These sessions considered the first TWO chapters of Fitzgerald's THE GREAT GATSBY. Class discussion has considered the IDEALISED vision of America that is presented through the poetry of Walt Whitman, the significance of the EMMA LAZARUS poem within the Statue of Liberty, comments made by President Obama, and the philosophy enshrined within the Declaration of Independence. THIS IS OUR STARTING POINT FOR comprehending the aim of FITZGERALD. This novel was originally titled UNDER THE RED WHITE AND BLUE and can be considered to be a text that comments upon how close America is to notions such as ONE NATION and allowing all citizens equal access to the 'UNALIENABLE' right of FREEDOM, PERSONAL LIBERTY and HAPPINESS.
Specific focus was placed upon the two 'social gatherings' the opening chapters and the nature of NICK CARRAWAY. Nick is the most important character in the novel as he is the narrative filter through which Fitzgerald shapes the content of the novel.
The quality of response has been VARIABLE. WE need to raise our INTELLECTUAL GAME. I feel that some students are not adapting to the demands of an A LEVEL classroom. Our next session is a big session because if students have not attempted to read Chapter Three....some individuals will receive some very BLUNT and SINCERE comments from the bloke from HULL. Group work is not an excuse to discuss Hull Fair......bejesus! Some students are just regurgitating my comments and passing them back to me as if they are offering wisdom...this is not A Level analysis. It is grim.
WE are moving towards our first Gatsby essay. The title is....
TO WHAT EXTENT IS IDENTITY A KEY THEME IN THE OPENING CHAPTERS OF FITZGERALD'S THE GREAT GATSBY?
Students should be considering possible content for this essay. I expect students to be identifying key quotes that will allow you to construct a sophisticated A Level response and improve the grade achieved in your first essay. THIS IS A HUGE ESSAY.
HOMEWORK: Prepare for the essay and Read Chapter Three. I will expect students to consider content from this chapter in the context of the IDENTITY essay title.
If students have not synthesised these resources....DO IT NOW:
Previous blog entry...
http://becuriouslit.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/year-12-opening-three-lessons-sept-16.html
American critic Father Barron discusses the novel...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLSVx84uPrY
John Green discusses the thematic nature of the novel....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw9Au9OoN88
John Green's summary of The Roaring 20s in America....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfOR1XCMf7A
READ THE TEXT READ THE TEXT READ THE TEXT READ THE TEXT READ READ ....
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