Introduction TaskProcess EvaluationConclusion

Return to Home Page Introduction: “Books are divided into two classes, the books of the hour and the books of all time.” ~John Ruskin ( ) 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 Return to Home Page

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.Outline template - 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 Return to Home Page For research on book: For research on author and time period: To look up literary terms and words from book that you don’t know:

Return to Home Page Evaluation: Rubric: Beginning 1 Developing 2 Accomplished 3 Exemplary 4 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

Return to Home Page 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.