How To Write An Outline For A Comparative Essay About The Great Gatsby


A comparative essay will require the writer to take two components from the literary work and compare them. The opposites, or juxtapositions or foils, often create the conflict within the piece. The two items could be something as obvious as people, setting, or theme, or something as obscure as eye color, names, or occupation. In American Literature class, students will read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. If your teacher assigns you a comparative essay on the classic, you will need a thorough and detailed outline. Let us show you how to write an outline for a comparative essay about The Great Gatsby.

How to Write Your Great Gatsby Comparative Outline

  • Read the novel-you have to read the novel. The teacher will know if you do not. It is an excellent read and you will enjoy it. And it is not too lengthy. For the best results, read the novel.
  • Read the critics-now read what the critical analysis experts have written about your topic. You will want to use these expert opinions and comments in your paper. Find a good literature based academic database and search there.
  • Pick your two comparative items-pick your two items, such as Tom and Daisy from The Great Gatsby.
  • Write the thesis statement-now write your thesis statement. An example might read: Tom and Daisy are different emotionally, physically, and intellectually and these differences set up their downfall.
  • Find your research-now go back to the research and look at what people other than critics say about your story. Find all the support research you need from credible and reliable sources.
  • Make detail heavy outline-now either using a topic or a sentence outline; begin to create your piece. Start with a strong hook, some background material, and the stating of your thesis statement. You can follow the following format for ease in creating your document for The Great Gatsby comparative essay.
  • Use this format
    1. I. Introduction
    2. II. Main Point One (the first item you picked such as Daisy)
    3. III. Main Point Two (the second item you picked such as Tom)
    4. IV. The Conclusion
  • Make sure to be thorough-when you finish the piece; it should be so thorough that it includes everything you want to say. You should even include your quotes and research in the outline for the novel.