Assignment 1

Chapter 1

The Great Gatsby

 

 

Complete one of the following assignments after reading chapter one of The Great Gatsby.  Your finished product is due when the chapter is due in class.

 

 

  1. Create a detailed and labeled illustration of the Buchanan home.  You can illustrate the inside, the outside, or both.  Remember that if you choose this option you must show evidence of effort.
  2. Create a full character analysis for any of the characters who have been introduced by describing their personality and by creating a physical description based on what you know about their personality.  You may want to draw a picture instead of writing the physical description. 
  3. On pages 21-22 Daisy speaks to Nick about the birth of her daughter.  What does her reaction to the fact that she is a girl say about her attitude towards women. 
  4. On page 25 we see Gatsby for the first time.  He is staring at something and is almost in a trance.  What are your first impressions of Gatsby after reading this description.      

Assignment 2

The Great Gatsby

Chapter 2

 

Choose 1

 

  1. Choose a quote from each of the following characters and explain how that quote reflects their role in the book and their personality.  Characters:  Myrtle, Nick, Tom, Catherine.
  2. Write a letter to Daisy pretending to be her friend and inform her of the circumstances surrounding her husband’s affair.  Remember that you are trying to tell her the truth because you are about her and want her to know the truth.
  3. Write a newspaper police report that would appear if Myrtle had pressed charges when Tom breaks her nose. Imagine that she telephoned the police from the apartment and the police broke up the party.  Tom would be charged with assult and distribution of illegal alcohol.  The rest of the people would be charged with consumption of an illegal substance.

The Great Gatsby

Chapter 3 Assignment

Choose One

 

 

  1. Pretend that you are a guest at Gatsby’s party and write a reflection of the night.  Remember to include what the party atmosphere was like and what happened to you.  You may make up events for effect as long as they would be likely to happen at the party.
  2. Why do you think Gatsby throws such elaborate parties if he does not actually enjoy them or really attend them except from a distance?
  3. Nick speaks about Jordan quite a bit in this chapter.  Describe Jordan’s personality and how her theory about driving reflects her personality.
  4. Describe Nick’s first meeting with Gatsby and discuss what type of person you think Gatsby is.

The Great Gatsby

Chapter 4

Homework Options

 

  1. What is the story that Gatsby tells nick about his past?  Do you believe him? What reasons would one have to believe him or disbelieve him?
  2. A policeman in this chapter stops Gatsby and the exchange is quite remarkable.  When he finds out who Gatsby is he is ashamed for stopping him and says it will not happen again.  In your opinion, what would lead to such a deal with the policeman?
  3. Pretend you are Nick and write a letter home telling your father about the people you have met.
  4. The last thing we learn in this chapter is how Daisy and Gatsby know each other.  Pretend you are Daisy and write a letter Gatsby from the night before she marries Tom.  

Chapter 5 Assignment

Gatsby

 

  1. Create an imaginary dialogue between Daisy and Gatsby in the moments when Nick is not in the room.  Make sure it is believable according to the story line.
  2. Nick states once during the chapter that the significance of the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock had vanished for Gatsby when Daisy was there.  Why would that be so?
  3. Explain why Gatsby decided to show Daisy his house instead of just spending their time catching up on old times.
  4. Explain how and why Gatsby arranged the meting between himself and Daisy.  Make sure you mention all the events that lead up to the meeting.

 

Gatsby Ch 6

Assignment

 

  1. Write a one-page biography of James Gatz as presented in the chapter.  End the biography with the death of James Gats and the birth of Jay Gatsby.
  2. Explain the irony in the visit of Tom to Gatsby’s home.
  3. Daisy did not have a good time at Gatsby’s party.  Why would a girl like Daisy not be amused at the surroundings and code of behavior at the party?
  4. On page 116 Gatsby insists that he can repeat the past.  From this statement what do you think his plan is and how realistic is it?