The Great Gatsby:Chapter Summaries

For each chapter you will fill out one worksheet. It is up to you to get a new worksheet for each chapter. Copies will be up front.

What elements are you asked to fill in on the worksheet? Look at it…

Each chapter summary worksheet will be due when we finish each chapter. I will let you know.

Symbolism Notebooks (more on that later…)

How to Read a Short Story Critically Analyze Essentials Elements of the StoryNote each character as they are

introducedNote the major characters in relation

to the lesser charactersIdentify elements of plot—”what

happens or factors that influence action”

Note the essential conflict

How to Read a Short Story Critically Analyze the Structure of the

StoryIdentify POVExplain how the author uses timeExplain how the author uses

settingExplain how the author uses

perspective as seen through the eyes/experiences of each character.

How to Read a Short Story Critically Analyze Rhetorical ElementsIdentify author’s use of irony (dramatic, situational, verbal)Identify recurring image patternsExplain author’s use of symbolsIdentify special uses of language

like figures of speech, unusual diction and syntax

How to Read a Short Story Critically Analyze the Meaning of the Story

(Interpretation)Identify themes (dominant

message/claim) and how the author announces it

Explain how elements above contribute to theme

Identify contextual elements (allusions, symbols, etc.) that point beyond the story to the author’s experience/life, history, or to other writings.

Pick your Gatsby Theme/s

*Society/Class *Love *Visions of America (The American Dream)*Wealth *Memories of the Past *Isolation*Dissatisfaction *Mortality *Marriage*Gender Roles *Lies/Deceit*Education *Compassion/Forgiveness*Religion (or lack thereof)

Gatsby Book Overview…

1. Look at the art on the front cover. Describe everything you see. What do you think this will have to do with the novel?

2. How many pages does this book have? Chapters? About how long is each chapter?

3. Look at the back cover. Summarize the synopsis. What is this book going to be about?

4. Who wrote this book? Write down some basic facts about his life. Do you think the author’s life influenced his writing? Why?