45 pages 1-hour read

The Last Tycoon

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1941

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Essay Topics

1.

In The Last Tycoon, how does the Hollywood studio symbolize both the allure and deception behind the glamor of the film industry, and how does this contribute to the overall theme of illusion?

2.

Discuss the significance of the earthquake and the flood in the novel. How do these natural events mirror the emotional upheavals and challenges faced by the characters?

3.

In what ways do F. Scott Fitzgerald’s own experiences as a screenwriter influence the portrayal of Hollywood in The Last Tycoon? How does it contribute to the exploration of societal decay and corruption in the narrative?

4.

Analyze the character Monroe Stahr. How does his impending death from a heart ailment shape his decisions, relationships, and the overall narrative, and how does it contribute to the theme of love and loss?

5.

Explore the theme of jealousy in the novel. How does it affect Cecilia, Kathleen, and Mr. Brady? How do their jealousies drive the plot and shape their interactions?

6.

Delve into the complexities of Cecilia Brady’s character. How does her unrequited love for Stahr, her relationship with her father, and her discovery of his affair contribute to the overarching themes of love and loss?

7.

How does the theme of love and loss manifest in the relationships between Cecilia, Stahr, and Kathleen, and what does it reveal about the characters’ emotional complexities?

8.

How does the backdrop of the Great Depression and the dynamic landscape of 1930s Hollywood serve as a compelling and integral setting that shapes the characters and themes in the novel?

9.

Discuss the posthumous publishing of Fitzgerald’s last work. How does the unfinished nature of the novel impact its interpretation, and what insights does it provide into Fitzgerald’s evolving style and thematic concerns?

10.

Analyze the inclusion of Kathleen Moore’s character in the book. How does her resemblance to Stahr’s deceased wife, her engagement, and subsequent affair with Stahr contribute to the novel’s exploration of love, heartbreak, and loss?

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