Today's session was a MASSIVE lesson as students discussed possible content for the first GATSBY essay. The title of the essay is:
HOW DOES FITZGERALD SHAPE MEANING IN THE OPENING CHAPTERS OF THE GREAT GATSBY?
Students were offered a very precise essay structure and class discussion considered the relevant content for the first two paragraphs. Discussion considered how the theme of economic and social inequality is presented to the reader through the contrast between the Valley of Ashes and the representation of Gatsby's party in the opening section of chapter three. Class discussion also considered the theme of APPEARANCE AND REALITY and how this links to author's aim.
Class discussion considered the notion of symbolism and how a writer uses symbolism as a device to shape meaning. Discussion considered the symbolic purpose of the Valley of Ashes, Gatsby's party, Myrtle and Tom. All these symbols are used by Fitzgerald to shape meaning and students need to refer to the symbolic nature of the text and link these symbols to author's aim.
Further discussion considered the notion of tragedy and the extent to which the opening sections of the novel conform to the definitions of tragedy offered by ARISTOTLE and ARTHUR MILLER. Students were encouraged to refer to the context of tragedy in the conclusion to the essay. Furthermore, students were made aware of the need to weave the comments of critical interpretations into the critical narrative of the essay. For example Lionel Trilling stated that 'GATSBY IS AMERICA' but our class discussion considered the idea that perhaps 'Tom is America' as he is a cruel and ignorant individual who seems incapable of compassion or empathy. It is this lack of compassion that allows the Valley of Ashes to exist and for Myrtle to be abused. Tom is a vile man incapable of human decency. Perhaps Fitzgerald's novel is an appeal for empathy in order to stop the version of America reflected in the novel becoming a reality.
Students were also asked to consider why this novel and the themes and ideas being explored by Fitzgerald are still relevant in November 2015. Surely a novel that is appealing for empathy and compassion is incredibly relevant, especially after the atrocities in Paris on Friday night.
This is a very important essay.
HOMEWORK: Construct the essay. Any student who missed this lesson needs to contact me to obtain the essay structure.
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