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THE GREAT GATSBY – F - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2015
Question 1
THE GREAT GATSBY – F. Scott Fitzgerald Answer all of the questions. 1. (a) Identify an aspect of Daisy Buchanan’s character that you do or do not admire and des... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:THE GREAT GATSBY – F - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2015
Step 1
Identify an aspect of Daisy Buchanan’s character that you do or do not admire and describe one episode or incident in the novel that demonstrates this aspect of her character.
Answer
One aspect of Daisy Buchanan’s character that I do not admire is her moral ambiguity and superficiality. For instance, throughout the novel, Daisy appears charming and alluring, initially captivating both Gatsby and Tom. However, her actions demonstrate a lack of depth and commitment. A key incident that illustrates this is when she ultimately chooses to stay with Tom rather than leaving him for Gatsby, despite her apparent feelings for Gatsby. This choice reflects her self-serving tendencies and highlights her inability to transcend the social expectations and moral dilemmas surrounding her.
Step 2
Do you think that Nick Carraway is a good friend to Jay Gatsby? Give one reason for your answer, based on your knowledge of the novel.
Answer
I believe that Nick Carraway is a good friend to Jay Gatsby, particularly during Gatsby's funeral. Although many people, including the so-called friends of Gatsby, abandon him in death, Nick takes it upon himself to arrange the funeral and honor Gatsby’s memory. This act demonstrates loyalty and a sense of responsibility, revealing that Nick values the friendship despite the complexities of Gatsby’s life. His commitment to Gatsby in this moment, despite societal judgments, underscores his integrity as a friend.
Step 3
In your opinion, does Jay Gatsby change as the story progresses? Support your answer with reference to the novel.
Answer
Yes, Jay Gatsby undergoes significant changes throughout the story. Initially, Gatsby is presented as an enigmatic figure full of hope and ambition, seemingly embodying the American Dream. However, as the story progresses and he faces the reality of his unattainable dreams, particularly surrounding Daisy, his idealism begins to crumble. By the end of the novel, when Gatsby's dreams are shattered and he is left isolated, it becomes clear that he transitions from a symbol of hope to one of disillusionment. This shift emphasizes the fragility of dreams and the harsh realities of life.
Step 4
In your opinion, which one of the following statements best describes this novel? – It is a novel about greed.
Answer
In my opinion, the statement 'It is a novel about greed' best describes The Great Gatsby. The entire narrative is steeped in the pursuit of wealth, status, and power, depicted through characters like Gatsby, who sacrifices everything to achieve his dream of winning Daisy back. The parties Gatsby throws and the superficial relationships he cultivates showcase the emptiness that often accompanies such greed. The tragic downfall of Gatsby serves as a critique of the American Dream, illuminating how desire for material wealth can lead to moral decay and personal ruin.