Open Prompt #1 Revision

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. Through tone and characterization, Fitzgerald shows that when you live in the past, your future dreams will always be affected.

             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. Daisy represents material America. She is beautiful, superficial, and shallow. But nonetheless, Gatsby, an accomplished man, lives his life around rekindling his love with her. 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.  His over the top, driven character shows that he will do anything to be reunited with his home.

           Fitzgerald’s complex symbols, motifs, and details disguised in his words help create a tone of desperation and desire. The tone shows how Gatsby will do anything to find his home. 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. The details in the novel, down to the color of Gatsby’s car and the positioning of the houses, show how specific Gatsby’s search is. The reader sees Gatsby’s obsession.

             By obsessing over finding Daisy, Gatsby’s entire life is changed. He moves to where she lives and throws parties hoping to attract her. Fitzgerald shows how when you live in the past, your future can never excel on its own. Gatsby can’t move on with his life until he finds and is back with Daisy. Daisy is Gatby’s home. She is his comfort, love, and life.

          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.