Great Gatsby: Wrapping It Up

Intro: For decades, The Great Gatsby has been a staple of American English education.
Why?
What enables certain works to stand the test of time. Consider its enduring power and
relevance to you and the world today.
More info on Theme:
Theme = a main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work that can be stated
directly or indirectly by the writer
How to determine the theme? Look at The main characters feelings toward the subject of the novel (i.e. Nick feel about
society and the people around him?)
The thoughts and conversations of the characters (i.e. What do Jordan and Nicks
conversations tell you about what they think of the world, of the other characters
and their secrets?)
The main events of the story and the actions of the characters (i.e. Who succeeds?
Who fails? What happens to the characters and why?)
Start with a theme that stands out from the book and decide how it relates to life today.
Part 1:
In the style of The Great Gatsby, write a scene demonstrating the present-day relevance
of the novel based on a specific passage and theme from the book. [100-150 words] This
scene should capture one of the enduring qualities of Fitzgeralds novel but focus on
people, places, or issues that are contemporary.
Part 2:
Create a well-constructed, original visual aid to go along with your passage. Make it
interesting! Dont settle for just copying and pasting pictures from the internet.
Some suggestions include, but are not limited to:

Illustration
Collage
Poem
Video
Model

Instead of a full example, Im going to offer you an idea. Consider this property of Mr.
Hilliard:
Theme: Passivity can prevent you from feeling fully known by, or fully knowing, others.

Part 1 - [Keep in mind that this is merely an idea and your narrative will not sound like
this. Think in terms of taking a passage right out of Gatsby. Your scene is part of a bigger
story that you wont be able to tell in 150 words.]
A short narrative about a new girl in school who is trying to fit in with several different
kinds of groups. She doesnt quite feel comfortable with any of them, but is accepted by
all of them in some ways. She knows secrets that her peers keep from each other, and
could help resolve some of their conflicts, but feels pressured to keep things to herself as
a passive observer.
Part 2 Photo collage of anonymous scenes that are familiar to school students. Expose topics
like drama, cliques, secrets, bullying, etc.

Rubric

Part 1:
Written
Scene
[15 pts]

Undeveloped

Inadequate

Adequate

Effective

No evidence of
an attempt to
follow any part
of the
directions

-Merely attempts
to write in the
style of the novel

-Successfully
embodies
characteristics of
novels style

-Successfully
embodies
characteristics of
novels style and
shows authors
own originality

(3-4)

-Unclear focus
on enduring
theme /
perspective that
the book lends
contemporary
times
-Falls short of
100-150 word
requirement

-Clear focus on
enduring theme /
perspective that
the book lends
contemporary
times
-Meets 100-150
word requirement

-Imprecise
-No reference to reference to the
the source
source passage
passage from GG from GG

Part 2:
Artistic

-Loose control of
language
(5-8)

-Adequate
control of
language
(9-12)

Prospective
Lifespan:

Prospective
Lifespan:

-Strong focus on
enduring theme /
relevance to
contemporary
times with
refreshing insight
-Meets 100-150
word requirement
-Precise reference
to the source
passage from GG
-Strong control of
language and
style
(13-15)
Prospective
Lifespan:

Creation
[5 pts]

< 2 hours

> 2 weeks

> 1 Year

-Shows no
evidence of any
effort outside of
time before
school on the due
date

-Shows evidence
of some planning
and execution

-Strong evidence
of careful
planning and
execution

-No connection
to written work
(1-2)

-Choice of
medium makes
sense but perhaps
not used to full
potential

-Effective choice
of medium and
intentionality
with use

-Provides
adequate support
to written work
(3-4)

-Supports and
enhances the
meaning of
written work
(5)

Part 3:
Feedback
and SelfReflection
(5)

Incomplete
Thoughtful ideas, All sections
feedback and
but some sections thoughtfully
self-reflection (1- incomplete (3-4) completed (5)
2)