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AS Revision

Themes & Aspects of Narratives.

The Great Gatsby
Themes.
Society & Class; ‘valley of ashes’ separating lower and middle class conditions. Discuss prior
title ‘Trimalchio in West Egg’, (roman story of working class man, who through hard work
attains higher class status), draw comparisons to Gatsby.
Visions of America; America is through the scope of the wealthy, compare the Wilson’s who
work to keep afloat, to the Buchanan's who have endless money, Nick who is comfortable
yet never attains what he desires most, and Gatsby, who is at the top of a social spectrum
and is still looked down upon by others. Discuss corruption, Wolfenheim etc.. Character
association with gangsters.
Religion; Discuss significance of T.J Eckleburg’s eyes, interpret as religious symbol or
coincidental, note George Wilson's mention of ‘god sees everything’. Eckleburg’s eyes, an
advert for optician could suggest capitalism taking over where religion once was. Capitalism
and wealth have clouded religion and faith?
Love; Describe love as the source of conflict, ultimately resulting in the death of Gatsby and two
others. Daisy’s angelic appearance, and her destructive nature seem to symbolize the
violence and chaotic nature of love in the novel. Discuss Wilson’s love for Myrtle, which
seems to be portrayed as the only true romance. (from Wilson’s POV)
Wealth; Characteristics of West and East Egg, describe how wealth is distinguished via lavish
parties and status symbols. Discuss materialistic values of characters, namely Daisy, as
she weeps on seeing Gatsby’s silk shirts, note how Nick, although in love with her and
quick to separate himself from the middle class actions is not bothered by her materialistic
nature

The Great Gatsby
Aspects of Narrative.
Narration; Discuss Nick’s ability to view from a slightly omniscient nature. Back-story and
emotions all stem from Carroway. However reader discovers certain things as Nick does
(chapter in which Jordan dictates narration). Note Caraway's use of ‘Fly on the Wall’
narration, which ultimately allows for the vast amounts of back-story on other characters,
talk about how Carroways isolated personality allows this role as narrator to be
exaggerated and improved.
Form; Form allows to discuss about the complexity of Gatsby’s narrator, although in parts
confessional, overall the dictation is via 1st person. Again link in points regarding ‘fly on the
wall’ narration
Context; Points include America during prohibition era, with an introduction to characters like
Wolfensheim, creates further enigma in regards to Gatsby’s character. Note Fitzgerald's
own wealth status similar to Nick’s, relatively modest in relation to neighboring houses.

The Great Gatsby
Key Quotes.
“ ‘whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,’ he told me ‘just remember that all the people in this
world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.’ ” (Link to Nick’s inability to portray his
clear emotions of people like Tom until the end of the novel)
“ ‘ I had actually been invited. A chauffeur in a uniform of robins-egg blue crossed my lawn early
that Saturday morning’ ” (note surprise in Nick’s voice, add mystery and enigma to Gatsby’s
character prior back-story)
“ ‘God sees everything’ repeated Wilson, ‘that’s an advertisement’ Michaelis assured him,
something made him turn away from the window and look back into the room’ ” (direct ref.
to T.J Eckleburg.)
“ ‘Daisy bent her head into the shirts and began to cry stormily. ‘They’re such beautiful shirts’,
she sobbed’ ” (quote to support materialistic nature of characters, even the ‘angelic’ Daisy)
“ ‘Oh, you want too much!’ she cried to Gatsby. ‘I love you now-isn’t that enough? I can’t help
what’s past’ ” (key quote to support indifference in love, Daisy has changed her opinions
with time, whereas Gatsby’s love for her stays solid, these inconceivable differences are
the reason relationship fails.)

The Kite Runner
Themes.
Friendship; Discuss poignancy of Amir and Hassan, and its vital role in providing the backbone of the novel.
Also note Amir and Baba’s friendship and how it effects his treatment of Hassan. Mirrors actions which
occurred on him, i.e. dominance. Discuss how as Hassan’s friendship is also with his servant it leads to
complexity within the relationship.
Betrayal; Arguably most important theme in the novel, discuss how time impacts narrators feelings towards the
betrayal of his best friend. Question and put into context whether this shapes our opinions of Amir, note the
confessional narrative style allows the action to be justified?
Masculinity & Manhood; A predominantly male based novel, with female characters being flat and less rounded
than the male counterparts. Argue the contextually of the novel doesn’t really allow for generous amounts
of females. Note how conventional themes of masculinity aren’t followed, the men seek love and
forgiveness, as oppose to western themes of destruction and gain.
Religion; One small but influential chapter, in which Amir narrates his confusion at Hassan’s religion and how
little its taught about, note his description of Hassan’s religion (and its perception in context of their
location) during chapter 3.
Innocence; Use the time shaping of the novel to show effects of innocence lost and found, use examples such
as the rape scene, and the comparison to a Kabul ravaged by war, the innocence of Hassan and a beloved
country are lost.

The Kite Runner
Aspects of Narrative
Narration; Clearly confessional narrative, explain how Hosseini has allowed Amir’s
psychological battle with his own guilt to be the soul of the novel,whilst allowing an
intricately detailed insight into his own emotions. Discuss use of allowing Amir to grow in
maturity with the novel, and how it absorbs the reader.
Form; Similar to narrative, links can be made to that of confessional narrative styling.
Context; Plays are large part in the novel, make note of the novels publication country (west)
and how the context of reception is adapted. Discuss how one from the native country
(Kabul/Afghani) would interpret the novel and the assumptions they would draw. Points on
Hosseini’s own background too can be made, having grown up in Kabul himself, allowing
comment on comparisons of himself and Amir (if needed)
Symbols; Kites represent the escapism for the two boys, which follow a main theme of the
novel, escaping war, escaping guilt, escaping terrorism etc.. During kite competitions the
duo forget about troubles, it seems as if the kites represent the kite flyer and kite runner
and the unique and necessary bond it conveys.

The Kite Runner
Key Quotes
“ ‘Ali and Baba grew up together…but in none of his stories did Baba ever refer to Ali as his
friend’ ” Note parallel In that of Baba and Ali’s relationship, to that of Hassan and Amir’s,
Amir seems to be mirroring his fathers behavior, use this to justify Amir’s wrongdoing.
“ ‘I stopped watching, turned away from the alley…in the end I ran’ ” Key quote in regards to the
duos friendship and the characterization of Amir, this is one of the major betrayals against
Hassan, allows you to pose the question, is the fact Amir didn’t discuss the issue worse
than the fact he let it happen?
“ ‘The trek between Kabul and Jalalabad, a bone-jarring ride down a teetering pass snaking
through the rocks,’ ” Simple quote, but gives contextual, and language points, useful to
insert when no points left to make!
“ ‘For you, a thousand times over’ ” First seen at the beginning of the novel, but again used later
on, quote is a exemplar use of repetition at its best. Can be interpreted many ways, firstly
as a surrender, Hassan submits to Amir, no matter their religious differences.May be
interpreted as a gift to Amir, Hassan’s first word being Amir, it has a haunting tone that can
be easily analyzed in-depth

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