Week 5, Semester 2

Note: If you recorded the Zoom session for your breakout group on Wednesday, remember that you need to convert the file and send it to me.  You should be able to do this via your Zoom. Thanks! ~Mrs. Price

The Great Gatsby

This read we'll read chapters 1-3 of The Great Gatsby.  

Note: Gatsby is NOT a big thick book, but that doesn't mean it's a book we should rush.  Take your time reading. Be present. Notice the nuances of language and character; it's full of rich diction, word pictures, and subtleties of meaning. 

In this exposition stage, notice how Fitzgerald chooses to bring us into the novel and set forth the characters.  What do you notice about the narrator, Nick?  What does Fitzgerald wish us to make of him?How and when does the chronology and time shift in these beginning chapters?

Also, I will warn you that this is a book full of interesting characters but not necessarily likable characters.  You will be able to relate to some aspects of many characters, but you won't find a hero to fully embrace. Fitzgerald intended it to be this way.  Why?  That's your job to figure out.  So, know this going in and let go of that expectation. Think of this more as a novel for "people watching" and studies in character.  Fitzgerald wants us to be slightly uncomfortable with all of these people.  Why? What does Fitzgerald wants us to feel or wonder?  

Please learn the vocabulary words for each chapter as you read.  Look at the definitions and examples before you read those chapters.  As you read, look for the words in their proper context in the text.  It's this type of thoughtful reading that will help your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills to grow.  Otherwise, you will just get stuck at a certain level.  YOU must take initiative to work and learn to read at higher and deeper levels. Anticipate that you may be quizzed on any of the words from the reading next class.

Vocabulary List for Gatsby

Below are a few maps to help orient you as you read.

Remembering in Riverside Article

I enjoyed your presentations this week and look forward to seeing what angle you take as you write your article this week.  

Here is a slideshow with all of the basic information.  Read through it very carefully and read several model pieces to get a better idea of what such an article might look like.  Here is a video I've created to elaborate upon the slideshow instructions. Again, please watch it mindfully.  Hint: I've noticed a tendency for some of you to be multitasking too much lately--I think this comes with Covid & Zoom fatigue---focus and be sure you are mentally AND physically present! 🙃

Be sure that you locate and utilize an editor at home.  They may be able to help you think of a good angle, should give you feedback on how to improve your first draft, and should point out grammatical, phrasing, and spelling issues.

Source: NC Room, A W.O. Wolfe angel marking the grave of Miss Anne Elizabeth Sales Willis (12/15/1902-9/9/1908) at Riverside Cemetery. Print via Vivian Staton material, 1997.