A word to the wise--preparing for the final test for The Great Gatsby will improve your overall grade much more than either or both of the bonus point opportunities with Fitzgerald. The bonus is a small bump for people who have done all the other work successfully.
Be smart.
But as they say on the morning announcements: "The choice is yours."
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
El Greco
There's an allusion to this artist. Here's a link to see a landscape of El Greco.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.iberianature.com/material/photos/big/toledo2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.iberianature.com/material/view_of_toledo.htm&usg=__X8YmHvBDHhHq5OFVfHUHUP1fWL8=&h=419&w=429&sz=41&hl=en&start=2&tbnid=U757owLklxK86M:&tbnh=123&tbnw=126&prev=/images%3Fq%3DEl%2BGreco%2Blandscape%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.iberianature.com/material/photos/big/toledo2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.iberianature.com/material/view_of_toledo.htm&usg=__X8YmHvBDHhHq5OFVfHUHUP1fWL8=&h=419&w=429&sz=41&hl=en&start=2&tbnid=U757owLklxK86M:&tbnh=123&tbnw=126&prev=/images%3Fq%3DEl%2BGreco%2Blandscape%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den
the Fitzgerald biography
For those who were absent on "B" day this week or for people who want more time with the packet in class, here's the site it's on.
http://www.sc.edu/fitzgerald/biography.html
http://www.sc.edu/fitzgerald/biography.html
The Swastika Holding Company
Remember this book was written in the 1920s well before World War II and the Nazis. If you want to check out about the symbol, this is a good site for basic information.
http://history1900s.about.com/cs/swastika/a/swastikahistory.htm
http://history1900s.about.com/cs/swastika/a/swastikahistory.htm
Chapter Nine
Well, we've reached the end of the book.
Here are some important things I think a good reader should ponder:
1. Pay attention to Meyer Wolfsheim, Henry C. Gatz, Owl-eyes, and Ewing Klipspringer.
2. Gatsby's past.
3. the importance of the mid-west
4. this quotation from Nick: "After Gatsby's death the East was haunted for me like that, distorted beyond my eyes' power of correction."
5. Jordan Baker
6. the meeting between Nick and Tom
7. this quotation from Tom: "What if I did tell him [Wilson]? That fellow [Gatsby] had it coming to him. He threw dust into your eyes just like he did in Daisy's, but he was a tough one. He ran over Myrtle like you'd run over a dog and never even stopped his car."
8. Reread the last four paragraphs. Important ending thoughts from Fitzgerald!
Here are some important things I think a good reader should ponder:
1. Pay attention to Meyer Wolfsheim, Henry C. Gatz, Owl-eyes, and Ewing Klipspringer.
2. Gatsby's past.
3. the importance of the mid-west
4. this quotation from Nick: "After Gatsby's death the East was haunted for me like that, distorted beyond my eyes' power of correction."
5. Jordan Baker
6. the meeting between Nick and Tom
7. this quotation from Tom: "What if I did tell him [Wilson]? That fellow [Gatsby] had it coming to him. He threw dust into your eyes just like he did in Daisy's, but he was a tough one. He ran over Myrtle like you'd run over a dog and never even stopped his car."
8. Reread the last four paragraphs. Important ending thoughts from Fitzgerald!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Chapter Eight
Chapter Eight
What has changed. These changes show that something will happen in the book.
We see the aftermath of the trip to the hotel in NYC.
Pay attention to what Nick says and thinks about Gatsby. Pay attention! It’s important.
What advice does Nick give to Gatsby? What’s Gatsby reaction?
An important quotation from near the end of section four in the chapter: Nick says to Gatsby, “They’re a rotten crowd,”…, You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.”
What’s happened between Nick and Jordan? That’s important as well.
During chapters seven and eight, I have become aware (probably because of Tom Buchanan) that people seem to condemn Gatsby for his alleged illegal activities, but everyone seems to partake in the result of it. Pay attention to what Tom has wrapped in the towel in chapter seven. Look at the “picnic” scene between Tom and Daisy that Gatsby sees through the blind--what food and drink does the meal consist of?
What do you think this book says about hypocrisy? Gatsby’s? Tom’s? Daisy’s? Nick’s?
What has changed. These changes show that something will happen in the book.
We see the aftermath of the trip to the hotel in NYC.
Pay attention to what Nick says and thinks about Gatsby. Pay attention! It’s important.
What advice does Nick give to Gatsby? What’s Gatsby reaction?
An important quotation from near the end of section four in the chapter: Nick says to Gatsby, “They’re a rotten crowd,”…, You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.”
What’s happened between Nick and Jordan? That’s important as well.
