The text of the biography can be found at
http://www.sc.edu/fitzgerald/biography.html
1. Identify and explain how the following excerpt is ironic. Be sure to include specific examples from the text to support your response. After, reflect on what pressures and forces you think impacted the Fitzgeralds to live the way they did. (1/2 page)
During the 1920s (Fitzgerald’s) income from all sources averaged under $25,000 a year - good money at a time when a schoolteacher’s average annual salary was $1,299, but not a fortune. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald did spend money faster than he earned it; the author who wrote so eloquently about the effects of money on character was unable to manage his own finances.
2. Consider the following excerpt and respond to the prompt below.
When critics objected to Fitzgerald’s concern with love and success, his response was: “But, my God! it was my material, and it was all I had to deal with.” The chief theme of Fitzgerald’s work is aspiration - the idealism he regarded as defining American character. Another major theme was mutability (capable of being changed) or loss.
How is Fitzgerald similar to and different from Dexter Green, Nick Carraway, and Jay Gatsby? In what ways are Daisy Buchanan and Zelda Fitzgerald similar? (1/2 page)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Chapter 5 ponderings
In the opening of the chapter, Gatsby offers Nick some kind of business opportunity. Nick cuts Gatsby off and refuses before he is finished explaining it. This is important - both the offer and the fact that it is so quickly refused.
Gatsby seems incredibly concerned about insignificant details before the tea date. What does this tell us about Gatsby? Later he seems incredibly nervous and uneasy - even while pretending to be bored. Why is this?
Daisy is dressed in Lavender (another flower) - I find this interesting.
The Secret of Castle Rackrent - This is an allusion to a novel published around 1800. Be the first in your section to email me with the significance of this allusion for five bonus formative points.
Gatsby knows to the month how long it has been since he has seen Daisy...Daisy says that it's been "many years."
There is lots of discomfort in this little room... So much so that Nick leaves his house to Gatsby and Daisy. Thirty minutes later, the rain has stopped outdoors, but Daisy has been crying indoors.
Important quote from this chapter: "...it occurred to him that the collossal significance of that light had now vanished forever... now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one." Jot this down and re-read it after you finish reading chapter nine - it will have new meaning.
Gatsby seems incredibly concerned about insignificant details before the tea date. What does this tell us about Gatsby? Later he seems incredibly nervous and uneasy - even while pretending to be bored. Why is this?
Daisy is dressed in Lavender (another flower) - I find this interesting.
The Secret of Castle Rackrent - This is an allusion to a novel published around 1800. Be the first in your section to email me with the significance of this allusion for five bonus formative points.
Gatsby knows to the month how long it has been since he has seen Daisy...Daisy says that it's been "many years."
There is lots of discomfort in this little room... So much so that Nick leaves his house to Gatsby and Daisy. Thirty minutes later, the rain has stopped outdoors, but Daisy has been crying indoors.
Important quote from this chapter: "...it occurred to him that the collossal significance of that light had now vanished forever... now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one." Jot this down and re-read it after you finish reading chapter nine - it will have new meaning.
Chapter four notes and thoughts
Once again, this post is courtesy of Forsberg. Thank him if you've learned anything at all from me.
This will give you some historical context for chapter four, especially about Meyer Wolfsheim. www.answers.com/topic/the-great-gatsby-novel-5
Here are the things that Forsberg and I wonder about...We hear lots of rumors about Gatsby, who he is, what he has done. This book seems to promote the idea that when enough people say something, it must be the truth. With that in mind--look at all the rumors about Gatsby. What does that tell the reader?
Think about the story Gatsby tells Nick on their way into New York. Does his evidence seem solid, or is it circumstantial? Would his evidence prove his story in court?
Two more parties in this chapter--lunch and tea. What happens at each? Why does Gatsby disappear after Nick introduces him to Tom? Meyer Wolfsheim—what kind of power does he have? Why would Fitzgerald include such strange detail about his jewelry? This is important.
What do Nick and we find out about Gatsby at tea? Should we believe Jordan--remember she's dishonest, oh, but wait--so is Nick--and just a second--Gatsby says he's from the Midwest--San Francisco. Is there a San Francisco, North Dakota? Does it seem like Gatsby’s story has holes in it? Who do you trust in this story? Ask yourself why you trust that person.
