Gatsby's Characterization

Fitzgerald provides us with an array of direct and indirect characterization of Jay Gatsby. Revisit the following selections about the 'Old Sport':

"Only Gatsby, the man who gives his name to this book, was exempt from my reaction...Gatsby turned out all right at the end..." (pg. 2)

"...for he gave a sudden intimation that he was content to be alone...he was trembling." (pg. 21)

"Well, they say he's a nephew or cousin of Kaiser Wilhem's...I'm scared of him. I'd hate to have him get anything on me." (pg. 32)

"He smiled understandingly--picking his words with care." (pg 48)

"...endowing with complete isolation the figure of the host, who stood on the porch, his hand up in a formal gesture of farewell." (pg. 55)

"I am the son of some wealthy people in the Middle West--all dead now...I suspected he was pulling my leg..." (pg 65)

"There's the kind of man you'd like to take home and introduce to your mother and sister." (pg. 72)

"The officer looked at Daisy while she was speaking....seemed so romantic to me.." (pg. 75)

"Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay." (pg. 78)

What is your impression of Gatsby so far? From the beginning of the novel until now, how has your opinion developed and changed--if at all? Why? reference at least three of the selections above or use 3 of your own to explain your answer. Be sure to include in your explanation examples of what is said about Gatsby, by Gatsby, or the situation in which he is discussed.

Remember, write your post in a Word document and then copy it into your blog post.

What is greatness?

How do you define "greatness"? What does it mean for something to be considered "great"? What are some examples of people, places, or things that you consider to be "great"?

Please respond in post on your blog. Write 25 words and include an image.

Gatsby Introduction - Is it a Masterpiece?

In his 1992 Preface to The Great Gatsby, Matthew J. Bruccoli writes:

“The Great Gatsby does not proclaim the nobility of the human spirit; it is not politically correct; it does not reveal how to solve problems of life; it delivers no fashionable or comforting messages. It is just a masterpiece.”

Respond to this statement. Based upon what you’ve learned so far, are you inclined to agree or disagree with this statement? Why is a book that supposedly does so little called The GREAT Gatsby? Why might it be considered a masterpiece?

Please respond in a post on your blog.

An Unwanted Gift?

Have you ever received a gift you never wanted or asked for? Tell me about the situation. What was it? Who gave it to you? How did you handle it?

In a new post on your blog, please write 7 lines and try to include a picture with your post...

What Impact Do I Want to Have on the World Around Me? - Period 3

Good morning!

Today's the third and final question in our series: What Impact Do I Want to Have on the Word Around Me?

As always, please be specific. Feel free to dream big and set some serious goals for yourself. Remember, this question is not merely one about your career. You can have a personal impact, a social impact, an impact on your family--the sky's the limit!

Please write 50 words.

When you finish, open a Word document, and close your lid.

Thanks!

Object that Represents You - Periods 2 and 4

Think of an object that you think best represents who you are. Describe this object and how it relates to your identity, personality, goals, or interests.

Please write at least 3 lines and find an image to go along with your post. Be creative, insightful, and descriptive!

College Essay Brainstorming Stations

Station 1

1. Make a list of 25 things you love, love to do, and/or interest you.
2. Now go back to this list, and sort your items into categories (i.e.- sports, music, etc...)

Station 2

You have been asked to write an autobiography of your life thus far. What will it be titled? The publisher also needs a list of chapter titles and descriptions of each. Create as many as you can (at least 5) in the next few minutes.

Station 3

1. Make a list of 25 burning questions you have or things you are curious about.
2. Look over your list and SORT your items into topics or question types.
(i.e.- ?'s about: life, love, friends, etc... or thought provoking ?'s, literal questions, etc...)

Station 4

List 3 experiences that had an impact on you or taught you a lesson. Describe each one in at least 7 lines.

Station 5

If you were told that everything you owned was going to be destroyed and that you could only keep 10 things, what would they be? Describe what each one of these items means to you. What does it show about your personality? Why is it special?

Station 6

You’re going to spend the next 10 years in a space station travelling to Mars. You may bring 5 CD’s, 5 Books, and 5 DVD’s. Which do you choose? Why? Be specific and descriptive.