Claim
Fitzgerald uses characterization to show that Tom doesn't like Gatsby.
1 - No adjective plot based central idea
At this point in the story, Tom is confrontational with Nick and recounts his version of events with Wilson, highlighting his disregard for consequences.
5 - Context is accurate and directly relates to claim/evidence.
In the text, Nick thinks about telling Tom the truth but decides not to.
2 - References the text but no direct quote.
The mood shows that Nick doesn't want to be in Tom and Daisy's life anymore.
1 - This is summary not analysis.
What is the name of the woman Nick is dating throughout the novel?
Jordan
Fitzgerald uses Tom’s defiant and careless characterization to show that in moments of moral failure, people often mask their true nature behind wealth and status.
4/5 - The device, adjective, and central idea are all present and connected.
In this passage, Nick spends time back at his house looking over the river at the green light.
4 - Context is accurate but not directly related to a claim.
Fitzgerald states, "I couldn’t forgive him or like him but I saw that what he had done was, to him, entirely justified" (line 20). Daisy is manipulating Nick so that he doesn't tell Tom the truth.
4 - Evidence is strong and cited but not directly related to the explanation.
The melancholy and distant mood shows that Nick doesn’t want to be involved with Tom and Daisy anymore, highlighting how their careless behavior pushes others away and reveals the emptiness of their world. This shows that Daisy's love for Gatsby was a way to fill that emptiness but that the opportunity for happiness is now gone, even though she acts happy. Therefore, people often try to fill the voids in their life with wealth and status.
4/5 - Analysis connects adjective, device, the story, and the central idea to make an argument
What is the relationship between Nick and Gatsby?
They are neighbors.
The central idea is that in moments of moral failure, people often mask their true nature behind wealth and status.
2 - Strong central idea, no device or adjective
In this point of the story, Nick is with Gatsby and Daisy shopping on 5th avenue.
2 - Context is completely inaccurate
The text states "There was nothing I could say, except the one unutterable fact that it wasn’t true" (Fitzgerald line 12). This shows that although Nick knows the truth, he cannot bring himself to create more harm and distress than has already happened.
5 - Evidence relates to claim, is explained and cited.
Daisy ends up getting everything she wants and she gets away with murder. She has no consequences for her actions. This shows that people use wealth to avoid consequences.
2 - There is no adjective or device; the last sentence is somewhat interpretive but the rest is summary.
Where does the novel take place? Be specific.
East Egg/West Egg/Valley of Ashes in Long Island, NY.
Fitzgerald uses Daisy's careless and manipulative characterization to show that Daisy and Tom will never have to take responsibility for their actions.
3 - Strong adjective and device, plot based central idea
In this point of the story, Nick speaks to Tom about how Daisy hit Myrtle with the car causing Wilson to kill Gatsby.
3 - Context is somewhat inaccurate
This can be seen when Nick says, "I couldn’t forgive him or like him but I saw that what he had done was, to him, entirely justified." Although Nick does not agree with what Tom did, he understands why he did it.
4 - Evidence and explanation are strong but not cited
The tense, defensive mood shows that Tom and Nick are at odds. Nick had the chance to finally tell the truth but didn't. This shows that Nick was never as truthful or empathetic as he wants the reader to think. He was always acting to help himself, not others.
3 - This is analysis but it is not related to the device.
When does the novel take place? (What decade?)
The 1920s.
Fitzgerald uses diction of words like "favorite cousin" to show that immoral people will use anything they can to get their way.
3 - Device and central idea, no adjective
As Nick reflects on the green light and the vanished trees, it becomes clear that Gatsby’s dream is fragile, built on illusions, and ultimately at odds with reality.
5 - Context is strong and directly relates to a claim.
"He stared at me without a word and I knew I had guessed right about those missing hours."
3 - Evidence related to claim but not introduced, cited, or explained.
In the end, Gatsby dies and only Nick comes to his funeral. He tries to get others to come but can't. Daisy doesn't even send a message or flower or anything.
1 - This is summary not analysis.
What illegal thing does Tom accuse Gatsby of doing?
Bootlegging (selling alcohol during prohibition).