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Name a NOVEL or SHORT STORY you have studied in which a character undergoes a change - Junior Cycle English - Question E - 2006
Question E
Name a NOVEL or SHORT STORY you have studied in which a character undergoes a change. - Describe the character at the beginning of the novel or short story. - Expla... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Name a NOVEL or SHORT STORY you have studied in which a character undergoes a change - Junior Cycle English - Question E - 2006
Step 1
Describe the character at the beginning of the novel or short story.
Answer
At the beginning of the novel "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the character Jay Gatsby is portrayed as a mysterious and wealthy man who is known for hosting extravagant parties. He is described as hopeful, ambitious, and somewhat naive, as he harbors a deep longing for his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby's opulence and charm mask a profound loneliness and a longing for acceptance, setting the stage for his eventual transformation.
Step 2
Explain who or what caused the character to change.
Answer
Gatsby's change is primarily caused by his obsessive love for Daisy Buchanan. His desire to rekindle their past romance drives him to transform himself from a poor young man into a wealthy socialite. Additionally, the disillusionment he faces due to the empty nature of the wealth and the stark reality of class divisions serves as a catalyst for his character development.
Step 3
Describe the character at the end.
Answer
By the end of the novel, Gatsby becomes a tragic figure. His idealism leads him to a disillusioned reality, as he realizes that his dream of rekindling his relationship with Daisy is unattainable. Gatsby is ultimately portrayed as a lonely and disheartened man, whose wealth and status have not brought him the happiness he sought. His ambiguous legacy leaves a poignant mark on the story, highlighting the emptiness of the American Dream.
Step 4
Did you prefer the character before or after the change had taken place? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer
I preferred Gatsby before the change, during the early stages of the novel. His hopeful and romanticized view of life was endearing and relatable, highlighting his ambition and dreams. In contrast, after the change, Gatsby becomes a tragic character consumed by his obsessive desire that ultimately leads to his demise. This shift transforms him from a hopeful dreamer into a disillusioned figure, making it difficult to admire the man he has become.