During chapters seven and eight, I have become aware (probably because of Tom Buchanan) that people seem to condemn Gatsby for his alleged illegal activities, but everyone seems to partake in the result of it. Pay attention to what Tom has wrapped in the towel in chapter seven. Look at the “picnic” scene between Tom and Daisy that Gatsby sees through the blind--what food and drink does the meal consist of?
What do you think this book says about hypocrisy? Gatsby’s? Tom’s? Daisy’s? Nick’s?
Chapter Seven
Chapter Seven
When I think about this chapter, I noticed that all three settings come together--”the Eggs,” “the Valley of Ashes,” and the NYC.
Pay attention to the weather.
Be sure to watch what changes, especially concerning the main characters.
Gatsby reveals his “tragic flaw.” Remember that a tragic flaw must be a personality trait that causes the downfall of the tragic hero.
We find out about Gatsby’s background. We find out about Tom’s background. We find out why Tom and Daisy left Chicago.
Big changes have happened to the Wilsons in the beginning of this chapter as well.
Come to some conclusions about why Myrtle does what she does.
Seven is a long chapter but it’s important. Pay attention to details.
When I think about this chapter, I noticed that all three settings come together--”the Eggs,” “the Valley of Ashes,” and the NYC.
Pay attention to the weather.
Be sure to watch what changes, especially concerning the main characters.
Gatsby reveals his “tragic flaw.” Remember that a tragic flaw must be a personality trait that causes the downfall of the tragic hero.
We find out about Gatsby’s background. We find out about Tom’s background. We find out why Tom and Daisy left Chicago.
Big changes have happened to the Wilsons in the beginning of this chapter as well.
Come to some conclusions about why Myrtle does what she does.
Seven is a long chapter but it’s important. Pay attention to details.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Persuasive Letter Update 3
Grades are entered. The for the summative was the reviews of your letter that we did along the way. If you scored "0" on any of the six summative components of the letter, you are not eligible for bonus points until you get those components turned in.
Focus on Gatsby!
After school Monday for people who want to build a case for reassessment of their papers.
Focus on Gatsby!
After school Monday for people who want to build a case for reassessment of their papers.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Persuasive Letter Update 2
They are all graded. I have to get them back to folks. I will try to have them in folders Friday.
I am setting aside time on Monday after school for people who want to make their case for a re-assessment.
Forsberg
I am setting aside time on Monday after school for people who want to make their case for a re-assessment.
Forsberg
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Persuasive Letter Update
Some things to know:
1. Not all of the papers are finished. I am handing them back as I finish them.
2. None of the grades have been entered online. I will enter when I finish them all.
3. Some people are concerned about the scoring--here's what I am asking for you to do--wait until the grades are entered then make an appointment to see me. In the mean time, you have to make your best case as to why I should reconsider the score that you earned. Use claim evidence and warrant to build your case.
1. Not all of the papers are finished. I am handing them back as I finish them.
2. None of the grades have been entered online. I will enter when I finish them all.
3. Some people are concerned about the scoring--here's what I am asking for you to do--wait until the grades are entered then make an appointment to see me. In the mean time, you have to make your best case as to why I should reconsider the score that you earned. Use claim evidence and warrant to build your case.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
"Ain't We Got Fun"
Here's a link to the lyrics of the song at the end of chapter five:
http://www.smickandsmodoo.com/lyrics/aintwe.htm
Here's a link to an old recording of the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y041-eT6QrI
http://www.smickandsmodoo.com/lyrics/aintwe.htm
Here's a link to an old recording of the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y041-eT6QrI
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Chapter Five--Ponderings
It begins with a sequence that sounds like the picture that we looked at--Gatsby's house on fire. Hmm... Coney Island--the World's Fair Interesting that these are places people go to have fun. Never mentions it being a home...
The plan has been set. Nick is inviting Daisy for tea!!
Notice here too that Gatsby offers Nick something, but Nick refuses (first couple of pages)--this transaction is important--and important that it was refused.
Lots of plans for tea--mowing the lawn in the rain--how does that work? The Finn--remember Nick has a housekeeper. That's who the Finn is.
Gatsby comes early, leaves early, that comes back to make an entrance. Gatsby says at 3:58 that no one is coming. Tea isn't until 4--we see something happen to Gatsby here if we pay really close attention. Something has changed.
Daisy has a chauffeur here named "Fertie." I bring that up only because "Fertie" is a nickname that we used to have for my goddaughter...
Daisy is in lavender. A flower in a flower.
Daisy and Gatsby seem to be "polite." What happens in this chapter is why I believe Jordan was telling the truth to Nick in chapter four.
