The aim of this session was to blast students towards an understanding that the narrative voice used to shape this tale is a construct just like any other character in the novel. Students were pushed towards a consideration of the following questions:
- WHO IS NICK CARRAWAY?
- WHAT KIND OF CHARACTER IS NICK CARRAWAY?
- WHY DOES FITZGERALD CHOOSE TO OFFER HIS TALE VIA A SHY WAR VETERAN?
- WHY DOES NICK FIND GATSBY SO 'GORGEOUS'?
The quality of the class discussion was excellent. Students were asked to consider the representation of Tom, Daisy, the Buchanan house, and America itself. This session was a general overview of the opening chapter.
Homework: Tomorrow we will be comparing the significance of the Buchanan house, the significance of the Valley of Ashes at the beginning of chapter two, and the significance of the description of Gatsby's party at the beginning of chapter three. What kind of America is being presented by Fitzgerald? How does this representation compare with the poetry of Whitman and Lazarus? The speech of Obama?
Students should devour the resources below:
Excellent analysis of the opening chapter by the VLOGBROTHERS:
The Valley of Ashes:
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