“The show that scores the argument”

Before we begin… We’ll need to define our roles: Four contestants One host One “stat boy” or “stat girl” Four judges Viewers at home

Today’s Format Round 1: The First Word Round 2: Buy or Sell Nick as Narrator Gatsby as Tragic Hero Round 2: Buy or Sell Is Tom a prototypical 1920s male? Gatsby as Required Reading Fitzgerald’s Depiction of Women Round 3: Out of Bounds Endorsement or Satire? Round 4: The Showdown

Round 1: The First Word In this round, contestants discuss two literary headlines of the day’s reading assignment. Points are awarded or deducted for quality of argument.

Nick as Narrator Many critics feel this story could not be told by an omniscient narrator. What unique perspective does Nick’s narration bring to the novel? The First Word 1 of 2

Gatsby as Tragic Hero A tragic hero can be defined as a protagonist whose tragic flaw (usually a particular personality trait) is his undoing. Is Gatsby a tragic hero? If so, what is his tragic flaw? The First Word 2 of 2

Round 2: Buy or Sell In this round, contestants are asked to buy or sell (be for or against) three different concepts, also drawn from the day’s literary headlines. Points are awarded or deducted for quality of argument.

Is Tom a prototypical 1920s male? Tom’s racist and misogynistic ideas seem horrifying to us as modern readers. However, the world was a different place 100 years ago, and it was more socially acceptable for a white male to assert his supposed superiority. Are you buying or selling the idea that Tom Buchanan is just a function of the time period? Buy or Sell 1 of 3

Gatsby as required reading The Great Gatsby can be found on the required reading lists at many high schools throughout the nation. Are you buying or selling the idea The Great Gatsby should be on the required reading list at our high school? Buy or Sell 2 of 3

Fitzgerald’s Depiction of Women F. Scott Fitzgerald was writing at a time when women were enjoying increasing freedom, but were still living in a largely male-dominated world. He was, at times, conflicted about his relationship with his wife, who at various times was a positive force and a negative force upon his writing. Are you buying or selling the idea that Fitzgerald is more forgiving of his male characters than he is of his female characters? Buy or Sell 3 of 3

The First Cut Sorry, the contestant with the lowest score has to go home! Now, three contestants remain.

Round 3: Out of Bounds In this round, contestants discuss one story which is indirectly literature-related. Points are awarded or deducted for quality of argument.

Endorsement or Satire? The novel concludes, “tomorrow we will run faster, stretch our arms farther…” Some critics view Gatsby as an endorsement of the classic notion of the American Dream, while other view it as a satire of those values. Do you feel the novel endorses or satirizes a view of the American Dream?

The Second Cut Sorry, the contestant with the lowest score has to go home! Now only two remain!

Showdown The two remaining contestants get 15 seconds on each of three literature-related topics. One point will be awarded for the better argument in each of the three categories.

Dad’s Advice “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” Does Nick remain faithful to his father’s advice throughout the novel, or does he at time become critical and judgmental? Showdown 1 of 3

Where are your sympathies? Myrtle dies when she is struck by her husband’s lover’s car. An anguished Wilson commits murder, then suicide. Gatsby is shot, and his funeral is poorly attended. Tom’s “true love” (Myrtle) has died. Daisy’s “true love” (Gatsby) has died. Nick is still around to pick up the pieces. For whom do you feel the most sympathy? Showdown 2 of 3

The Green Light The green light initially seemed to have represented envy, but in the final paragraph, it seems to represent hope. “Gatsby believed in the green light.” Does Nick believe in “the green light”? Does Fitzgerald? Do you? Showdown 3 of 3

Face time! The winner of today’s competition gets 30 seconds to discuss anything he/she wants to discuss! It can be literature-related, but does not have to be.