Students were introduced to the world of the white board and urged to produce some dynamic and spontaneous intellectual gymnastics. Most students grasped the challenge. Good work. Particular praise should be offered to THE TIMELORD for some wonderfully surreal analysis. The JELLY SIMILE was a classic. There will be more of this white board fever next week folks.
As the white boards disappeared and the stressed teenage hearts slowed to a more comfortable rhythm, the class were steered towards a consideration of the important quote at the end of Chapter 6 and Gatsby's view of the past. Does the fact that Gatsby believes he can 'fix everything just the way it was before' present his dream as foolish? Or heroic? The class were asked to compare Gatsby's dream to the American Dream.
The lesson moved forward to consider the first section of Chapter 7 and how Fitzgerald represents Tom Buchanan after he realises that Daisy and Gatsby are romantically entwined! The question that students were asked to consider was: HOW DOES FITZGERALD CREATE A SENSE OF DRAMATIC EXPECTATION IN THIS SECTION OF CHAPTER 7?
The class discussed how Fitzgerald represents Tom's lack of control, how his authority is challenged and how Fitzgerald suggests that the chapter may contain some form of dramatic conflict. The class were asked to produce a one paragraph written response to this question.
HOMEWORK: Read the sections of Chapter 7 that we did not discuss in today's session. Our focus next week will revolve around why Daisy rejects Gatsby and how we interpret Gatsby's behaviour at the conclusion of the chapter.
I am very impressed with the precision and quality of your reading. KEEP IT UP.
No comments:
Post a Comment