F. Scott Fitzgerald “And do you write for any other

magazines?” inquired the young lady.

“Oh, yes,” I assured her, “I’ve had some stories and plays in the ‘Smart Set,’ for instance—”

“The ‘Smart Set’! How can you? Why, they publish stuff about girls in blue bathtubs, and silly things like that.”

Magnificent Joy

Porcelain and Pink

Porcelain And Pink

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Content of the play? The author?

Characters The Narrator

• “… but frankly it fascinates me. I could continue indefinitely, but I am distracted by one of the two objects in the room…” What person?

Please note that there is a first person narrator in the STAGE directions. Who is this person?  How is this technique modern?

2 objects in the room

Object 1

Object 2

“You begin to suspect

the plot?”    

Who is you?    

So…what does the scene look like?

“One thing more—above and to the right of the bath-tub is a window.”

“…it lets in much sunshine, but effectually prevents any one who looks

in from seeing the bath-tub.”

Julie

Introduced? “the startled

gasp of the audience quite drowns out the first half…”

Why does the audience gasp?

ModernismDisillusionment

of old values

Lois

“…dressed but carrying garments and towels. LOIS is a year older than JULIE and is nearly her double in face and voice, but in her clothes and expression are the marks of the conservative.”

“Yes, you’ve guessed it. Mistaken identity is the old rusty pivot upon which the plot turns.”

Second person again! Did you guess it as he says or did you think it after he said it? Why is this an important distinction?

SistersJULIE LOIS

How old is she?

Where is she at?

What did she forget?

Why is this important?

How old is she?

What does she have with her?

What does she ask?

What are her plans?

Whimsical,

Carefree,

impulsive,

“Modern”

Conservative, concerned,

moral values, “Modern?”

Young ManMr. Calkins

“decorated with a slim mustache and sympathetic eyes. These last stare, and though they can see nothing but many fishermen with nets and much crimson ocean”

“Yes, you’ve guessed it. Mistaken identity is the old rusty pivot upon which the plot turns.”

Jumping cats!Literal? SLANG! Jeepers!

Goodness gracious!

Golly!

Gee Wiz!

Innuendo THE YOUNG MAN: What color are you wearing?

JULIE: (After a critical survey of her shoulders) Why, I guess it’s a sort of pinkish white.

THE YOUNG MAN: Is it becoming to you?

JULIE: …this was a birthday present and I sort of have to wear it.

THE YOUNG MAN: Pinkish-white. Well I’ll bet it’s divine. Is it in style?

JULIE: Quite. It’s very simple, standard model . 

What’s the scandal?

Lois’ Reaction

How does this show the 1920s are a time of changing morality?

Porcelain And Pink

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Where does the title come from?

Reflect Which character do you relate to the

most?   What is one question you would ask

the author? Assume that this piece of literature

reflects the author’s personality and beliefs. What conclusions do you draw about him?

Group work Round 1—Creating a slang dictionary Round 2—Applying the slang

language to the reading Round 3—Analyzing the characters

and elements of modernism Round 4—Creating a dialogue

Round 1—Creating a slang dictionary

SLANG DICTIONARY: Using your folded paper, create a

modernism dictionary of slang (1920s) that will be useful throughout our modernism unit. Each page must have 3 slang words, with part of speech, definition, and a sentence. If you draw pictures, you’ll get extra credit! First entry: Jumping Cats!

Part of speech: adj./noun exclamatoryDefinition: An exclamation of surpriseJumping Cats! Julie exclaimed as an unknown male voice interrupted her peaceful bath.

Round 2—Applying the slang language to the reading

Re-read Porcelain and Pink and fill out the chart on page 3 of your packet

Character Personality

Relation-ship

Important actions

Important Quote

Julie       

     

Lois       

     

Young Man (Mr. Calkins)

       

   

Round 3—Analyzing the characters and elements of modernism

Modernism Element Seen in the play? Why/why not?

Example from play if applicable

Disillusionment with traditions and old values

    

 

Automobiles make travel convenient

    

 

Emphasis on leisure and party time

    

 

Concern with making money

    

 

Concern with spending money

    

 

Alcohol, once prohibited, becomes a way of life

    

 

The Jazz Age    

 

Prejudices    

 

Disparity in wealth     

 

Fragmentation   

Implied theme   

Emphasis on material goods

    

 

Round 4—Creating a dialogue Using your dictionary, you want to create a

dialogue between YOU, the character and the author. Use what you have deduced about the author in the introduction and stage directions to make the dialogue character driven. Make sure you use 1920’s slang, your slang and interactions between yourselves and the characters. Your dialogue should be at least 1 page. Be creative, and use ACTIVE verbs, GOOD modifiers, and NON-WORDY sentences but remember to keep it school appropriate. (You should start it as a GROUP—but keep in mind that it may become HOMEWORK to finish so you ALL need to write the dialogue)