Friday, October 19, 2012

English 3 - Extra Credit

The Great Gatsby

You must hand in a typed product, as well as present your findings to the class.
DUE:  Monday, October 22nd.

  • List chronologically significant events in Gatsby's life, such as his connection with Meyer Wolfshiem, Dan Cody's influence, the list in the Hopalong Cassidy book, promotion to major, the end of his lawn parties, tea at Nick's house, meeting Tom and Daisy at the Plaza Hotel, leaving St. Olaf's College, driving with Nick, having lunch with Meyer and Nick, receiving a medal from Montenegro, and swimming alone in early September.

  • Make a list of scenes from the novel which express contrasting attitudes toward honestly, friendship, optimism, self-esteem, loss, responsibility, fidelity, wealth, prestige, dependence, and compromise.  Next to each, indicate what you think is the author's personal philosophy.

  • Mr. Gatz refers to James J. Hill, an actual historical figure who built a fortune through railroads, mining, and banking.  He was one of a group of forceful businessmen in the late 1800s and early 1900s who were often accused of exploiting the public and using unscrupulous methods, but who achieved enormous wealth.  Write a biographical sketch on one of the following "robber barons":
  1. John D. Rockefeller
  2. Jay Gould
  3. Edward Harriman
  4. James Fisk

  • Write an essay dealing with the 1920s and describing the elements of the contemporary mode of life which are reflected in the novel.

  • Read a biography of F. Scott Fitzgerald and note any influences of the life he lived and the society he observed that are included in The Great Gatsby.

Monday, October 15, 2012

English 3 - Summer Reading Extra Credit

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Write a letter to the author consisting of the following:

  1. 2-3 sentence introduction to the letter to establish purpose, set tone, develop interest.
  2. Discussion of your favorite character: identify him/her; when do we first meet this character? What is likable?
  3. Discussion of the most memorable part: what events lead up to this part?  Why is this part one to remember?
  4. Discussion of what you learned about human beings, their behavior, their motives and reactions.
  5. Overall review of the book: what is likeable?  What is not likeable?
  6. Suggestions of what you would do differently to improve the events, the ending, the characters.
  7. Analysis of why this book is so famous.
  8. 2-3 sentence conclusion to criticize or praise the author, thank him or scold him for creating this to read.
Paragraphs should be fully developed with a topic sentence and 4-5 sentences discussing the topic.

Work must be typed using 12 pt. font and double spacing.  Minimum 500 words is expected.  Once you are done, hand in a printed copy and also e-mail it to me as an attachment or a copy and paste.

Due Date:  Monday, October 29, 2012