This will give you some historical context for chapter four, especially about Meyer Wolfsheim. www.answers.com/topic/the-great-gatsby-novel-5
Here are the things that Forsberg and I wonder about...We hear lots of rumors about Gatsby, who he is, what he has done. This book seems to promote the idea that when enough people say something, it must be the truth. With that in mind--look at all the rumors about Gatsby. What does that tell the reader?
Think about the story Gatsby tells Nick on their way into New York. Does his evidence seem solid, or is it circumstantial? Would his evidence prove his story in court?
Two more parties in this chapter--lunch and tea. What happens at each? Why does Gatsby disappear after Nick introduces him to Tom? Meyer Wolfsheim—what kind of power does he have? Why would Fitzgerald include such strange detail about his jewelry? This is important.
What do Nick and we find out about Gatsby at tea? Should we believe Jordan--remember she's dishonest, oh, but wait--so is Nick--and just a second--Gatsby says he's from the Midwest--San Francisco. Is there a San Francisco, North Dakota? Does it seem like Gatsby’s story has holes in it? Who do you trust in this story? Ask yourself why you trust that person.
Friday, February 6, 2009
BONUS OPPORTUNITIES
As you should already know, students can earn bonus participation for helping clean the classroom or by bringing in supplies that are consumed in the classroom during daily business and small group work. 5 points can be earned for each item, and a maximum of 10 points can be earned. Items needed are:
time (to clean up classroom, file papers, etc) 15 minutes = 5 pts.
adhesive bandage strips (band-aids) 1 small box = 5 pts.
crayons, markers, colored pencils = 5 pts/box
Since we are reading F. Scott Fitzgerald, a local author, students may earn bonus by exploring areas of significance in St. Paul that relate to the author for bonus formative. To complete this task, have a photo of yourself taken in front of Fitzgerald's statue in Rice Park, in front of the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul, and in front of the house he lived in on Summit Avenue (between the 500 and 600 block - do a websearch to find the exact address). 5 pts.
One last formative opportunity for now: watch the movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" or read the short story, and write a one page reflection connecting the story's themes to class. 5 pts.
time (to clean up classroom, file papers, etc) 15 minutes = 5 pts.
adhesive bandage strips (band-aids) 1 small box = 5 pts.
crayons, markers, colored pencils = 5 pts/box
Since we are reading F. Scott Fitzgerald, a local author, students may earn bonus by exploring areas of significance in St. Paul that relate to the author for bonus formative. To complete this task, have a photo of yourself taken in front of Fitzgerald's statue in Rice Park, in front of the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul, and in front of the house he lived in on Summit Avenue (between the 500 and 600 block - do a websearch to find the exact address). 5 pts.
One last formative opportunity for now: watch the movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" or read the short story, and write a one page reflection connecting the story's themes to class. 5 pts.
The Great Gatsby - notes, chapter 2
Mostly from Mr. Forsberg this time. Make sure to thank him next time you see him if you are reading this.
1. For a good description of The Valley of Ashes reread the first paragraph. Pay particular attention to the word choices to get an understanding of what that place is like!
2. Be sure to understand what you can about T.J. Eckleburg and the idea that he is a god-figure in this chapter.
3. Pay attention to how the colors have changed from chapter one. Be sure to look at all of the colors in chapter one.
4. Compare and contrast the dinner party with Tom and Daisy with the cocktail party with Tom and Myrtle. Try to figure out what it tells you about what’s happening.
5. If you read carefully, you will discover that Myrtle changes her dress in this chapter three times. Why might Fitzgerald have her do that?
6. Explore what these images show the reader in this chapter:
A. Nick uses the word “ectoplasm,”
B. the photos are out of focus,
C. “People disappeared, reappeared, made plans to go somewhere, and then lost each other, searched for each other, found each other a few feet away.”
7. Can we trust that Nick as the narrator remembers and reports things accurately?
Quotations:
“Throwing a regal homecoming glance around the neighborhood, Mrs. Wilson gathered up her dog and her other purchases, and went haughtily in.”
“Daisy was not a Catholic, and I was a little shocked at the elaborateness of the lie.”
“I have been drunk just twice in my life, and the second time was that afternoon…”
1. For a good description of The Valley of Ashes reread the first paragraph. Pay particular attention to the word choices to get an understanding of what that place is like!
