HOW TO WRITE AN AP LIT PROMPT: THE “OPEN”

QUESTION

OPEN QUESTION

O

n this question you are allowed to select your own

text.

T

omorrow’s question on Gatsby!

GATSBY #1

“

The past is often at the heart of many great works of

literature. Choose a novel or a play in which the

past is integral. Write an essay explaining what the

past represents and how it contributes to the

meaning of the work. “

GATSBY #1

HOW DO YOU APPROACH IT?

1. First, select which element of the past you wish to use, identify it, then explore it.

a. Gatsby's childhood, questionable young adult life, or past love with Daisy

b. Larger historical past to which Nick refers in the closing sentence of the novel: "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."

GATSBY #1

2

. Second, explain what it represents

a. Developed Gatsby’s character, establishes motive

b. Holds something that Nick seems to long for: a

simpler, better, nobler time, perhaps, a time when people

believed in the importance of the family and the church.

GATSBY #1

3

. Third, explain its significance to the larger meaning of the work

a. Thematic connection – effects of aspiration (eschewing of

moral values, disconnection between people, etc.)

b. Tom, Daisy and Jordan are creatures of the present –

Fitzgerald tells us little or nothing about their pasts--and it is this

allegiance to the moment that makes them so attractive, and also

so rootless and spiritually empty.

GATSBY #1

W

hat would be your thesis?

“

The past is often at the heart of many great works of

literature. Choose a novel or a play in which the past is

integral. Write an essay explaining what the past represents

and how it contributes to the meaning of the work. “

GATSBY #1

W

hat would be your thesis?“

In the novel, Gatsby’s own past and his lifelong arduous journey to escape it

through a fictitious recreation of it is central to Fitzerald’s message. In the

novel, Gatsby’s own past and his lifelong arduous journey to escape it, through

a fictitious recreation of it, is central to Fitzgerald’s purpose. As the

protagonist dies alone at the end, a result of the loss of his true identity,

Fitzgerald underscores the message that happiness is found only in real

connections with other people – connections made as one experiences his life –

his past.”

GATSBY #2

“

A foil – a character that contrasts with the protagonist –

is often used in great works of literature to highlight

various features of the protagonist or bring his

character into sharper focus. Choose a novel or play in

which a foil plays an important role. Then write an

essay in which you explain how the character serves as

a foil and how the contrast contributes to the larger

work overall.”

GATSBY #2

H

ow to approach it?

1

. First select your foil, identify him and explore him. Briefly establish that

he is different from the protagonist.

2

. Second, explain how it contrasts the protagonist and what about the

protagonist is highlighted because of the contrast

3

. Third, explain the significance of the highlighted characteristics to the

larger meaning of the work.

GATSBY #2

W

hat would be your thesis?

GATSBY #2

“

A foil – a character that contrasts with the protagonist – is

often used in great works of literature to highlight various

features of the protagonist or bring his character into

sharper focus. Choose a novel or play in which a foil plays

an important role. Then write an essay in which you

explain how the character serves as a foil and how the

contrast contributes to the larger work overall.”