I really need help with this Essay question and I haven't got a clue. It is to do with Fitzgeralds "The Great Gatsby" please answer before Monday 6th November. Thankyou. here is the question: Through analysis of patterning, examine Fitzgerald's use of symbolism to highlight the corrupting influence of the desire for wealth on the American Dream. Evaluate to what extent such traditional values are shown to be irrecoverable.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/gatsby/themes.html
There are several ideas in here you could expand on.
"Patterning" seems to be a term for the repetition of symbols or motifs throughout the story in order to create the effect the author wants -- mainly, to emphasize the greed in the story and greed's effects on the American Dream (however you decide to define that!).
http://www.answers.com/patterning
(first definition)
Identify some of the "traditional values" presented in this story and describe how they are shattered by greed among these characters.
Those are my guesses about this assignment and how I would break it down in order to plan and write a paper.
=)
To analyze Fitzgerald's use of symbolism and the corrupting influence of the desire for wealth in "The Great Gatsby," you can start by examining the patterns and motifs in the novel. Look for recurring symbols or images that represent wealth, greed, or the American Dream.
One resource you can use is SparkNotes. They have a section dedicated to themes in "The Great Gatsby" (http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/gatsby/themes.html). This source can provide you with a starting point to understand the themes and symbolism in the novel.
Another term mentioned is "patterning." In this context, it refers to the repetition of symbols or motifs throughout the story. These patterns are deliberate and highlight the theme of wealth and its corruption of the American Dream. To get a better understanding of patterning, you can visit Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/patterning), where you'll find the first definition of the term.
To answer the question fully, you would need to identify specific symbols and motifs from the novel that represent traditional values. Then, explain how these values are shattered or corrupted by the characters' desires for wealth. You can support your analysis by providing evidence from the text, such as quotes or specific examples.
Finally, when evaluating the extent to which traditional values are shown to be irrecoverable, you can look for instances in the novel where characters attempt to regain morality or redemption but ultimately fail. Consider the outcomes of these attempts and how they contribute to the overall theme of the corrupting influence of wealth.
By breaking down the question into smaller parts and utilizing available resources like SparkNotes and Answers.com, you can effectively analyze Fitzgerald's use of symbolism and explore the corrupting influence of wealth on the American Dream in "The Great Gatsby."