The Great Gatsby

Review of essay

Rating: 5 star(s)

Response to the question

This critical response of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' retains an excellent amount of focus on the proposed question. Delving into a profound analysis of the source text, this candidate does well to address both the literal and thematic elements that render the dreams of many of the novel's character futile. There is an extremely sensitive awareness of very few quotes. This method of analysis is far more effective than commenting on an extensive range of quotes in little detail. By analysing few of the novel's most important quotes (that pertain to the question), the candidate manages to say a lot about a little, and in doing so comments at length about the novel and it's symbolism of dreams.

Level of analysis

The Level of Analysis is very good. The is evidence of an extremely well-developed understanding of Fitzgerald's novel with the candidate not simply analysing what Fitzgerald is saying, but what he does not. The candidate takes what little Fitzgerald gives and lifts it off the page to develop their own analysis of the lesser considerd ideas that he presents. Examples include the commentary on the Dutch sailors, which at first looks like it might turn into simply outlining something that is obvious, but then relates back to the question and the topic of dream left unfulfilled by those who chase them but preserved by those who picture them and preserve them are those left most satisfied. This could be developed further into the novel's idea that chasing ideas - much like the aimless existence of those that chased The American Dream - might seem like the way forward, but because humans by default are never satisfied with what they have, they strive further to achieve better and in doing so destroy what the poets' minds preserve.

Quality of writing

The Quality of Written Communication is excellent. With a diverse use of the English langauge, all standards expected of a GCSE and dare I say, A-Level candidate are present. The standards of grammar aer upheld, although I would argue that underlining is not an approriate method of writing a published book/poem's title. Either inverted commas or italics are the expected norm.