This was another big session as the main focus of the lesson was a consideration of the question:
WHO IS NICK CARRAWAY?
Students must be able to identify why Fitzgerald selected this character to be the filter through which he shapes his narrative. CLASS DISCUSSION WAS EXCELLENT. Students considered the 'broken' nature of this shy and repressed 29 year old and identified key moments from the text that amplify his true nature. Students received a sheet full of key quotes that should help when considering the nature of Nick Carraway. Focus was placed upon the final section of the third chapter and Nick's comment that he felt a 'haunting loneliness sometimes.' The class considered the interpretation of Carraway offered in Baz Lurhmann's recent film that has Nick writing the book as a means of therapy as he recovers in hospital from some form of alcohol inspired break-down!! This reading views the text as a form of diary entry...a retrospective journey recalling a moment of incredible and overwhelming emotional intensity.
The remainder of the session considered the nature of Gatsby's Party in Chapter Three and how it moves from an exuberant feast of life to a chaotic mess! Women cry, sad songs can be heard, couples fight, and there is a car crash. Carraway describes the scene as a 'violent confusion.'
Discussion also considered why Gatsby's first appearance is so understated and why Owl Eyes is so amazed that Gatsby's library appears to be real...although the books remain uncut therefore are impossible to read. Students might want to consider the thematic significance of this moment and continue to view the book through the thematic filter of APPEARANCE AND REALITY.
HOMEWORK: Read chapter FOUR and Chapter FIVE. Some people still owe me written work. If you miss a lesson you still complete the work. Get in touch with me and I will give you the essay plan that will guide you through the essay.
Click on link to listen to Baz Lurhmann and the cast of Gatsby discuss issues linked to the recent film version of Fitzgerald's novel:
http://becuriouslit.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/year-12-gatsby-resourcesthe-film-is.html
Di Caprio Gatsby interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjoUzHWDkX8
Di Caprio on Gatsby...ABC News:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI_E_l9nApM
Tobey Maguire interview...he is Carraway:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzK21TFdXkk
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