Section 2: Overview

Complication and Counterpoint

We will read Chapters 2–4 of the novel, in which the narrative is further developed and complicated. As we attend to Fitzgerald’s depiction of settings, scenes, and characters, we will study his use of literary devices, specifically imagery, symbolism, and motif. We will also begin to address themes of the novel, considering how Fitzgerald may be portraying the American Dream in relation to others’ ideas about America. We will begin to study the portrayal and idealization of the past as related by several of the novel’s characters and analyze how Nick’s narration affects the reader’s interpretation of the novel.

• Lesson 1:

  We will focus on close reading and analysis of passages from Chapter 2 of The Great Gatsby. We will review the concepts of imagery, symbolism, and motif and examine how these literary devices are used in the novel.

• Lesson 2:

  We will study the character development of Myrtle and George and consider how they contrast to other characters in the novel. We will use the Attending to Details Tool and a set of analytical questions as we closely read and discuss the scene at Tom and Myrtle’s apartment. We will contrast this scene with the scene of Gatsby’s party as described in Chapter 3.

• Lesson 3:

  We will read and discuss Chapter 3 of The Great Gatsby, further analyzing the description and mood of the party scene and examining the initial development of Gatsby’s character.

• Lesson 4:

  We will read and analyze Chapter 4 and examine the development of Gatsby’s character. We will study the shift in narrative point of view as Jordan recounts details from Daisy’s and Gatsby’s past.

• Lesson 5:

  We will discuss our perceptions of the American Dream, how it has been depicted in various decades, and how The Great Gatsby might offer thematic commentary on that dream. We will also read and analyze a nonfiction essay from the 19th century about American prosperity and restlessness, making connections to the novel and to our current society.

• Lesson 6:

  In light of our examination of the American Dream and character as they relate to The Great Gatsby, we will examine how the novel depicts people from other racial or ethnic backgrounds than those of the main characters and Fitzgerald himself. We will then read and analyze an opposed view of race in America written by African American poet Langston Hughes.

• Lesson 7:

  We will prepare for the Section 2 Diagnostic.

• Lesson 8:

  We will use our notes and materials from the previous lessons to respond to questions about Fitzgerald’s use of contrasting elements, imagery, and symbolism in order to develop themes, building our responses from interpretive claims and using academic language related to literary analysis.

• Lesson 9:

  We will review feedback on the Section Diagnostic. We will use the feedback to make revisions to our work.

• Lesson 10:

  We will share the understanding we have gained through our independent reading and continue reading our texts.