Body paragraph 3: Focus on setting

Topic sentence: (Remember point #3 from your thesis? Introduce the point in a complete sentence. Don’t forget to start your sentence with a transition!)

Additionally, the setting in "The Great Gatsby" plays a pivotal role in underscoring the stark contrast between the glamour and the corruption that permeates the world of the characters. The opulent mansions of West Egg and East Egg symbolize the wealth and privilege of the upper class, while the valley of ashes represents the decay and moral bankruptcy beneath this facade. The juxtaposition of these settings serves to highlight the disparity between appearances and reality, showcasing how the characters' superficiality is ultimately their downfall. The extravagant parties held at Gatsby's mansion further emphasize the superficiality and excess that dominate the characters' lives, illustrating the emptiness that lies at the heart of the American Dream. Fitzgerald's careful attention to detail in crafting the setting serves to enhance the themes of class, wealth, and disillusionment that pervade the novel.