Are the lemon cakes significant? I don't know--but they are a little bit of yellow are a really rainy day.
There is also the scene with the old clock that is stopped that Gatsby bumps off the mantle...As an English teacher, I think that it's symbolic...what could it mean? Time has stopped--why would that be important?
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.
Then we take a trip to Gatsby's house. Flowers, shirts, Klingspriner, and the loss of the green light.
A couple of interesting quotations:
about seven pages in (page 89 in the white book): "A brewer had built it (Gatsby's house) early in the 'period' craze, a decade before, and there was a story that he'd agreed to pay five years' taxes on all the neighboring cottages if the owners would have their roofs thatched with straw. Perhaps their refusal took the heart out of his plan to Found a Family--he went into an immediate decline. His children sold his house with the black wreath still on the door. Americans, while occasionally willing to be serfs, have always been obstinate about being peasantry."
Third to the last paragraph of chapter 5: "There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams--not through her own fault, but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion. It had gone beyond her, beyond everything. He had thrown himself into it with a creative passion, adding to it all the time, decking it out with every bright feather that drifted his way. No amount of fire of freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart."
The plan has been set. Nick is inviting Daisy for tea!!
Notice here too that Gatsby offers Nick something, but Nick refuses (first couple of pages)--this transaction is important--and important that it was refused.
Lots of plans for tea--mowing the lawn in the rain--how does that work? The Finn--remember Nick has a housekeeper. That's who the Finn is.
Gatsby comes early, leaves early, that comes back to make an entrance. Gatsby says at 3:58 that no one is coming. Tea isn't until 4--we see something happen to Gatsby here if we pay really close attention. Something has changed.
Daisy has a chauffeur here named "Fertie." I bring that up only because "Fertie" is a nickname that we used to have for my goddaughter...
Daisy is in lavender. A flower in a flower.
Daisy and Gatsby seem to be "polite." What happens in this chapter is why I believe Jordan was telling the truth to Nick in chapter four.
Are the lemon cakes significant? I don't know--but they are a little bit of yellow are a really rainy day.
There is also the scene with the old clock that is stopped that Gatsby bumps off the mantle...As an English teacher, I think that it's symbolic...what could it mean? Time has stopped--why would that be important?
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.
Then we take a trip to Gatsby's house. Flowers, shirts, Klingspriner, and the loss of the green light.
A couple of interesting quotations:
about seven pages in (page 89 in the white book): "A brewer had built it (Gatsby's house) early in the 'period' craze, a decade before, and there was a story that he'd agreed to pay five years' taxes on all the neighboring cottages if the owners would have their roofs thatched with straw. Perhaps their refusal took the heart out of his plan to Found a Family--he went into an immediate decline. His children sold his house with the black wreath still on the door. Americans, while occasionally willing to be serfs, have always been obstinate about being peasantry."
Third to the last paragraph of chapter 5: "There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams--not through her own fault, but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion. It had gone beyond her, beyond everything. He had thrown himself into it with a creative passion, adding to it all the time, decking it out with every bright feather that drifted his way. No amount of fire of freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart."
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Chapter Four
This will give you some historical context for chapter four, especially about Meyer Wolfsheim. Sorry I can't get it to link.
www.answers.com/topic/the-great-gatsby-novel-5
Here are the things that 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?
How does that compare with the story Gatsby tells Nick on their way into New York? Try to figure out what it tells us that Gatsby just happens to have the medal and the photograph with him.
Why would Fitzgerald list the names of the party goers? See if you can find any similarities. What would Fitzgerald want the reader to think by using the names he does? You may have to look up some of the names.
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--an unforgettable character or just someone with lousy bling?
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 their a San Francisco, North Dakota?
What should we believe?
www.answers.com/topic/the-great-gatsby-novel-5
Here are the things that 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?
How does that compare with the story Gatsby tells Nick on their way into New York? Try to figure out what it tells us that Gatsby just happens to have the medal and the photograph with him.
Why would Fitzgerald list the names of the party goers? See if you can find any similarities. What would Fitzgerald want the reader to think by using the names he does? You may have to look up some of the names.
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--an unforgettable character or just someone with lousy bling?
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 their a San Francisco, North Dakota?
What should we believe?
