The Great Gatsby Chapters 7 and 8

Bellringer: What does Daisy’s quote reveal about Gatsby’s character?

“Oh you want too much. I love you now, isn’t that enough?” (132).

Recap: We reviewed chapters 7 and 8 today, which really are the climax of the novel. Chapter 7 shows us how Gatsby and Daisy's romance has rekindled since their meeting at Nick's house, but now Tom is onto them. Myrtle Wilson's husband also has a feeling she is cheating, so he says they are going to move west. Tom now stands to lose both his wife and mistress.

The group then ventures into the city, where Tom begins to call Gatsby out for being a bootlegger, and for having not attended Oxford. Gatsby tries to tell Tom that Daisy never loved him, but we see by the end that this isn't true, and Daisy goes back to Tom.

Chapter 7 concludes with Daisy driving Gatsby's car back home, when Myrtle quickly runs into the road. Daisy hits and kills her, but shows now remorse for her actions.

Chapter 8 has Nick telling Gatsby to get out of town. Gatsby refuses to leave. George Wilson has information that leads him to believe that Gatsby was both Myrtle's lover and killer, so George sneaks up on Gatsby when he is using his pool, and shoots and kills him.

Below are the webs from today. Nice job!

Period 1/2

Period 7/8

Link to Chapter 8

We also watched a video that gives a great overview of the book. If you'd like to watch it again, because he does an excellent job with symbolism and the American Dream, click here.

Homework: Read chapter 9. Write 1 question for your research paper, and another for a different topic. Socratic seminar tomorrow.

Nice work! Have a great night!

Z

Chapters 5 and 6

Bellringer: What is the significance of this quote?

“The truth was that Jay Gatsby of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself. He was a son of God” (98).

Recap: We covered two chapters today, and we will be covering chapters 7 and 8 tomorrow. Today we discussed how Daisy and Gatsby finally reconnect after 5 years apart. Gatsby does everything he can to impress Daisy, including slip up by stating that "it took him just 3 years to earn the money to buy his things." Nick remembers that Gatsby had told him his money was inherited, which raises some suspicion with Nick.

In Chapter 6, we finally learn that Gatsby's real name is James Gatz, and he was born to poor farmers in North Dakota. He creates this new persona for himself on his way to rescue Dan Cody when his yacht is stranded. This is Gatsby's first step to overcoming his past. In the present, we also see that Daisy has finally attended a Gatsby part, to which is is underwhelmed, and Tom asks if Gatsby had earned his fortune through bootlegging. This finally reveals to us what Gatsby does.

Below are the webs for the two chapters today.

Period 1/2

Period 7/8

Homework: Read chapters 7 and 8. For Wednesday, have one question prepared for your research topic, and one more question about another topic. We will hold a Socratic seminar Wednesday.

The Great Gatsby--Chapter 4

Bellringer: What does Nick mean when he says, “Even Gatsby could happen” (69).

Recap: We reviewed chapter 4 of The Great Gatsby. This chapter is SO important, as we now learn about Gatsby's motive behind all of the money and parties, but also have an idea of what he does to earn the money.

We also learn about his past with Daisy, as this connection has not been made up to this point, so we understand why Nick becomes just as important to Gatsby.

Below is one of the group webs. Keep up the good work with these!

Homework: Read chapters 5 and 6.

Have a nice weekend!

Z

Gatsby--Chapter 3

Bellringer: What do we learn about Gatsby based on this first party we see?

Recap: We held our discussion today on Chapter 3, focusing on the idea that Gatsby has now finally been introduced into the book. He subtly slides into the book, just as he subtly slides into the party. He keeps being called away from the party, however, when he receives phone calls from cities. This lets us in on his importance, in addition to the amount of alcohol at the party. The fact alone that he has alcohol there is enough to make him a criminal, but it shows his power by the fact that he had alcohol there.

Homework: Read chapter 4. Don't forget to select a research topic. 

Nice work today. Have a nice night! Stay dry!

Z

The Great Gatsby --Chapter 2

Bellringer: What is the significance to the rumors about where Gatsby inherited his money from?

Recap: We reviewed Chapter 2 of the novel today with group presentations of their web. This also led to discussion of the chapter. The class webs are posted below.

Period 1/2

Period 7/8

Please examine some of the main ideas from the chapter. The important ideas for you to take away would be how contradictory Tom is. (This will come up again). Also, note the importance of the Valley of Ashes, and how it represents the decline of the American Dream.

Homework: Read Chapter 3. Select a topic for your research.

Nice job today!

Z

The Great Gatsby--Chapter 1

Bellringer: How do you think the following quote helps to predict Nick’s character and his role in the story?

“Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone...just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had” (Page 1).

Recap: We completed a close reading web for Chapter 1 as a class. This was our way of pooling all of your webs together into one complete web. We also did 3 examples of says, means, matters. This is how your group webs should be completed as well.

Period 1/2

Period 7/8

You did a nice job with these, and I can see a lot of thought went into some of them. Please remember that you're group's web will count as a test grade. You can see the project sheet or rubric for any clarification. Don't be afraid to email me with questions, either. 

Additionally, we watched a brief clip on the life of F.Scott Fitzgerald. If any of you are considering doing your research paper on the idea that he has included himself into the novel, this would be a great starting point.  

Your research paper topics have been shared with you. It's in your best interest to choose a topic by the end of Chapter 2. This will ensure that we do not read too far into the book for you to find information. 

Homework: Read chapter 2. 

Have a nice evening!

The American Jazz Era

Bellringer: What is the Jazz Era?

Recap: We visited the Media Center to pick up our copies of The Great Gatsby. If you were absent, please be sure to obtain your copy. You may also purchase one if you'd prefer, but borrow one first so that you have it.

We then explored the Jazz Era and the life of F.Scott Fitzgerald to give context to the book. It's critical to understand the Roaring 20's and bootlegging for this novel. These themes will also tie into your final paper for the class. Likewise, one may argue that Fitzgerald has included himself into the text, so we discussed his life as well.

We watched a brief clip of the idea of the American Dream, as well. Some have argued that Gatsby represents America throughout the book; however, the idea of the American Dream, and what people would do in order to achieve that dream, runs rampant throughout the novel. It's the entire basis for it, in fact.

Additionally, we took a brief look at Prohibition. We will be exploring this throughout the week as well.

Homework: We divided into 9 groups today. If you haven't heard from your group, please see me tomorrow, and we will assign you to one. For tonight, read Chapter 1. Each group will submit a neatly done web, complete with Says, Means, Matters. All groups are responsible for reading all chapters; however, your group has one assigned chapter to present. The directions are shared with you for the Gatsby Lit Circles. 

I should also have all papers shared with me or in my hands at this time. If I do not, the paper is late.

I missed you all! Have a nice evening!

Z