1. Quick-write
How did the events of September 11th change how Americans viewed their world?
How has it changed our culture?

2. Learning Target: I can summarize the tenants of modernism

3. What is Modernism?
Modernism reflects a loss of faith in traditional values and beliefs, including the American Dream.
Artistic/literary movement
Post World-War One
Pessimistic picture of culture in disarray
Modern poets goal = rid poetry of 19th century prettiness & sentimentality
Rejected 19th century optimism
“Stormtroops Advancing Under Gas”
Otto Dix

4. The WORLD AS A WASTELAND
WWI precipitated “modern thought”

5. WORLD AS A WASTELAND Before WWI

6. WORLD AS A WASTELAND After WWI

7. WORLD AS A WASTELAND Before WWI

8. WORLD AS A WASTELAND After WWI

9. Q: What are some factors that led people during this time period to lose faith in the American Dream?
A: -World War I & disillusionment, -Increase in industrialization, -Unfair labor practices, -Excessive drinking

10. Characteristics of Modernism
1. instability
2. futility

11. 3. pessimism

12. 4. chaos
5. Loss of faith

13. 6. Collapse of “Morality”
1920:
1910:
Vs.
Prohibition
“flappers”
More open a/t sexuality & drug use
Prohibition, “flappers,” more open about sexuality, drug-use

14. 7. Disillusionment: a feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be

15. Characteristics of Modern Literature
New experiments with form and technique in both poetry and prose
A new kind of hero who is flawed and disillusioned yet honorable and courageous
Questioning of traditional beliefs and social structures

16. Introduction: “The Second Coming” BY: William Butler Yeats 1919
After reading this poem, answer the following questions.
Then SOAPSTone the poem:
How is this a good example of modern poetry?
What kind of world did Yeats propose that we were entering when he wrote this poem?
How accurate was his prophecy for the future?
SOAPSTone

17. MODERNISM REVIEW and connection to
The Great Gatsby
Learning Targets:
I can summarize the tenants of modernism
I can explain how an author’s choice contributes to overall meaning

18. What are the seven Characteristics of Modernism?
1. instability
2. futility
3. pessimism
4. chaos
6. Collapse of
“Morality”
5. Loss of faith
7. Disillusionment

19. DIRECTIONS: In the box to the right of the picture, write down five details that you notice about the picture below (what does image include in the foreground, background? What colors are used? Is it inviting or uninviting? etc).

20. What aspects of this picture connect to the modernist characteristics
What aspects of this picture connect to the modernist characteristics? How does this picture reflect the ideals of this era?

21. Scene Capture: PURPOSE: to connect the characteristics of modernism to The Great Gatsby
STEP 1: Read the assigned passage aloud to your group. Take turns reading aloud to one another.
STEP 2: Complete job A, B, C, or D
(Themes: Hollowness of upper class, wealth as a of power, disillusionment, failure of American Dream)
STEP 3: Present to the class your poster
STEP 4: While listening, take notes on other groups’ presentations in your packet (there is a box for notes)
STEP 5: Fill out the questions in the packet under the heading “Exit Slip”

22. Responding to Essential Questions
Step 1: Write the Essential Question word-for-word in your notes.
Step 2: Write 2-3 sentences relating to the question.
**Responses should be an initial reaction, personal experience, or answer to the question**

23. Themes
& Essential Questions

24. Each theme topic relates to an essential question.
WRITE THESE DOWN and formulate a response to each.
Have essential questions in mind while reading.
These are just a few of the big ideas you will find.

25. Defining the American Dream

26. Death of the American Dream?
Not all have same opportunity
Hard work may not be as important as heredity
Do money & possessions equal happiness?
Fitzgerald’s wife, Zelda, would only marry him after he sold his first book, This Side of Paradise.
Does America have a ruling class? Can just anyone grow up to be president?

27. Death of the American Dream?
Essential Question #1
Is there a dark side to the American Dream?
Is it attainable for everyone?
What are the dangers of ambitiously following one’s dream?

28. Repeating the Past Essential Question #2:
What does it mean to live in the past?
Is constantly searching for the happiness of your past healthy?

29. A Broken World Post-WWI: chaos & destruction Excess of violence
Modernism: result of disillusionment w/ the world after WWI and a feeling that traditional customs and beliefs were outdated

30. 1920s: A Broken World Widespread “immorality” Excess of sex
Excess of drugs/alcohol abuse
Flappers/Parties
Fitzgeralds were the “it” couple of Roaring 20s
Money & Prestige = goal of the individual

31. A Broken World Essential Question #3
Given the immorality and decadence of the 1920s and today’s society, is the world spiritually and morally broken?

32. Money & Happiness Essential Question #4
Is money necessary in order to achieve happiness?
Can money buy happiness?