Students continued to read and discuss Jez Butterworth's JERUSALEM. Class discussion was honest, relevant and intelligent. I salute you all. I thought the quality of student opinion and critical commentary was outstanding. If we can translate this level of engagement into the written coursework, your essays will be a treat to read. I was particularly impressed with some of the comparisons with THE GREAT GATSBY.
Students were encouraged to consider the thematic nature of the First Act and how Butterworth is using the character of Johnny BYRON. Is Rooster a saint or a dragon? The reading was superb. Well done.
The main feature that evolved from discussion was how SERIOUS this play is yet it is a dramatic COMEDY. What is the function of the comedy? How is comedy used by Butterworth? What are the key ideas being explored through Johnny Byron?
The last section of the session was a consideration of the title:
'GATSBY IS A NOVEL TRAPPED IN TIME WITH LITTLE RELEVANCE FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY READER.' TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS STATEMENT?
Class discussion shaped potential content. Here is a potential essay structure that may allow students to construct a coherent and detailed response.
- The first paragraph could deal with ECONOMIC INEQUALITY and how this is still an issue in Twenty-First Century America and is also a global concern. Reference could be made to the fact that Fitzgerald's aim appears to be to encourage America to create a more equal society. Reference could be made to the description of the VALLEY OF ASHES and the representation of the opulent nature of GATSBY'S PARTIES. Reference could be made to Obama's recent inauguration speech that expressed the view that America should offer equality for ALL AMERICANS as this is the central philosophy of the Declaration of Independence.
- The second paragraph could link to the idea of the American Dream and how in the novel the Dream appears to be an illusion as George Wilson and the people in THE VALLEY OF ASHES work hard but do not receive any emotional or financial reward. Fitzgerald explores this idea through the character of GATSBY and suggests that this new technological America needs a new dream. Gatsby is trapped in a moment from the past that eventually leads to his death. This idea could be linked to America needing a new dream for the digital age as the country is currently being ravaged by unemployment. The idea that people need to believe in a dream is a universal concern and is not trapped in the world of the novel.
- The third paragraph could deal with the idea that Fitzgerald's novel appears to be an appeal for EMPATHY. He wants the rich to be aware of the poor; he wants Americans to care about their fellow Americans, not just rich Americans. TOM is a character who seems to be devoid of any compassion, humility, tenderness, or emotional sensitivity. This novel seems to demand that people care for each other and respect the people that share their world. Perhaps the most shocking feature of Tom's character is that Fitzgerald never offers a Tom that learns from his ignorance. Fitzgerald never offers any moral justice to this character which possibly makes the symbolic nature of Tom's character even more powerful. He is constructed by Fitzgerald to be the villain of the novel and possibly serves as a symbol of what America has become. The critic Lionel Trilling stated that 'GATSBY IS AMERICA' but perhaps Fitzgerald is angry that Tom seems more like America in the 1920s. A cruel and selfish country that lacks any moral purpose. EMPATHY is a human quality that is required in any period of history as without the ability to understand other people and their personal circumstance, the world would be a cruel place. A novel that offers the view that need people to understand and respect each other is surely timeless. Tom lacks empathy and is a cruel and grotesque character. A world without empathy would be a cruel and grotesque world.
- Students could consider the role of Daisy and how she serves to show how 'p..p..paraslysed' women could be in 1920s America. She could serve to motivate 21st Century women to strive for and appreciate their own emotional, social, educational and financial independence. This interpretation depends upon the reader viewing Daisy as the victim of a male world that does not value women as anything other than ornaments and sex slaves!! This reading suggests the novel could be viewed as a historical document that captures a moment in time when women lacked any form of power. Modern women could be motivated to avoid being a 21st Century Daisy!!
- Another paragraph could consider the character of Gatsby and how he could be considered inspirational to any immigrant group in America. He was James Gatz and his surname suggests his family were originally from Europe. Gatsby's determination to succeed and his ability to become financially powerful may inspire some readers to view Gatsby as a role model but other readers may interpret the fact that Gatsby could only receive financial rewards by breaking the law as symbolic of how difficult it is for immigrants to access the American Dream and gain acceptance by white America. Gatsby even has to change his immigrant identity and create a fictional Gatsby in an attempt to secure his dream. Gatsby's struggle as an immigrant may itself serve to inspire readers from a similar immigrant or ethnic background to be successful, retain their own identity, be successful within the boundaries of the law and not be like Gatsby. It may be possible to view this novel as an attack against racism as Gatsby needs to hide his familial and geographic origins in order to be accepted by the rich white Americans that attend his parties. This ability to interpret the ambiguity of Gatsby's character will allow access to the higher grades.
- It is possible to view this text as a novel about a man recovering from the trauma of WAR. Nick Carraway seems to develop his confidence as he is inspired by Gatsby's impossible idealism. The idea that a soldier can be emotionally repaired after feeling as if he was 'on the ragged edge of the Universe' may be a universal and inspiring message for a twenty-first century audience. Perhaps this novel can be an inspiration for any individual recovering from any form of trauma. This is quite a subtle argument but, don't forget, this is a novel about the narrator, Nick Carraway.
- The conclusion needs to directly answer the question without repeating any comments made previously in the essay. The conclusion needs to be brief and succinct. Perhaps a conclusion should refer to the fact that this is a didactic text that could be considered a fable, not just in the twentieth century but also in the twenty-first century.
There are many ways to approach this essay. This structure will help if students are struggling for ideas.
THE ESSAY NEEDS TO BE THREE PARAGRAPHS AND A CONCLUSION. IF YOU ARE FEELING KEEN AND VIEW THIS ESSAY AS A DECENT CHANCE TO CONSTRUCT A REVISION RESOURCE...STUDENTS COULD CONSTRUCT FOUR PARAGRAPHS AND A CONCLUSION.
This essay needs to consider the broader context of the novel so needs to consider the historical context of America then and now. Students could refer to the poem by EMMA LAZARUS that is inscribed inside the Statue Of Liberty, or refer to the poetry of Walt Whitman, or refer to the lyrics of The Star Spangled Banner. You should still have these resources. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REFER TO THESE RESOURCES BUT IT MIGHT HELP YOU TO OFFER A CONTEXTUAL ARGUMENT. The essay also needs to show an awareness that it is possible to interpret the same moments in the novel in a different manner. The character of Gatsby is perfect for exploring the ambiguity of the novel and how the ideas being explored by Fitzgerald through Gatsby's character can be interpreted in two or even three different ways by the reader.
THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT ESSAY. GOOD LUCK.
HOMEWORK: Complete the Gatsby essay. Continue to read THE GREAT GATSBY, THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER, and JERUSALEM. This is a big week for your reading. You can not offer an informed argument if you are not familiar with the text. GET READING.
YOU LOT HAVE BEEN WONDERFUL THIS TERM. KEEP IT UP.
