LEARNING TARGETS: by the end of class you should be able to
- Explain how the film version of Gatsby differs from the book.
- Be able to explain, in your own words what you will be doing next week.
NEXT WEEK: Two goals
- Work on Gatsby papers (Due Monday, May 14)
- Begin work on research projects
GATSBY PAPER OPTIONS:
Option One: Fitzgerald once wrote, “Show me a hero, and I will write you a tragedy.” How is Jay Gatsby a hero? How is The Great Gatsby a tragedy? In a well written essay, explore the many ways this comment plays out through the development of Gatsby and throughout the course of the novel. To do this, you’ll have to:
- Define “tragedy” – in a literary sense.
- Identify elements of the novel (plot & characters) that fulfill your chosen definition of tragedy
- Identify the novel’s theme AND analyze how this connects to theme (the overall purpose of the novel as a whole
Option Two: How does Fitzgerald’s use of literary devices help to develop the theme of the novel? In a well written essay, identify a theme and analyze how the author’s use of literary devices such as (irony, symbolism, setting, juxtaposition, point of view, characterization, etc…) are used to establish theme.
- Some potential devices include:
- Irony – what are some specific ironies of the novel AND how do these moments connect to theme?
- Symbolism – identify some of the symbols Fitzgerald employs in the novel (symbols are literally present but also have some greater figurative significance attached to them as well). How are these symbols used to help develop the theme?
- Setting – when and where does the story take place? How is the time period significant to theme? The various different locations?
- Juxtaposition – look for things that are referenced in close context to one another to show CONTRAST (differences). How does Fitzgerald use the juxtaposition of these things (characters, settings, relationships, etc.) to establish theme?
- Point of View – from what point of view is the story told? How does Fitzgerald’s choice of narration impact readers’ understanding of the text? How does this impact theme?
- Characterization – examine the different characters who are pertinent to the plot as a whole. How does the development of these characters help develop the theme of the novel as a whole?
Option Three: Although many are drawn in by the romantic plot, at its heart, The Great Gatsby is a novel of social criticism. What is Fitzgerald criticizing? How successful is he? Hint: you may be inspired by the following quote.
Option Four: What do you think about the treatment of women in the novel? Is the book anti-woman?
See class blog posts for hints, tips. We’ll have lessons on Monday and Wednesday that build off mistakes that were common in you Of Mice and Men papers. Between now and Monday, pick a topic.
RESEARCH PROJECT: (more on this Monday and Tuesday)
SIKK ENGLISH 