Writing Process:

1. Choose a topic: LoveÕs impact in the novel

2. Find quotations/concrete examples

3. Identify interesting ideas: Gatsby abandons dreams, MyrtleÕs desperation kills her

4. Craft thesis

5. Hunt for more ideas in text; reread sections of the novel

6. fine tune thesis

 

Thesis: (Although it motivates and inspires,) In The Great Gatsby, love is primarily a destructive force that brings the characters to ruin

 

Intro: Gatsby, as well as Myrtle to a lesser extent, are inspired by Love.  In order to chase their romantic dreams, they ÒcreateÓ themselves.  GatsbyÉa flamboyant millionaire.  MyrtleÉa sophisticated woman of leisure.  However, the same love that drives them ruins them, etc.

 

I. Gatsby has dreams of becoming a self-made man until he meets Daisy.

 

II. Once he loses her to Tom, Gatsby canÕt move on.  InsteadÉ

 

III. Myrtle Wilson also lives with a destructive illusion that love will rescue her from an unhappy life.

 

IV. In the end love blinds both Gatsby and Myrtle to the disastrous effect of falling for a Buchanan.

 

Conclusion: In a way, Daisy and Tom are ruined, too.

 

v     What structure will I employ?

v     Where are the transitions articulated?

v     Does it look like IÕm sticking to and advancing my argument?

v     Hey, what if I didnÕt want to write about Myrtle?  LetÕs look at that outline.

 

 

Thesis: In The Great Gatsby, love is primarily a destructive force that brings leads Gatsby to ruin

 

Intro: Gatsby has the ability to ÒcreateÓ himself.  A motivated idealist, he erases his humble beginnings and, after meeting Daisy, transforms himself into the flashy Gatsby everyone knows of, but no one knows.  He is living the life he has always imagined for himself.  However, his motives for buying a resplendent mansion have changed.  Once, Gatsby wanted to be rich only for himself.  But when love enters his life, it destroys his original dreams and, in the end,É

 

I. Gatsby has dreams of becoming a self-made man until he meets Daisy.

 

II. Once he loses her to Tom, Gatsby canÕt move on.  InsteadÉ

 

III. The desire to become rich leads him to a life of crime.

 

IV. Love also blinds Gatsby to the hollowness of both Daisy and the lifestyle he embraces.

 

V. Ultimately, Gatsby is left with his idealism, but—tragically—nothing else.