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“The Great Gatsby” Writing Prompts & Essay Topics (High School ELA)

    Forty writing prompts for teaching The Great Gatsby in high school ELA — organized by chapter for quick in-class writing activities, plus seven extended essay prompts and topics for longer assignments. Prompts cover characterization, theme, symbolism, point of view, the American Dream, and personal connection.

    Before Reading The Great Gatsby

    1. We will be investing considerable time reading a famous novel that many consider “literature.” What makes a book “literature?” What gives a text “superior or lasting value?”
    2. What is the point of reading fiction? Be honest. If you see no point, explain your views.
    3. Many consider The Great Gatsby a timeless masterpiece of American literature. What would be your criteria or requirements for “The Great American Novel?”
    4. Fitzgerald’s works critique American society in the 1920s. Think about our society today. What are the shortcomings of our society today? What are the strengths and successes of our society?
    5. When it comes to romance, do you believe in the idea of finding a soulmate or perfect match? Explain your view.
    6. Fortune favors some with wealth and privilege. This position may be earned or unearned.  What responsibility, if any, do the more fortunate have to the greater society? Explain your view.

    Chapter 1 Writing Prompts — Nick, Daisy, and Tom Buchanan

    1. At the very start of the novel, Nick Carraway explains a quality imparted by his father. What is the quality? Do you think that this trait is a blessing or a curse?
    2. After the birth of her daughter, Daisy says, “And I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” (20) What does she mean? What does this indicate about her worldview?
    3. Upon meeting Jordan Baker, Nick explains that “Almost any exhibition of complete self-sufficiency draws a stunned tribute from me.” (12) What are your thoughts on Nick’s reaction?

    Chapter 2 Writing Prompts — The Valley of Ashes and Myrtle Wilson

    1. What is “the valley of ashes?” (26) Describe the scene in plain language.
    2. Why do you think Tom Buchanan reacts so violently to Myrtle saying his wife’s name? What do you imagine is the nature of his objection?
    3. According to our narrator, Tom has always wanted Nick to like him. Why might someone like Tom Buchanan care if someone such as Nick Carraway liked him?

    Chapter 3 Writing Prompts — Gatsby’s Party and Nick’s Impressions

    1. Which details stand out to you in the descriptions of Gatsby’s parties? What impression of the parties does Fitzgerald create?
    2. Literary luminaries laud Fitzgerald’s style. Describe it. What are the key features in how he uses language?
    3. What are your initial thoughts on Nick Carraway? Do you like him? Would you trust him?

    Chapter 4 Writing Prompts — Gatsby’s Past and Wolfshiem

    1. Why are the people in the novel so fascinated by the mystery surrounding Gatsby’s past? What does this say about human nature in general?
    2. A linguist might interpret the name “Wolfshiem.” The German / Norwegian root “heim” (not an exact match) means home or world. What might be the meaning behind this name?
    3. What clues indicate that Gatsby’s “God’s truth” about his life history may be fabricated? Why would Gatsby care if Nick Carraway believes his supposed life story?

    Chapter 5 Writing Prompts — The Reunion of Gatsby and Daisy

    1. Describe Gatsby’s convoluted (overly complex) plan for reuniting with Daisy. What might be the reasons behind him taking this approach?
    2. What does the narrator mean by saying, “Americans, while occasionally willing to be serfs, have always been obstinate about being peasantry”? (88) Do you agree?
    3. Throughout The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald gives great attention to Daisy’s unusual voice. What impression does he create? (See the very end of Chapter 5.)

    Chapter 6 Writing Prompts — Gatsby’s Origins and the Past

    1. Would James Gatz have become Jay Gatsby without the influence of Dan Cody? Explain.
    2. How does Daisy’s presence diminish Gatsby’s party for Nick? Have you ever experienced a change in perspective like this?
    3. Nick and Gatsby disagree about recapturing the past. What is your view?

    Chapter 7 Writing Prompts — The Confrontation and the Accident

    1. In Chapter 7 as in Chapter 2, Fitzgerald gives inordinate attention to a random billboard for an optometrist (Dr. T.J. Eckleburg). What could possibly be the meaning of this emphasis?
    2. Why does Gatsby continually call people “old sport?” Why does Tom make this an issue?
    3. What details indicate that Gatsby’s personality has a darker side?

    Chapter 8 Writing Prompts — Revelations and Gatsby’s Death

    1. In Chapter 8, Gatsby reveals the truth he has worked for years to conceal. Why does Gatsby suddenly decide to tell Nick Carraway the truth about his past?
    2. Why does Gatsby refuse to accept that Daisy ever loved Tom Buchanan?
    3. Of Gatsby Nick says, “…I disapproved of him from beginning to end.” Yet, he is glad he told Gatsby, “You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.” (164) What can we make of this?

    Chapter 9 Writing Prompts — Aftermath, Morality, and Class

    1. Why doesn’t anyone want to come to Gatsby’s funeral? Why is Nick so concerned that people show up for the ceremony?
    2. Why does Nick suddenly lose interest in Jordan Baker? What changed?
    3. Why do you think people who have “old money” are sometimes prejudiced against those with “new money?” Afterall, wealth is something that they have in common.

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    The Great Gatsby Essay Prompts — Theme, Symbolism, and Analysis

    1. In The Great Gatsby, color is more than color (especially green, white, gray, and yellow). How does Fitzgerald use color in the novel?
    2. Many consider The Great Gatsby “the great American novel.” What do you think inspires some to hold this high opinion of Fitzgerald’s work?
    3. Fitzgerald uses Nick’s point of view in telling the story. What are the effects of this choice? How do Nick’s perspectives, biases, and opinions impact narrative?
    4. The character names in The Great Gatsby contain layers of meaning. Choose three names to analyze.
    5. “The Great Gatsby is a morality tale for America.” Sounds great, but what is the moral? What lessons are we supposed to learn from deaths of George, Myrtle, and Jay Gatsby?
    6. Choose one symbolic element from the novel and explain its development and purpose.
    7. Which theme has prominence in the novel? How do you know?

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    These prompts are drawn from the complete The Great Gatsby Unit — 23 lesson plans covering pre-reading through the final project. For additional assignment ideas see Top 10 The Great Gatsby Project Options. Browse all free The Great Gatsby teaching resources from TeachNovels.