Please help me understand this question...

[MmMmM]

I've received an essay question on "how F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the spirit of America in the twenties?" (AS Essay)

I don't understand what the question wants me to do.

Any help is appreciated.

[susiedqq]

What don't you understand?

Is it the term "spirit of America in the 1920's"?

[MmMmM]

I'm not sure what the question is asking me, how I should form my question?

I've got a general outline of what I'm going to write about... I.E. the American Dream, people breaking rules etc.

[Raymott]

I'm not sure what the question is asking me, how I should form my question?

I've got a general outline of what I'm going to write about... I.E. the American Dream, people breaking rules etc.

The question asks you to write an essay describing to your reader how Fitzgerald explores the spirit of America in the twenties.
You seem to have at least the beginnings of an understanding of what "the spirit of America in the twenties" means.
Fitzgerald wasn't an explorer; he was a writer. "Explore" is a recent term in cultural studies meaning to analyse, or look at different aspects of something. So you have to assume that Fitzgerald did this, and that the result is in his novels.
Therefore you must read the novel/s, and take note of where the author seems to be saying something about "America's spirit in the 20s". You might need to so some external reading to find out what were the main characteristics of this spirit.

Now, Fitzgerald writes fiction. So he can write what he likes. Do his novels relate in any way to your idea of "America's spirit in the 20s"? If so, how.
(We'll assume they do). What aspects of his novel (eg. under plot, setting, characterisation, atmosphere, etc.) describes this spirit? Do his characters behave and talk as 20s Americans would have (from your research and knowledge)? Do they spend their time in a certain way; what are their values?
When you develop some opinions, write them down. They will become the first draft of your essay.