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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.”