The Great Gatsby March 2011
Do Now Take Introduction and Chapter 1 quiz over The Great Gatsby
Objectives Understanding Chapter 1 Introduction to major themes and symbols
Homework The Great Gatsby, Chapter 2, pages
The Great Gatsby Characters overall – obsessed by class, privilege and social position Nick Carroway Tolerant, reserves judgment Fought in World War I Lives in West Egg (part of Long Island) Nouveau riche: those who have recently made money and lack an established social position Impartial narrator, but no passive – Gatsby presents a challenge to the way in which Nick is accustomed to thinking about the world
The Great Gatsby Tom Buchanan Nick’s classmate at Yale From a wealthy family Reading The Rise of the Colored Empire, a book about racism and white supremacy – which he believes Grotesque, lacking redeeming features: “big, hulking physical specimen”, Daisy – tension dominates Buchanan family scenes Jordan Baker Friends with Daisy Professional golfer
The Great Gatsby Daisy Buchanan Frail Laughs at every opportunity She and Jordan are dressed in white when Nick arrives, “white girl-hood” which stands in contrast to their actual decadence and corruption Jordan Baker Friends with Daisy Professional golfer
The Great Gatsby Gatsby First appearance – almost godlike Utterly alone, posture of mysterious worship Reaching towards a green light, which he cannot grasp – something Gatsby is hopelessly striving for
The Great Gatsby Remember the types of conflict... Individual vs. society Individual vs. individual Individual vs. self
The Great Gatsby Byronic Hero An idealized but flawed character Tragic Hero Hero's misfortune is not brought about "by vice and depravity but by some error of judgment.” - Aristotle
The Great Gatsby Themes to look for: Honesty Decay Gender Roles Violence Class Religion World War I
The Great Gatsby Symbols to look for: The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg The Valley of Ashes Heat Automobiles
The Great Gatsby Upcoming project Explore the historical period of the 1920s by creating posters that provide in-depth information on what is happening in the following artistic communities: music and jazz, theater, visual arts, photography, and dance. Research paper on the topic selected 4 – 6 pages typed