In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” we see characters pursuing the American Dream, which is often associated with wealth, success, and happiness. On the other hand, Langston Hughes’ poem “Har

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In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” we see characters pursuing the American Dream, which is often associated with wealth, success, and happiness. On the other hand, Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem” explores the concept of a dream deferred or postponed.

  1. Initial Impressions: Begin the discussion by sharing your initial impressions of both “The Great Gatsby” (chapters 1-7) and Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem.” What themes or ideas do you see emerging in each of them?

The American Dream: Explore the theme of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby.” How do characters like Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, and Daisy Buchanan embody different aspects of this dream? What does the pursuit of the American Dream mean to them?

A Dream Deferred: Discuss Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem.” What does Hughes mean by a “dream deferred”? Analyze the various interpretations of what might happen when dreams are postponed. How does this relate to the characters and events in “The Great Gatsby”?

Character Parallels: Draw parallels between characters in “The Great Gatsby” and the ideas presented in “Harlem.” Are there characters in the novel who experience deferred dreams similar to those described in the poem?

Symbolism and Imagery: Explore the use of symbolism and imagery in both the novel and the poem. How do authors use these literary devices to convey their respective messages about dreams and aspirations?

Impact of Society: Discuss how societal factors, such as race, class, and the historical context, influence the characters’ pursuit of dreams in “The Great Gatsby” and the themes in “Harlem.” Are there societal obstacles that hinder or affect these dreams?

Resolution vs. Deferred Dreams: Analyze the outcomes of characters’ dreams in “The Great Gatsby.” How do they compare to the possible outcomes described in “Harlem”? Are there characters in the novel who manage to achieve their dreams, and if so, at what cost?

  1. Personal Reflection: Reflect on your own understanding of the American Dream and the concept of deferred dreams. How do these literary works shape your perspective on these themes?