Open Prompt #1- 2010 Form B

2010, Form B. “You can leave home all you want, but home will never leave you.” —Sonsyrea Tate

Sonsyrea Tate’s statement suggests that “home” may be conceived of as a dwelling, a place, or a state of mind. It may have positive or negative associations, but in either case, it may have a considerable influence on an individual. Choose a novel or play in which a central character leaves home yet finds that home remains significant. Write a well-developed essay in which you analyze the importance of “home” to this character and the reasons for its continuing influence. Explain how the character’s idea of home illuminates the larger meaning of the work. Do not merely summarize the plot.

               Home is where the heart is and one’s heart is where their love it. In Mr. Gatsby’s case, home is with Daisy. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald perfectly illuminates Sonsyrea Tate’s statement that “You can leave home all you want, but home will never leave you.”  Mr. Gatsby’s tale is one of longing for his heart, his home, and his love.

             Gatsby was forced to leave his love behind when he was shipped off to war. As they both go on living their separate lives Gatsby discovers that his happiness lies in Daisy’s hands. Consequently, his life revolves around finding Daisy again. By throwing big parties hoping she will come, attempting to intrude on her marriage, and searching for her with every step he takes, he circulates every moment around returning to his home; his Daisy.  He knows that he will not be happy if he is not with Daisy; he knows that Daisy is his home. That overwhelming want to live his life with her makes it impossible for him to quit. With his desperate search, Gatsby proves that one will do just about anything to return to their home. Although one’s home differs from person to person, the longing one has to find it is overwhelming.

           Fitzgerald is a mastermind at disguising symbols, motifs, and messages throughout his words. Mr. Gatsby’s struggles throughout the story emulate the larger meaning of the novel. They make every scene a new chance, keeping the reader at the edge of their seat. The fact that throughout the whole story the mission is to re-spark the fire between Daisy and Gatsby makes the tone one of suspense, excitement, and curiosity. Being with Gatsby on his journey to win Daisy over forces the reader to feel some level of remorse for the poor soul who just wants his love back; his home back. Therefore, the ending, where Gatsby is found dead in his pool, makes the reader cringe with sadness and disgust, a reaction one may not have if they were not walking along side Gatsby on his mission.

     The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald reflects Sonsyrea Tate’s statement perfectly. His longing for Daisy is what made the story what it was. He knew his home was Daisy. Gatsby would not stop his fight until he made it back home.