Tuesday, April 3 Agenda

● Intro to Gatsby

DO: Identify and apply biographical information to determine meaning. Evaluate symbols and themes to determine meaning. HW: Ch. 1 & 2 quiz on Thursday Quote journal (2013) Major themes in Gatsby Major themes in Gatsby

Based on the biography from before Break, the trailer, and your reading of Gatsby, brainstorm possible themes in the novel. ● What issues is Fitzgerald consumed by? ● What type of people are involved? ● What type of activities are done? Keep in mind though…

Great American novels “fly directly into the sunny face of that vaunted American optisims; in many ways, they are all un- American. Maybe Gatsby’s ending desolation comes as more of a shock because the first movements of the novel (after Nick’s retrospective introduction) are awash with the bubbly optimism of the Roaring Twenties. But the party ends and the lights go out. In Gatsby World, as opposed to Disney World, America is exhausted before it ever got going. It’s all over, Nick decrees on the very last page of the novel” (Corrigan 11). The novel’s true heart

“When we make our first chain-gang shuffle into Gatsby, we spend so much time preparing for standard test prompts on the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg and the color of Gatsby’s car and – above all – the symbol of the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock that the larger point of the novel gets lost. It’s not the green light, stupid; it’s Gatsby’s reaching for it that’s the crucial all- American symbol of the novel” (Corrigan 5). Major themes in Gatsby

The themes you notice the most, will tend to align with your perspective. Remember, your final presentation will be on a theme throughout the novel, as read through your lens. Start tracking now, and make it easier for yourself then! Fitzgerald’s Insecurities

“Sink or swim. It’s the founding dare of America, this meritocracy where everyone – theoretically, at least- is free to jump in and test the waters. The fear is, however, that if you don’t make it, you’ll vanish beneath the waves” (Corrigan 35). Fitzgerald’s early life

● His mom’s family (the McQuillans) came from (new) money ● Dad’s had breeding ● His dad, Edward, lost his job as president of a wick furniture factory, and he never recovered ● Family rented on Summit Ave (swanky St. Paul street), but they never belonged ● Fitzgerald’s tuition to Princeton was paid from a McQuillian inheritance Fitzgerald often reveals himself to be more aligned to the self- made man or poorer relation; he always knows he is less than – Daisy 1.0 Ginevra King – Fitz’s first love

● Petite and dark (compare with the book’s description of Daisy rather than the movie's) ● RICH – her dad was a stockbroker ● One of “the ” – the richest and prettiest girls in Chicago * Her friend, , was a golfer and inspired Jordan Baker ● Her dad in 1916 famously said “Poor boys shouldn’t think of marrying rich girls”

So how does this experience influence Gatsby?

● In squads, reevaluate what you know about Gatsby and what you may have read.

● How does the novel of the Jazz Age actually teach us about what we wish we had? Narratology – Nick rereads “Nick, our narrator, certainly has to wise up [before he can understand Gatsby]. It takes him two years before he can tell Gatsby’s story in any coherent way, and still you know that, like the Ancient Mariner in Coleridge’s poem, Nick will spend his life thinking about Gatsby and the implications of the events that took place during the summer of 1922. Nick rereads Gatsby’s story as he tells it to us, and, in doing so, he shows us how crucial it is to listen closely, go back and pay more attention to the details, look at passages again and again” (Corrigan 7). Let’s dive in

Read (or reread) the first pages of the novel:

● What do we learn about Nick?

● What seems to be important?

● What demographic information do we get? * He’s white, male, what else?

● Why is he going to New York? Nick as narrator

● Is Nick a reliable narrator?

● Or put another way, is he a hypocrite?

● Reread and be ready to justify your answer Benchmark 3 pass back

● Grades are posted ● Retake deadline – this Friday ● If you are retaking,

○ Reread Act 4/5

○ Look over writing notes again (ICE quotes, explain device)

○ Review writing sample (especially example 5) ● You must tell me when you plan to retake Wednesday, April 4 Agenda

● Who is Gatsby? ● Social class in Gatsby ● Ch. 1 & 2

DO: Understand differences in social class. Track evidence to determine meaning. HW: Quiz tomorrow: CH. 1 & 2 + quote journal (4 quotes total) The hint of Gatsby

Reread the paragraph on page 2; what is it we learn about Gatsby here? The hint of Gatsby

