YEAR TWELVE LESSON TWELVE [17th Oct 14]: Homework

The beginning of this session was a reaction to the last written homework. The main focus of the feedback was AUTHOR'S AIM. The final section of a critical paragraph should provide a mixture of author's aim and question focus. To illustrate Fitzgerald's aim, students were shown OBAMA's VICTORY SPEECH from the 2012 American Presidential Election. We have discussed the poetry of Walt Whitman, the philosophy expressed through the American National Anthem, and the Emma Lazarus poem that can be found inside The Statue Of Liberty. Clearly, all these texts represent America as an inclusive society that is based upon the philosophy reflected in the 1776 Declaration of Independence. OBAMA's speech contains the following quotes:
' [America] moves forward because you [the American people] reaffirm the spirit that has lifted this country from the depth of despair to the the great height of hope...the belief that while each of us will pursue our own individual dreams..we are an American family and we rise and fall together as ONE NATION and ONE PEOPLE...We believe in an America that isn't weakened by inequality...We believe in a generous America, a compassionate America, a tolerant America....We have common hopes and dreams...The role of citizen does not begin and end with your vote...self-government is the principle we were founded on..this country has more wealth than any nation but that is not what makes us rich...what makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse nation on earth..the belief that our destiny is shared..that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another...the freedom that so many generations have fought for comes with responsiblities as well as rights...and among those are love and charity and duty and patriotism and that is what makes America great....'
THIS SPEECH reflects the philosophy of Whitman, Lazarus, The Star Spangled Banner, and the philosophy of The Declaration of Independence....
HOW DOES THIS REPRESENTATION OF AMERICA COMPARE WITH THE AMERICA PRESENTED BY FITZGERALD? SO WHAT IS AUTHOR'S AIM?
As we move through the novel it is essential that students comprehend how Fitzgerald's version of America compares with the idealised version of America. This will inform student understanding of author's aim.
Click on the link below to access Obama's speech:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20234164

The rest of the session continued to prepare students for the forthcoming GATSBY essay:
HOW DOES FITZGERALD TELL THE STORY IN THE OPENING CHAPTER OF THE NOVEL?

• The LANGUAGE paragraph was discussed and students were asked to consider why Fitzgerald uses powerful metaphorical imagery to suggest Gatsby's influence upon Carraway. Obviously Fitzgerald wants the reader to be fully aware that Gatsby has had a HUGE influence upon our narrator but the first chapter does not offer any specific detail relating to the precise reason for this dramatic influence. Fitzgerald creates a sense of dramatic expectation as we are aware that Gatsby's influence is 'GREAT' but we are yet to develop an awareness of how or why Gatsby is such a significant character.

• The STRUCTURE paragraph was discussed and the focus was Carraway's enigmatic representation of Gatsby and the sense of mystery that this allows Fitzgerald to create. It is significant that the chapter begins with reference to Gatsby and concludes with a representation of Gatsby that seems to contradict the earlier representation. Again, this allows Fitzgerald to create a mysterious and compelling conclusion to the opening chapter. A conclusion that hopefully encourages the reader to continue to engage with the narrative of the novel to discover the significance of the seemingly enigmatic Mr.Gatsby.

• The FORM paragraph was discussed and the class were asked to consider why Fitzgerald has selected a narrator who appears inhibited, passive, vulnerable and shy!! How does Carraway's narrative voice shape meaning in the opening chapter? This will be a key consideration in the next session. BRING SOME OPINION.

HOMEWORK: READ THE OPENING CHAPTER AND CONSIDER THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ESSAY QUESTION. The next session will consider possible content for this essay and ensure that ALL students are suitably equipped to construct a detailed and precise response. THIS IS A MASSIVE PIECE OF WORK. We must begin to construct precise critical commentary that avoids superficial and general comments.
The deadline for the essay is Friday so Tuesday's lesson is extremely important.

ALSO...I OFFER THE THE PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE!! I CHALLENGE ANY STUDENT TO EMAIL ME A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN IN BEVERLEY THAT IN SOME WAY REFLECTS THEME/CHARACTER/AUTHOR'S AIM EXPLORED IN THE OPENING CHAPTER OF FITZGERALD'S NOVEL....GO ON...I DARE YOU!!