Question

Step Four: Create Your Theme Statement and Paragraph

We can easily take a motif and turn it into a theme statement by using the following formula: Motif+Author’s Opinion=Theme. Using the information you’ve collected about your favorite motif, create a well detailed paragraph explaining how F. Scott Fitzgerald develops the theme you’ve created throughout the novel.

Use the following sentence starter to begin your paragraph. Be sure that your paragraph is 5-7 sentences, explains how Fitzgerald develops the theme, and uses textual evidence to support your analysis:

In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald demonstrates the theme that...

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

wealth and materialism can lead to moral decay and the corruption of the American Dream. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald uses the motif of extravagant parties, expensive cars, and lavish lifestyles to illustrate the destructive nature of pursuing wealth at any cost. One example of this theme in action is seen through the character of Jay Gatsby, who amasses his fortune through illegal means and is ultimately unable to attain the true happiness he seeks. Additionally, the character of Tom Buchanan represents the negative consequences of excessive wealth, as he is morally bankrupt and uses his money to manipulate those around him. The Valley of Ashes, a desolate and impoverished area between West Egg and New York City, further emphasizes the contrast between the corrupt pursuit of wealth and the decay of the American Dream. Fitzgerald's portrayal of the characters and settings in the novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing material wealth over ethical values. Through his careful development of this theme, Fitzgerald effectively critiques the materialism and moral decay of the Roaring Twenties.