“Only Gatsby, the man who gives his name to this book, was exempt from my reaction – Gatsby, who represented everything for which I have an unaffected scorn. If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life, as if he were related to one of those intricate machines that register earthquakes ten thousand miles away. This responsiveness had nothing to do with that flabby impressionabilityu which is dignified under the name of the ‘creative temperament’ – it was an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person and which it is not likely I shall every find again. No – Gatsby turned out all right at the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short-winded elations of men” (Fitzgerald 2). The hint of Gatsby

“…No – Gatsby turned out all right at the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short-winded elations of men” (Fitzgerald 2). ● What type of person is Gatsby? (Archetypes) ● What is the foul dust? ● How good are dreams/obsessions in retrospect? ● How does Nick feel about Gatsby? Icarus

Flew too close to the sun, and his wings melted, and he drowned. The hint of Gatsby

What type of person is Gatsby? (Archetypes) ● Hero vs. villain? ● Damsel in distress vs. adventurer? ● Dreamer vs. cynic? ● Is he a good person or a bad person? Should we feel bad about what happened to him? Why or why not? The hint of Gatsby What type of person is Gatsby? (Archetypes)

● “Only Gatsby, the man who gives his name to this book, was exempt from my reaction – Gatsby, who represented everything for which I have an unaffected scorn” (2) If Nick says Gatsby represents everything Nick hates, why does he then like him so much?? The hint of Gatsby

“…No – Gatsby turned out all right at the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short-winded elations of men” (Fitzgerald 2). What is the foul dust? ● What is the connotation of “foul”? ● How is dust created? (consider the aftermath of things) ● Why is it “floating” in the “wake”? What exactly happened to his dreams? ● Should we feel bad for Gatsby? The hint of Gatsby How good are dreams/obsessions in retrospect? ● Why does it matter that Gatsby has “an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness…”? ● If Gatsby “turned out all right at the end”, should we even be worried? (Think back to Nick’s comments on scorn) ● What exactly is “preying” on Gatsby? ● So, are dreams something we should push towards? Or view as dangerous? ● Is this a cautionary tale/story? The hint of Gatsby

How good are dreams/obsessions in retrospect?

● “How do you know what you want ‘til you get what you want and you see if you like it?” - Into the Woods, a musical based on fairy tales The hint of Gatsby

How does Nick feel about Gatsby? The hint of Gatsby

As we continue reading the book, keep in mind this opening, and that we know Gatsby’s dream has broken something. Now, we will look at some of the features he has to fight against.

Gatsby is tough on social class

“Class remains our national awkward topic, usually mumbled over in academic diversity workshops; indeed, most people don’t know how to talk about class without automatically coupling it to race. That’s because we Americans are loath to recognize that the sky’s-the-limit potential we take as our birthright comes at a price far beyond what many Americans – of any race – can pay” (Corrigan 15-16). The rich live in their own world

“Look again at those words about the rich spoken by Fitzgerald’s narrator in ‘The Rich Boy’: Even when they enter deep into our world or sink below us, they still think that they are better than we are. They are different. That’s a statement about class, not money; it’s a statement about an internalized sense of privilege born out of wealth and out of what Fitzgerald called in a 1933 letter to his friend and fellow novelist John O’Hara ‘breeding’” (Corrigan 40). Social class in Gatsby

● Fitzgerald himself felt like an outsider, but Nick is very much an insider, who then hangs out with other insiders.

● As you read Chapter 1, consider what Fitzgerald is doing in regards to class.

● Also be on the look our for Nick’s rereading of the story The East Eggers

“Daisy and Jordan loll about in such languid fashion, they’re virtually weightless. Tom, admittedly, is filled with passionate intensity about the invading hordes of darker-skinned immigrants pouring into American; otherwise, he’s idle. Early in the novel- before he rouses himself to obstruct Gatsby’s campaign for Daisy – Tom is little more than a wealthy former college football player gone to seed; he plays at life, the same way our entitled narrator, Nick, dabbles at learning the investment business” (41-42). Daisy the Siren (Archetypes)

● In Greek mythology, Sirens were half women, half bird creatures who lured sailors to their deaths by singing. ● Consider Daisy’s description – is she captivating because she’s beautiful? Or for what feature instead? Study guide and quote journal

Use this time to make sure you are prepared for the quiz tomorrow. You can:

• Finish reading Chapters 1 & 2

• Work on your theme journal

• Complete the study guide

• Read ahead Quote journal – 2 quotations per chapter

• Left side: Write out the quotation in full (including citation) • Right side: Write out an explanation for

• Why this fits your perspective

• What thematic message it is conveying • Your goal is to start tracking evidence to determine a thematic message – what is Fitzgerald trying to say about life? Tomorrow

● Quiz on Ch. 1 & 2 .

