Comparative Essays – Browning/Gatsby 1. “A deeper understanding of aspirations and identity emerges from considering the parallels between The Great Gatsby and Browning’s poetry. ” Compare how these texts explore aspirations and identity. 2. “The most interesting aspect of texts written in different times is seeing differences in what people value. ” Evaluate this opinion in relation to the poems of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and the novel The Great Gatsby.
In your response make detailed reference to at least two or three of Browning’s sonnets and to The Great Gatsby. 3. Compare the ways in which texts offer insights into the human experience. Respond to this statement in relation to the pair of prescribed texts that you have studied. 4. Analyse the ways in which a comparative study of the prescribed Browning poetry and The Great Gatsby invite consideration of how each of the texts reflect changing values and perspectives.
In your response make detailed reference to your prescribed texts. (For Browning this would mean writing on 2 or 3 sonnets) 5. “Texts on their own are interesting but when you compare them to other texts they become illuminating and dynamic. ” How has your exploration of the ideas in Barrett Browning’s sonnets and The Great Gatsby moved you to a heightened appreciation of each text? 6. “Context affects our perceptions of how texts are received over time. ” How have you found this to be true in your comparative study? . Browning and Fitzgerald offer markedly different perspectives on love. What are the perspectives of each and how effectively is the viewpoint of each conveyed? 8. You have been asked to be the guest speaker at a literary conference called Exploring Connections where the focus is on connections between different texts and contexts. Write your speech analysing the connections between texts discussing what you believe to be the key elements. Make detailed reference to your two prescribed texts.