Friday, February 6, 2009
More Allusions--Gatsby
Versailles: This this a HUGE place? Take a look
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.french-touch-art.com/lecomte-versailles-1715.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.french-touch-art.com/en-panorama_versailles.htm&usg=__-nkkXVEiteDQt0SWFgf4BKdiKy0=&h=664&w=911&sz=220&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=aFvkogPfa9_l-M:&tbnh=107&tbnw=147&prev=/images%3Fq%3DVersailles%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DN
Belasco
http://www.angelfire.com/ny/davidbelasco/
Gilda Gray
http://www.streetswing.com/histmai2/d2ggray1.htm
Vladimir Tostoff:
Vladimir Tostoff's Jazz History of the World is an imaginary composition by an imaginary composer. The jazz orchestra plays it for the guests at Gatsby's party in Chapter III. It's self-important title is Fitzgerald's cynical comment on how jazz tried to present itself as a serious rival to classical music during the '20s.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.french-touch-art.com/lecomte-versailles-1715.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.french-touch-art.com/en-panorama_versailles.htm&usg=__-nkkXVEiteDQt0SWFgf4BKdiKy0=&h=664&w=911&sz=220&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=aFvkogPfa9_l-M:&tbnh=107&tbnw=147&prev=/images%3Fq%3DVersailles%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DN
Belasco
http://www.angelfire.com/ny/davidbelasco/
Gilda Gray
http://www.streetswing.com/histmai2/d2ggray1.htm
Vladimir Tostoff:
Vladimir Tostoff's Jazz History of the World is an imaginary composition by an imaginary composer. The jazz orchestra plays it for the guests at Gatsby's party in Chapter III. It's self-important title is Fitzgerald's cynical comment on how jazz tried to present itself as a serious rival to classical music during the '20s.
If you missed either journal this week...
Journal one should focus on what you think "The American Dream" is based on what your research and experience tells you.
Journal two should focus on the art at this site:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.sc.edu/fitzgerald/essays/eyes/cugat_10.jpeg&imgrefurl=http://www.sc.edu/fitzgerald/essays/eyes/eyes.html&usg=__bod5HpdOKAciwPCnjp1JaK3JyLc=&h=500&w=351&sz=252&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=Al3tUnIEd7PruM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=91&prev=/images%3Fq%3DFrancis%2BCugat%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG
If you click on the image in the upper right, you will get a larger print. Write about what you see and what you think it represents. Remember this was the cover art for the original The Great Gatsby. Also remember that it was finished before Fitzgerald had completed the book!
Journal two should focus on the art at this site:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.sc.edu/fitzgerald/essays/eyes/cugat_10.jpeg&imgrefurl=http://www.sc.edu/fitzgerald/essays/eyes/eyes.html&usg=__bod5HpdOKAciwPCnjp1JaK3JyLc=&h=500&w=351&sz=252&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=Al3tUnIEd7PruM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=91&prev=/images%3Fq%3DFrancis%2BCugat%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG
If you click on the image in the upper right, you will get a larger print. Write about what you see and what you think it represents. Remember this was the cover art for the original The Great Gatsby. Also remember that it was finished before Fitzgerald had completed the book!
Fitzgerald Bonus
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). Print the photos for me--DO NOT EMAIL ME DIGITAL COPIES AS THEY JAM UP MY EMAIL! 5 points.
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 points.
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). Print the photos for me--DO NOT EMAIL ME DIGITAL COPIES AS THEY JAM UP MY EMAIL! 5 points.
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 points.
Chapter Three--suggestions
1. Pay attention to the colors, especially about the party.
2. Describe Nick at the party: what's he wearing, what sets him apart, what does he do.
3. Owl Eyes is important...and what is it with those library books?
4. Describe what Gatsby is like. Pay attention to him in terms of the other people at his party.
5. How do the people at the party behave? (You should be able to write a well-developed paragraph about this!) Pay attention to what happens to the behavior as the party progresses.
6. The oranges and lemons, the couples, and cars all have something in common in this chapter. You needed to pay attention to them because they give great insight into what happens!
7. We find out something new about Jordan...Uh oh!
8. Owl Eyes is at the end as well. Which wheel is it? The steering wheel? What does that tell us.
9. "Old Sport"--discuss.
10. Things seemed tacked on at the end--why might Fitzgerald do that?
2. Describe Nick at the party: what's he wearing, what sets him apart, what does he do.
3. Owl Eyes is important...and what is it with those library books?
4. Describe what Gatsby is like. Pay attention to him in terms of the other people at his party.
5. How do the people at the party behave? (You should be able to write a well-developed paragraph about this!) Pay attention to what happens to the behavior as the party progresses.
6. The oranges and lemons, the couples, and cars all have something in common in this chapter. You needed to pay attention to them because they give great insight into what happens!
7. We find out something new about Jordan...Uh oh!
8. Owl Eyes is at the end as well. Which wheel is it? The steering wheel? What does that tell us.
9. "Old Sport"--discuss.
10. Things seemed tacked on at the end--why might Fitzgerald do that?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Allusion in Chapters One and Two
Here are links for more information about what happens in these chapters.
