Literature | High school » The Great Gatsby, Group Presentation

The Great Gatsby - Group Presentation Using your assigned theme, symbol or motif, organize a presentation according to the standards below. While the responsibilities of the presentation can and should be divided among you, it is expected that all group members have a clear understanding of each component of your concept and presentation. Begin with a clear introduction: • establishes context for discussion defines any terms or gives any necessary background information • provides your audience with an overview of major components of your presentation 5 Literary Analysis • focuses specifically on your assigned theme, symbol or motif • avoids plot summary • shows evidence of close, purposeful reading with thoughtful reflection • works cited page (if additional source are used) - typed in proper format 20 Textual References 15 • refer to specific textual passages that illustrate and support the points that you are trying to make • reference page numbers, chapters •

keep your audience on the same page, literally and figuratively Presentational aid • effective- neat, legible and relevant • integrated- utilize your aid in the context of the discussion • creative- brings originality and interest to your presentation 20 Closure • Summarize your main points 5 Public Speaking • clear articulation that avoids “like” and other fillers • organized presentation of all components • eye contact used consistently • clearly audible throughout presentation 10 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. *American Dream - All Groups Time and Weather Color Imagery – Significance of Nick as narrator – Setting: East Egg vs. West Egg – Valley of Ashes vs. New York Gender roles The Great Gatsby – Chapter One Group Focus Questions The American Dream • Notice how many times Fitzgerald uses the words hope or dream. In what context are these words used? Why? 1. Color Imagery • How does Fitzgerald use color to establish the various components of the

setting? Are there any surprising uses of color, or colors that don’t seem to fit with the context? 2. Time and Weather • What is the time of year at the novel’s exposition? How do the characters react to or comment on this aspect of the novel’s setting. Why does Fitzgerald make this choice? 3. Significance of Nick as narrator • Nick starts the novel by relaying his fathers advice "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world havent had the advantages that youve had." List Nicks advantages What judgments does he seem to reserve? Which judgments does he volunteer? Why? 4. East Egg vs West Egg • Note the Fitzgerald’s juxtaposition of the East Coast to the Midwest. What differences does he reveal? Why? 5. Valley of Ashes vs New York • What mention of New York is made in the opening chapter? What is its significance? What does New York symbolize beyond the novel itself? • Note the Fitzgerald’s

juxtaposition of the East Coast to the Midwest. What differences does he reveal? Why? 6. Gender roles • How are the men and women characterized in chapter one? Who fits stereotypes? Who does not? Why not? Pay particular attention to the descriptions of Daisy’s voice. The Great Gatsby – Chapter Two Group Focus Questions The American Dream • Chapter Two - Fitzgerald packs chapter two with imagery and detail related specifically to the American Dream. What are these specifics and what message are they conveying? 1. Color Imagery • Do any characters or places seem to have their own colors? How are colors used to create contrast or meaning? 2. Time and Weather • Chapter Two - Fitzgerald again makes several specific references about the time of year and time of day during the New York City party. How do the times correlate to the action and underlying themes in this section? 3. Significance of Nick as narrator • Chapter Two - What observations does Nick make

during the New York City party? Why is he a better observer of the action and environment than any of the other party goers? 4. East Egg vs West Egg • Chapter Two - Despite the fact that neither of these environments is actually featured during chapter two, their presence is still clearly felt. How do these opposing environments persist in the absence of them as an actual setting? 5. Valley of Ashes vs New York • Chapter Two – Note Fitzgerald’s juxtaposition of New York City to the Valley of Ashes. What differences does he reveal? Why? What specific symbols or imagery is used to reinforce these differences? Are there any similarities between the two? 6. Gender roles • Chapter Two – With the exception of Tom and Nick, a new set of characters are introduced in chapter two. Do these characters maintain the gender roles established in the first chapter or contradict them? How? Why?