YEAR 12 Monday 9th May 2016

This LAST official session involved The Fat Boy running through the key areas of the text that students need to be aware of as we sprint towards the exam.
Class discussion began with a consideration of  ESSENTIAL GATSBY KNOWLEDGE before moving into a consideration of  THREE KEY QUESTIONS.
These questions are:

1. WHY DOES CARRAWAY ADMIRE GATSBY?
2. HOW DOES FITZGERALD WANT THE READER TO VIEW CARRAWAY?
3. HOW DOES FITZGERALD WANT THE READER TO VIEW GATSBY? 

We then considered the CONTENT that must be visible in the exam essay. STUDENTS MUST OFFER THIS CONTENT WHEN PRESENTING THEIR IDEAS IN THE EXAM ESSAY. The Assessment Objectives demand that essays must include:

• An understanding of AUTHORIAL METHOD. Students must show an understanding of how Fitzgerald uses Caraway's narrative and SYMBOLISM to shape and present his ideas.
• Make CONNECTIONS ACROSS THE NOVEL. Students must show the examiner that they can connect ideas with reference to different moments from the text. We discussed how Myrtle and Gatsby seem linked to the ASH that pollutes the Valley of Ashes. We also discussed the significance of the green light at the end of the opening chapter and the green light at the end of the novel...'Gatsby believed in the green light.' Students must also use the comments of critics to connect ideas...Trilling's 'Gatsby is America' ...etc
• Reference to HISTORICAL CONTEXT. Students must reflect an understanding of how the novel reflects its own time and the relevance of the novel in OUR time. Remember, the Declaration of Independence and the aspirational narrative of the American Dream are extremely important when considering Fitzgerald's aim. 
• Reference to the genre of TRAGEDY. Students must consider the novel within the context of tragedy. Is Gatsby a tragic hero? I've just marked a superb essay that suggests Gatsby IS a tragic hero because he is trapped by his origins. He is the victim of forces beyond his control. He is trapped by his origins and can never access the lie of the American Dream. Tom is not a conventional tragic villain as he does not receive any moral punishment for his vile behaviour. Students must refer to the novel within the context of tragedy. YOU HAVE A LOT OF RESOURCES TO HELP YOU WITH THIS ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVE.

HOMEWORK: Please feel free to attempt any of the essays posted to the last Year 12 blog entry. If you want to meet me Thursday period two/three as we move toward the exam...drop me an email. Or pop in to the department. Come and speak to me about any issues linked to  FITZGERALD'S AMERICAN DREAM.

On Monday I will be discussing the significance of Chapter 7 and the significance of the opening section of Chapter 8. And other stuff. Bring some questions. See you there.