hero, and the other side arguing that his selfishness and criminal activities disqualify him from this distinction.
- Is The Great Gatsby a commentary on the corrupting influence of wealth?
Another popular argumentative essay topic is the role of wealth in The Great Gatsby. Some argue that the novel is a commentary on the corrupting influence of wealth, as characters like Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby use their wealth and power to manipulate and exploit others. Others argue that the novel is more nuanced, and that Fitzgerald is not necessarily condemning wealth itself, but rather the excess and decadence that often accompany it. This topic could be explored through a comparison of the different characters in the novel and their relationships to wealth.
- Is The Great Gatsby a cautionary tale about the dangers of the American Dream?
The American Dream is a central theme in The Great Gatsby, as Jay Gatsby is depicted as a character who has achieved the dream through his own hard work and determination. However, the novel also portrays the dark side of the American Dream, as Gatsby's pursuit of it ultimately leads to his downfall. Some argue that The Great Gatsby is a cautionary tale about the dangers of the American Dream, while others argue that Fitzgerald is more ambivalent about the dream and is simply using it as a backdrop for the story. This topic could be explored through an analysis of the characters' pursuit of the American Dream and the consequences that follow.
- Is The Great Gatsby a commentary on the morality of the 1920s?
The 1920s were a time of great social and cultural change, and The Great Gatsby is often seen as a commentary on the morality of the time. Some argue that the novel is a critique of the decadence and excess of the Roaring Twenties, while others see it as a celebration of the freedom and liberation of the era. This topic could be explored through an analysis of the characters and their actions in the novel, and whether or not they are depicted as morally upright or flawed.
Overall, The Great Gatsby is a rich and complex novel that has inspired countless debates and discussions over the years. These are just a few of the many argumentative essay topics that can be derived from the novel, and there are certainly many more that could be explored. Whether you are writing an essay for a class assignment or simply looking to engage in a spirited discussion about the novel, these topics can provide a starting point for an interesting and thought-provoking conversation.
