1. The Great Gatsby HO72 Drama and prose post-1900 (Component 02)
Lesson 8
LO: In this lesson you will:
Use critical statements on structure to develop a response.
Chapter 3/4

2. Why should we use critical material?
To give you knowledge that will help you understand aspects of the text e.g. critical material on the conventions of modernist texts. (I didn’t know that)
To support your own interpretation of a text (What do I think?)
To extend your own interpretation (This is what I thought, do I still think that?)
To challenge your own interpretation of a text? (Could I think about this in a different way?)
To develop your understanding of literary criticism and the ability to use it (Understand all the different perspectives and arguments about the text.)
To develop academic skills you may need at university/college.

3. Task
Read the critical statements you have been given on The Great Gatsby.
How illuminating are they?
How does this make me see this aspect of the text differently?
Discuss whether you agree/disagree with the statement. Justify your answer.

4. Writing task
Use one statement to develop your own response in a paragraph about the structure of The Great Gatsby.

5. Model Paragraph Annotate the AOs
The structure of ‘The Great Gatsby’, Fitzgerald’s iconic 1925 modernist novel depicting the decadence and despair of the Lost Generation, has an episodic or scenic quality to its structure. The reader might almost be able to pre-empt the way in which the novel lends itself to the future cinematic interpretation of directors such as Jack Clayton and Baz Lurhmann as the focus moves from one party scene to another, across several locations and settings, each adding to the mystery of the eponymous Mr Gatsby. For some, this may present issues of continuity. As Nicholas Treddell suggests in his 2008 article for emagiazine: The narrative structure appears ‘fragmentary’ or ‘sporadic’ as it jumps around and ‘releases information (and misinformation) about its title character’. For others, the scene changes merely add to the overall beauty of the plot which shifts as much as our impression and understanding of Gatsby’s character does. In so doing, Fitzgerald creates a structure that is both modern and entirely fitting for his subject.

6. Check your learning
Now read each other’s paragraphs and annotate to show where AOs have been met.
Set DITS
Select the best example from each group to share with the class.