The Great Gatsby Symposium Threads As you read, you will be annotating for these topics, finding profound quotes, images, characters from the novel that help you develop a solid idea about your topic that you will eventually present to the class in the form of a socratic seminar symposium.

The Great Gatsby Symposium Threads As you read, you will be annotating for these topics, finding profound quotes, images, characters from the novel that help you develop a solid idea about your topic that you will eventually present to the class in the form of a socratic seminar symposium.

The Great Gatsby Symposium Threads As you read, you will be annotating for these topics, finding profound quotes, images, characters from the novel that help you develop a solid idea about your topic that you will eventually present to the class in the form of a socratic seminar symposium.

The Great Gatsby Symposium Threads As you read, you will be annotating for these topics, finding profound quotes, images, characters from the novel that help you develop a solid idea about your topic that you will eventually present to the class in the form of a socratic seminar symposium.

The Great Gatsby Symposium Threads As you read, you will be annotating for these topics, finding profound quotes, images, characters from the novel that help you develop a solid idea about your topic that you will eventually present to the class in the form of a socratic seminar symposium.

The Great Gatsby Symposium Threads As you read, you will be annotating for these topics, finding profound quotes, images, characters from the novel that help you develop a solid idea about your topic that you will eventually present to the class in the form of a socratic seminar symposium.

The Great Gatsby Symposium Threads As you read, you will be annotating for these topics, finding profound quotes, images, characters from the novel that help you develop a solid idea about your topic that you will eventually present to the class in the form of a socratic seminar symposium.

Topic 1 THE AMERICAN DREAM :  Fitzgerald explores the “truth” of the American Dream in the novel. Look for quotes that demonstrate ideas about riches, people, and the American dream. These passages should be both positive and negative as in the opportunities afforded to the wealthy as well as the carelessness of the wealthy.

Topic 2 MEMORIES AND THE PAST:  The presence of the past is significant in the novel. Every character’s past defines them no matter how hard they try to deny it or no matter how much they try to reclaim it. Can the past be repeated? Look for passages that represent this thematic question.

Topic 3 THE JAZZ AGE:   Fitzgerald was considered a spokesman for his generation when he wrote this novel of life in the 1920s. Examining this historical context, can we connect what was happening in the 1920s to modern times? Look for significant passages/ quotes that address the morality of the people he saw as representative of his time.

Topic 4 GENDER ROLES:   Look for quotes and passages that compare and contrast how masculinity and femininity is portrayed in the novel and how does it shape its meaning.

Topic 5 HYPOCRISY:  The effects of characters struggling with illusion and reality are profound in this novel. Fitzgerald is definitely trying to say something about hypocrisy, especially in his portrayal of characters. Look for passages that indicate these effects on individuals and those who surround them and characters that are hypocrites.________________________________________________________________________

Topic 6 SOCIETY AND CLASS: In this novel, socio economic / social status is not necessarily constant for all characters. Look for passages that reflect the fluidity amongst the classes (change from one social status level to another) of the characters. What is Fitzgerald trying to say about class (the poor and the rich)? Be sure to note which characters represent which class.

Topic 7 COLOR SYMBOLISM: Colors are a motif in the novel, particularly green, white, silver and gold. Look for passages with color references. Think about the symbolism of the colors as you analyze the passages.