● Writing practice – this will go easier with a quote journal!

● Character sketches Thursday, April 5 Agenda • Ch. 1 & 2 Quiz • Character sketches

DO: Demonstrate recall of The Great Gatsby reading homework. Understand the writing process for literary criticism. Analyze character evidence to determine characterization according to a literary perspective. HW: Ch. 3 due Monday Ch. 1 & 2 Quiz

• Use complete sentences. • You can use your literary journal. Fair warning

If you fail reading quizzes, I will give you a teacher detention with me before the next quiz; this is so I can help you be successful. We will read the next chapter, and complete the study guide – that way we both will know that you are understanding (and completing) the reading. Character sketches In groups, collect at least 3 descriptions from Chapters 1 & 2 for the character assigned. Then, determine what their primary trait is, and what lens they can be viewed through. Sample: George “Doormat” Wilson

• “… when the proprietor himself appeared in the door of an office, wiping his hands on a piece of waste. He was a blond, spiritless man, anemic, and faintly handsome. When he saw us a damp gleam of hope sprang into his light blue eyes” (Fitzgerald 25). • “‘Oh, sure,’ agreed Wilson hurriedly, and went toward the little office mingling immediately with the cement color of the walls. A white ashen dust veiled his dark suit and his pale hair as it veiled everything in the vicinity – except his wife…” (Fitzgerald 26). • George Wilson is the physical embodiment of life in the Valley of Ashes; his color has faded, and he is a downtrodden man who does not expect—or receive– much. As the downtrodden common man, Wilson is easily read through the Marxist lens as an indicator of how the lower class compare to the rich. Character sketches In groups, collect at least 3 descriptions from Chapters 1 & 2 for the character assigned. Then, determine what their primary trait is, and what lens they can be viewed through. • Nick Carraway • • Tom Buchanan • Jordan Baker • Myrtle Wilson • George Wilson • Catherine (Myrtle’s sister) • The McKees Character sketches • 3 descriptions • Nick Carraway • Their primary character • Daisy Buchanan trait • Tom Buchanan • What lens they can be • Jordan Baker viewed through. • Myrtle Wilson • George Wilson • Catherine (Myrtle’s sister) • The McKees Friday, April 7 Character sketches • 3 descriptions • Nick Carraway • Their primary character • Daisy Buchanan trait • Tom Buchanan • What lens they can be • Jordan Baker viewed through. • Myrtle Wilson • George Wilson • Catherine (Myrtle’s sister) • The McKees Agenda • Finish Character sketches • Imagery/symbolism • Writing practice

DO: Understand the writing process for literary criticism. Analyze character evidence to determine characterization according to a literary perspective. Analyze symbols in Gatsby. HW: Ch. 3 due Monday (this includes your quote journal) Imagery and symbolism Symbolism recap • Symbols are a concrete representation of an abstract idea/concept. • Authors use them to subtly (and sometimes not-so-subtly) convey themes and messages to the reader. Dr. T.J. Eckleburg and the Valley of Ashes

As we watch the clip, focus on how both are depicted. • What words does Nick use? • Who does this apply to? • What is he concerned by? Determining meaning Reread pages 23 & 24, focusing on Fitzgerald’s description of the valley of ashes and Dr. T.J. Eckleburg. Determine together with your partner what both things can be symbolic of: • What do they represent? • Why are they prominent? Writing according to literary perspectives

The literary perspectives determines your theme • Remember: Literary perspectives are the lens you look through when analyzing a text. Example: for Marxism, the theme/claim is focused on social classes, while feminism would be focused on the power relationship between men and women. • In “A Good Man is Hard to Find”, Joyce Carol Oates demonstrates that holding onto one’s upper-class identity cannot save one from danger to convey that security is fleeting. • Joyce Carol Oates explores how women can subvert their lack of overt power through manipulation in “A Good Man is Hard to Find” in order to demonstrate that power can be subtle. How to formulate a claim

1.Identify the perspective you will use to analyze the story (this should be apparent from your reading/annotating). 2.Determine a theme: what message is the author conveying according to your perspective? (review reading questions if needed) 3.Write your claim including thematic message, author, and title. Organization

