1.10 Gatsby's American Dream Turns Sour

1. You will need to obtain a copy of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald from your local library or purchase a copy at your local bookstore.

2. Read and analyze the text of the novel by completing Parts I, II, and III below. You will be submitting your answers as the assignment for this lesson.

• After each character's name, list the corrupt behaviors of that character and the consequences the character suffers as a result.

• There often will be more than one corrupt behavior.

• Open and complete the Character Chart page.

1. In your opinion, what is "The American Dream"? (If you are not sure what this term means, you might want to look for a quick definition.)
   
   
2. According to the media, advertisements, salaries, and society in general, what is "The American Dream"? How does this compare to your definition of "The American Dream"?
   
   
3. List at least five elements that make up Jay Gatsby's American Dream. (You may use the chart below to help you.)
   
   
4. For each of the five elements you listed in question 3, consider what is wrong with either Gatsby's concept of the dream or the way he attempts to attain it. (You may use the chart below to help you.)
   
   
5. As you read the novel, copy down a specific quotation or quotations that most relate to the concept of the American Dream as it is presented in the novel.

F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby is a specific portrait of American society during the Roaring Twenties. In this part of the assignment you will explore the connection between history and literature.

1. Begin your exploration by visiting the following resources:

• Kingwood College Library

• The Media History Project Timeline
  
  Review the major people, places, and events in The Arts, News & Politics, Science, Business, Society and Sports.
  
  As you review these resources, think about how they illuminate your understanding of The Great Gatsby.

2. After researching the 1920s, respond to the following statement in an essay, either agreeing or disagreeing. Your essay should be at least four paragraphs in length (minimum of six sentences in each paragraph).
   
   "The beauty and splendor of Gatsby's parties masked the innate corruption within the heart of the Roaring Twenties. Jazz-Age society was a bankrupt world, devoid of morality, and plagued by a crisis of character."

   • If you agree with this statement, you must find specific support from both the novel and from history to support your view.

   • If you disagree with this statement, you must find specific support from both the novel and from history to support your view.

   • Paragraph 1: Find a quotation from the novel or pose a question to begin your essay. Introduce your thesis statement. Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Why?

   • Paragraph 2: Discuss at least five references to people, places, and events in the 1920s as specific support for your thesis. For example, you might include a discussion of Prohibition, Gangsters, the Stock Market, and Fads if you agree with the statement. If you disagree, you might discuss Technological or Scientific Advances, Social Reforms, Literature, Music, and Inventors or Inventions.

   • Paragraph 3: How do the characters, plot, and theme of The Great Gatsby support or refute the statement that "the Jazz-Age society was a bankrupt world, devoid of morality, and plagued by a crisis of character"? Use specific details and lines from the novel to support your view.

   • Paragraph 4: Develop a conclusion that reflects on the evidence from history and the novel that supports your thesis.

3. Rubric for this assignment