Introduction Task Process

Evaluation

Conclusion

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Introduction:“Books are divided into two classes, the books of the hour

and the books of all time.” ~John Ruskin (1819-1900) English art critic.

In this activity, we will explore the importance and cultural connections that characterize these “books of all time”. The novel we will be analyzing is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The Task: In groups of four, you will write a short

argument of what YOU think are the most important ideas of the text and why you think Fitzgerald included them, and a brief analysis of Fitzgerald’s writing style. We will be presenting our main points to the class. Keep in mind that you will have to convince your classmates of your argument.

What you should focus on as you brainstorm and write your response:-How Fitzgerald’s version of high class society compares to ours today.-How the use of style contributes to the story itself.-The relation that Fitzgerald creates between money and happiness

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Process: Research the book:-Learn the plotline and main conflicts of the novel.-Know the characteristics of each person portrayed in the novel (we will be using these -people to characterize society in the time period. Research the author and time period in which he lived:-Learn about Fitzgeralds life and think of how his past contributed to the major themes and messages of the novel. Are there any other novels of his that have this same kind of message? What was the societal atmosphere of this time period? What were the main focuses of the era? What type of literary style was prevalent during this time? Get together with your group and discuss what you think

are the main themes of the novel and the kinds of techniques he used in the writing.

Use this Outline template to begin to create your written argument.

-While it doesn’t have to be a formal paper, or have as many subtopics, this template will help you to form a clear and concise argument that includes a thesis, body paragraphs to support your argument, and a conclusion. Print out a copy of your response to hand in to me after

giving your presentation.

Resources for

research

Resources for Research

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For research on book:

http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/f/fitzgerald/f_scott/gatsby/

http://thebestnotes.com/booknotes/Great_Gatsby/Great_Gatsby_Fitzgerald_Study_Guide26.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6Iu29TNfkM

For research on author and time period:

http://www.sc.edu/fitzgerald/biography.html

http://www.sc.edu/fitzgerald/biography.html

http://www.biography.com/people/f-scott-fitzgerald-9296261

To look up literary terms and words from book that you don’t know:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/

http://literary-devices.com/

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Evaluation:

Rubric: Beginning1

Developing2

Accomplished3

 Exemplary4

Score

Content

no logical sequence--rambles

difficult to follow 

no facts to support position

no anticipation of counter concerns and arguments

sequence confusing

mostly difficult to follow

very few facts to support position

attempts to counter concerns and arguments

 

sequence clear

states topic

specific facts and/or examples given to support position

clearly trying to counter concerns and arguments

sequence flows smoothly and is clearly focused

topic clearly defined

detailed evidence examples, and well reasoned arguments to support position

clearly counters concerns and arguments

/25 

Teamwork

does not collect any information that relates to the topic

does not perform assigned tasks

always relies on others to do the work

usually argues with teammates

usually wants to have things their way

collects very little information--some relates to the topic

performs very little duties

rarely does the assigned work--often needs reminding

sometimes argues

often sides with friends instead of considering all viewpoints

collects some basic information--most relates to the topic

performs nearly all duties

usually does the assigned work--rarely needs reminding

rarely argues

usually considers all viewpoints

 

collects a great deal of the information--all relates to the topic

performs all duties of assigned team role

always does assigned work without having to be reminded

never argues with teammates

always helps the team to reach a fair decision

 

  /25

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Conclusion:

Well, there you have it. You have connected the past and present through literature. It is an amazing thing that the societal themes and focuses of our past are relatable to our present. The importance of a “immortal” book is not just in the beauty of the words written, but in the meaning message that it displays that carries on throughout the ages.