Tom talks about a book he calles "The Rise of the Colored Empires" by this man Goddard. Tom doesn't get the name of the book or the author correct. If you want to know more, check out this site!
http://books.google.com/books?id=zwf-Ofc--toC&pg=PA83&lpg=PA83&dq=Theodore+Lothrop+Stoddard%E2%80%99s+The+Rising+Tide+of+Color+Against+White+World+Supremacy+(%22&source=web&ots=deQ36srYXY&sig=5CTtqaxXc8pBATyD5VLtqymCtdQ&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=5&ct=result#PPA83,M1
As a kid I read The Saturday Evening Post at my grandma's house. If you don't know what it is, check here:
http://saturdayeveningpost.com/About-The-Saturday-Evening-Post.html
In chapter two, Nick picks up a book at the apartment in New York City. Here's information on that book:
http://greatwarfiction.wordpress.com/2006/06/08/simon-called-peter/
Tom talks about a book he calles "The Rise of the Colored Empires" by this man Goddard. Tom doesn't get the name of the book or the author correct. If you want to know more, check out this site!
http://books.google.com/books?id=zwf-Ofc--toC&pg=PA83&lpg=PA83&dq=Theodore+Lothrop+Stoddard%E2%80%99s+The+Rising+Tide+of+Color+Against+White+World+Supremacy+(%22&source=web&ots=deQ36srYXY&sig=5CTtqaxXc8pBATyD5VLtqymCtdQ&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=5&ct=result#PPA83,M1
As a kid I read The Saturday Evening Post at my grandma's house. If you don't know what it is, check here:
http://saturdayeveningpost.com/About-The-Saturday-Evening-Post.html
In chapter two, Nick picks up a book at the apartment in New York City. Here's information on that book:
http://greatwarfiction.wordpress.com/2006/06/08/simon-called-peter/
Chapter Two—Suggestions
Here's what I've been thinking about:
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…”
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Chapter One--Suggestions
I decided to pull main ideas from what I wrote to Mr. Bennett 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’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. I like colors in literature. Pay particular attention to the colors at the dinner party--and contrast them to the very last scene in the chapter. It's important to know who that mysterious man is!
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’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. I like colors in literature. Pay particular attention to the colors at the dinner party--and contrast them to the very last scene in the chapter. It's important to know who that mysterious man is!
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.
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Great Gatsby--Forsberg's journal
I am thinking that I will write on the blog as I read Gatsby. If I hear from people that it's worthwhile, I may continue to do it. If no one emails me to tell me that it's helpful, it means I'm wasting my time--and may continue my journal privately.
MIDAS... MORGAN ... MAECENAS The first was the legendary king who was granted his wish that everything he touch change to gold. "Morgan" refers to J. Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913), the famous New York financier. "Maecenas" was a wealthy Etruscan patron of the Roman poets Horace and Virgil. All three are examples of Fitzgerald's fascination with wealth and the very wealthy.
I knew Midas and Morgan, but not Maecenas. I Googled it and found this...since I know the first two are correct, I assume the third is as well.
I read this again and recalled that the entire story is written from the perspective of Nick after he has returned "home" to the Midwest. So, sort of like Kindred, the story begins and we know that Nick survives to tell the story.
There is a lot of vocabulary to this book. I'm hoping students are taking the time to look it up. I think it's essential to understanding Fitzgerald. The other thing that I noticed were the colors. I hope the students find them--the wedding cake house and wine carpet... We'll see.
Let me know if this is helpful.
MIDAS... MORGAN ... MAECENAS The first was the legendary king who was granted his wish that everything he touch change to gold. "Morgan" refers to J. Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913), the famous New York financier. "Maecenas" was a wealthy Etruscan patron of the Roman poets Horace and Virgil. All three are examples of Fitzgerald's fascination with wealth and the very wealthy.
I knew Midas and Morgan, but not Maecenas. I Googled it and found this...since I know the first two are correct, I assume the third is as well.
I read this again and recalled that the entire story is written from the perspective of Nick after he has returned "home" to the Midwest. So, sort of like Kindred, the story begins and we know that Nick survives to tell the story.
There is a lot of vocabulary to this book. I'm hoping students are taking the time to look it up. I think it's essential to understanding Fitzgerald. The other thing that I noticed were the colors. I hope the students find them--the wedding cake house and wine carpet... We'll see.
Let me know if this is helpful.
The Great Gatsby reading schedule
Chapter 1 and 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
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
To Those Who Did Not Hand Me Their Papers as They Walked in "The Door"
Read "Fair Warning" on January 28th.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)