Lesson 1

Lesson Goals

Texts

Core

• • The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Scribner, 1925

Materials

Tools

• Character Note-Taking Tool

• Forming Evidence-Based Claims Tool

• The Great Gatsby: Setting Note-Taking Tool

• Vocabulary Journal

• Word Map

Reference Guides

• Academic Discussion Reference Guide
• Claims Reference Guide

Question Sets

• The Great Gatsby: Question Set 3.1

Editable Google Docs

• Character Note-Taking Tool

• Forming Evidence-Based Claims Tool

• The Great Gatsby: Question Set 3.1

• The Great Gatsby: Setting Note-Taking Tool

• Vocabulary Journal

• Word Map

Activity 1: Read – Write – Discuss

We will use a Word Map to study new vocabulary throughout this section.

Using the Word Map, take a few minutes to map an interesting or challenging vocabulary word from your reading of Chapter 5. This tool will help you deeply study the word by mapping out many aspects of it. You can use the four boxes that surround the word in many different ways. For example, you might use them to define the word, provide examples and non examples of it, and write down sentences from the text that use it. When you have completed the Word Map, compare words and maps with the students around you.

As you study this and succeeding chapters of the novel, continue to use a Word Map to study interesting or challenging vocabulary words you come across.

Activity 2: Read – Discuss – Write – Present

We will closely read and analyze the opening passage from chapter 5, using a set of guiding questions to analyze the scene, events, character relationships, narrative point of view, use of literary devices, and potential meanings that are presented.

Step 1

As a class, form six reading teams, and follow along as your teacher introduces the Scene Analysis section of Question Set 3.1, which you will use throughout this lesson as you study the progression of key scenes in the rising action of the novel’s narrative structure:

Scene Analysis Questions:

1. Summarize the scene: Where and when does the scene occur, whom does it involve, and what happens?

2. Examine the narrative point of view: How is the scene presented, and how do its narrator’s perceptions and descriptions influence your reading?

3. Analyze character relationships: What do we learn about the characters and their perceptions, interactions, and conflicts?

4. Evaluate effects: How do description, imagery, symbolism, or dialogue contribute to the mood, atmosphere, and meaning of the scene?

5. Make comparisons and connections: How does the scene present a contrast, or counterpoint, to other scenes in the novel? How is it connected to other scenes in developing the story?

6. Interpret meaning: What theme or themes of the novel does the scene develop? What do you think Fitzgerald is suggesting?

Step 2

Your teacher will assign one question to each group. In your reading team, do a close rereading of the scene in which Gatsby waits for Daisy at Nick’s house, beginning on page 84 with “The rain cooled at half-past three” and ending on page 88 with “I walked out the back way.” Search for details that relate directly to your question and area of analysis. Write down the details you find on a Setting Note-Taking Tool. Then form a claim in response to your question, based on the key details you have noted.

Summarize your question, the details it caused you to note, and your claim and present it to the rest of the class.

Activity 3: Read – Discuss – Write – Present

We will continue to read and analyze key passages from chapter 5, using a set of guiding questions to analyze the scene, events, character relationships, narrative point of view, use of literary devices, and potential meaning presented.

In your reading team, reread pages 89-92 of The Great Gatsby,beginning with “I went in” and ending with “I’ve never seen such—such beautiful shirts before.”

In your reading team, select a second, different question from the Scene Analysis section of Question Set 3.1 and do a close rereading of this scene, searching for details that relate directly to your question and area of analysis. Write down the details you note on a Setting Note-Taking Tool. Then form a claim in response to your question, based on key details you note.

Again, summarize your question, the details it caused you to note, and your claim and present it to rest of the class.

Activity 4: Read

For homework, we will do a first reading of chapter 6 to prepare for analyzing additional key scenes in reading teams.

For homework, read and annotate Chapter 6 of The Great Gatsby. Use the following questions to guide your thinking as you set up additional Setting Note-Taking Tools and add new details to your Character Note-Taking Tools:

1. How is Chapter 6 divided into another sequence of key scenes? How might you summarize what happens in each of the scenes or flashbacks?

2. What important new information do you learn about “James Gatz of North Dakota” and Gatsby’s background?

Write new or interesting words you encounter in your Vocabulary Journal.