Section 4: Section Diagnostic

Participate in formal fishbowl discussions. Before these discussions, decide if you believe that the novel is primarily Gatsby’s story or primarily Nick’s story, then develop a claim that takes a position about one of the two characters and his significance in The Great Gatsby, considering a question set for the character. Communicate and explain your position about the character, then engage in a civil debate with other students who may have taken different positions about that character. As an observer of the discussion of the character you have not chosen, take notes, submit questions to the discussion group, and evaluate the contributions of its members. Throughout the process, focus on the following questions:

1. How have literary scholars and critics analyzed Fitzgerald’s development of point of view, characters, and themes in The Great Gatsby?

2. How do they support their positions about the importance of their chosen character in the novel?

Before discussion, decide whose story (Nick’s or Gatsby’s) is most central to The Great Gatsby. While focusing on one of the following question sets, determine the significance of that character’s story in developing the narrative and themes of the novel.

Question Set A: Position: Gatsby is the central character of the novel.

1. Why is the novel primarily Gatsby’s story?

2. Which other character or characters serve as a “counterpoint” to Gatsby?

3. Is Gatsby a character to be admired or pitied? Why?

4. What does Gatsby’s story suggest about dreams, illusions, and the American Dream?

Question Set B: Position: Nick is the central character of the novel.

1. Why is the novel primarily Nick’s story?

2. How do Nick’s perceptions affect our view of the characters and events in the novel?

3. Is Nick a reliable narrator? Why or why not?

4. What does Nick’s story suggest about dreams, illusions, and the American Dream?

In preparing for and participating in the discussion and debate, be sure to do the following:

• Respond to the specific issues framed by your character’s questions.

• Take a position and form a set of supporting claims in response to your character’s question set.

• Gather and organize relevant and strong evidence from the novel and at least one critical source.

• Present and explain specific references and/or quotations from the novel during the discussion and debate.

• Use academic language and demonstrate your understanding of literary elements, devices, and terminology.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the novel and the character you have chosen to focus on.

• Ask questions and respond to others’ ideas in a respectful manner.

• Evaluate your own participation and that of at least one other student.