The aim of this session was to introduce students to the opening section of F.Scott Fitzgerald's THE GREAT GATSBY. Students were asked to consider the notion offered by President Obama that America is 'ONE NATION. ONE PEOPLE' and also to consider the sentiments offered by the poetry of Walt Whitman, Emma Lazarus and the lyrics of The Star Spangled Banner. WHAT IS THE REPRESENTATION OF AMERICA BEING SHAPED BY THESE TEXTS/IDEAS? Students were also urged to consider the ethos reflected in THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
Textual focus was placed upon Nick Carraway. He is the filter through which we view the text therefore it is important that we understand his character. Students were asked to consider the significance of Nick's observation that 'the warm centre of the world' was now '..the ragged edge of the Universe'. Students were also asked to consider the first impression of Gatsby as presented by Nick.
HOMEWORK: READ THE TEXT. Next week we will be exploring the significance of the opening chapter. Students also need to be familiar with the VALLEY OF ASHES at the beginning of chapter two. WHAT KIND OF AMERICA IS BEING PRESENTED IN THE OPENING TWO CHAPTERS?
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