1. Pick 2 pieces of evidence to support your claim. 2. Identify the specific element that proves your claim. 3. Decide which quotation will come first. 4. ICE your quotations! Analysis

I- Introduce: Provide context. What has happened in the story right before this quotation? Who is talking? C- Cite: Using an integrated quotation, cite your evidence with proper MLA citations. E- Explain: Analyze your evidence. Identify the specific element in your evidence by name that proves your claim, and explain how it does so. Remember to use the same language in your claim when explaining evidence. Analysis using evidence from Chapter 1 in your lens - Marxism • “I waited but she didn’t say any more, and after a moment I returned rather feebly to the subject of her daughter. ‘I suppose she talks, and – eats, and everything’” (Fitzgerald 16). • “Their interest rather touched me and made them less remotely rich – nevertheless, I was confused and a little disgusted as I drove away. It seemed to me that the thing for Daisy to do was to rush out of the house, child in arms –but apparently there was no such intentions in her head. As for Tom, the fact that he ‘had some woman in New York’ was really less surprising than that he had been depressed by a book. Something was making him nibble at the edge of stale ideas as if his sturdy physical egotism no longer nourished his peremptory heart” (Fitzgerald 20). Choose exact evidence • “I waited but she didn’t say any more, and after a moment I returned rather feebly to the subject of her daughter. ‘I suppose she talks, and – eats, and everything.’ ‘Oh, yes.’ She looked at me absently” (Fitzgerald 16). • “Their interest rather touched me and made them less remotely rich – nevertheless, I was confused and a little disgusted as I drove away. It seemed to me that the thing for Daisy to do was to rush out of the house, child in arms –but apparently there was no such intentions in her head. As for Tom, the fact that he ‘had some woman in New York’ was really less surprising than that he had been depressed by a book. Something was making him nibble at the edge of stale ideas as if his sturdy physical egotism no longer nourished his peremptory heart” (Fitzgerald 20). • Commonality – Because Daisy is rich, she does not care for her daughter as Nick thinks she should. Claim

In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nick’s judgmental view of Daisy in regards to her role as a mother demonstrates contempt for the upper class whose selfishness causes them to care only about themselves rather than others. Claim

In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nick’s judgmental view of Daisy in regards to her role as a mother demonstrates contempt for the upper class whose selfishness causes them to care only about themselves rather than others.

Author + Title + perspective detail + theme ICE evidence After his first dinner with Daisy and Tom, Nick has experienced first hand the selfish concerns of his cousin and her husband. The last bit of gossip they must discuss is the rumor of Nick’s engagement, which he tells them is false. As he leaves for the night, he notes, “Their interest rather touched me and made them less remotely rich – nevertheless, I was confused and a little disgusted as I drove away. It seemed to me that the thing for Daisy to do was to rush out of the house, child in arms –but apparently there was no such intentions in her head” (Fitzgerald 20). Nick acknowledges Daisy and Tom’s “interest”, but it is immediately dismissed in favor of judgmental attitudes because Daisy does not exhibit the familial good-bye he expects. While he is temporarily able to see them as “less remotely rich”, he still is judgmental of their lifestyle and finds them selfish for acting in accordance with others in their social class… Another example

At the beginning of the novel, Nick is invited to dinner at his cousin Daisy’s house with her husband, Tom, and Jordan Baker, her friend. After a tense dinner, Nick and Daisy are talking together, when Daisy tells Nick she is now cynical after going through a hard time. Nick, uncomfortable, attempts to turn the conversation back to an earlier topic, her daughter “‘I suppose she talks, and – eats, and everything.’ ‘Oh, yes.’ She looked at me absently” (Fitzgerald 16). Daisy is clearly uninterested in her own daughter as indicated through her vague response and acceptance of Nicks stilted understanding of a child. Daisy is uninterested in this topic as it is not fully about her, or what she would like to discuss. Through establishing Daisy’s disinterest and Nick’s stilted questioning, Fitzgerald emphasizes that human connection is not the strong suit of these upper class people, who are far more comfortable discussing gossip than genuine human connection. Writing practice – on your own Thinking of Feminism, Marxism, and Psychoanalysis, write a well-developed paragraph that analyzes the theme of The Great Gatsby so far based on one critical perspective. You must analyze two quotations from the story in your response. Due at the end of class.