2. Be sure to understand what you can about T.J. Eckleburg and the idea that he is a god-figure in this chapter.
3. Pay attention to how the colors have changed from chapter one. Be sure to look at all of the colors in chapter one.
4. Compare and contrast the dinner party with Tom and Daisy with the cocktail party with Tom and Myrtle. Try to figure out what it tells you about what’s happening.
5. If you read carefully, you will discover that Myrtle changes her dress in this chapter three times. Why might Fitzgerald have her do that?
6. Explore what these images show the reader in this chapter:
A. Nick uses the word “ectoplasm,”
B. the photos are out of focus,
C. “People disappeared, reappeared, made plans to go somewhere, and then lost each other, searched for each other, found each other a few feet away.”
7. Can we trust that Nick as the narrator remembers and reports things accurately?
Quotations:
“Throwing a regal homecoming glance around the neighborhood, Mrs. Wilson gathered up her dog and her other purchases, and went haughtily in.”
“Daisy was not a Catholic, and I was a little shocked at the elaborateness of the lie.”
“I have been drunk just twice in my life, and the second time was that afternoon…”
The Great Gatsby - notes, chapter 1
I decided to pull main ideas from discussion that Mr. Forsberg and I have had on chapter one:
These quotations seem important:“Whenever you feel like criticizing any one, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had all the advantages that you’ve had.” (beginning of the chapter)
"I wanted to world to stay at a state of moral attention forever - I wanted no more riotous excursions with privileged glimpses into the human heart"
“I’m p-paralyzed with happiness.” (Daisy's first line)
“I’m glad it’s a girl. And I hope she’ll be a fool--that’s that best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” (Daisy's reaction to her daughter's birth.)
I would pay particular attention to the colors in the chapter. Colors are ofter very symbolic in literature. Pay particular attention to the colors at the dinner party--and contrast them to the very last scene in the chapter.
I'd also pay attention to "truth" and what people say. There is a great deal about those in this chapter. With that--the idea of gossip--without calling it gossip.Remember: Everything has happened and Nick is reflecting back on it.
These quotations seem important:“Whenever you feel like criticizing any one, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had all the advantages that you’ve had.” (beginning of the chapter)
"I wanted to world to stay at a state of moral attention forever - I wanted no more riotous excursions with privileged glimpses into the human heart"
“I’m p-paralyzed with happiness.” (Daisy's first line)
“I’m glad it’s a girl. And I hope she’ll be a fool--that’s that best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” (Daisy's reaction to her daughter's birth.)
I would pay particular attention to the colors in the chapter. Colors are ofter very symbolic in literature. Pay particular attention to the colors at the dinner party--and contrast them to the very last scene in the chapter.
I'd also pay attention to "truth" and what people say. There is a great deal about those in this chapter. With that--the idea of gossip--without calling it gossip.Remember: Everything has happened and Nick is reflecting back on it.
Reading Schedule for The Great Gatsby
Remember: All readings and literature circle products are due at the beginning of class on the day listed.
Chapter 1: B-day, 2/4-2/5
Chapter 2: Friday, 2/6
Chapter 3: Monday, 2/9
Quiz on chapters 1-3
Chapter 4: B-day, 211-2/12
Chapter 5: A-day, 2/17-2/18
Quiz on chapters 4-5
Chapter 6: Friday, 2/20
Chapter 7: Monday, 2/23
Quiz on chapters 6-7
Chapter 8: B-day, 2/25-2/6
Chapter 9: Monday, 3/2
Quiz on chapters 8-9
Review for final test: Monday, 3/2
Final test: A-day, 3/3-3/4
Literature circle products (only those created by you personally) can be used as notes for the final test.
Chapter 1: B-day, 2/4-2/5
Chapter 2: Friday, 2/6
Chapter 3: Monday, 2/9
Quiz on chapters 1-3
Chapter 4: B-day, 211-2/12
Chapter 5: A-day, 2/17-2/18
Quiz on chapters 4-5
Chapter 6: Friday, 2/20
Chapter 7: Monday, 2/23
Quiz on chapters 6-7
Chapter 8: B-day, 2/25-2/6
Chapter 9: Monday, 3/2
Quiz on chapters 8-9
Review for final test: Monday, 3/2
Final test: A-day, 3/3-3/4
Literature circle products (only those created by you personally) can be used as notes for the final test.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)