American Literature Assignment #23

March 11-13, 2008

1. Reading: Now we turn the corner into the 20^th century and met a whole new way of looking at the trials and vicissitudes of life in The Great Gatsby. Read chapters 1-5. For each chapter, write a one paragraph commentary on any element of the narrative that appeals to you. You might discuss the author’s use of metaphors—and find a theme that ties them together; you might discuss the author’s characterization of his narrator, Nick; You might discuss the way the author describes the scenery, noting how he creates a sort of dreamy, filtered cinematic effect. Or not. Choose what you will! (Due March 25).

2. Vocabulary:

The Easter Bunny has left you a get-out-of-vocabulary-free-card.

3. Writing: Write an essay in which you discuss the book as a journey from point A to point B. You will define the nature of the beginning and end points, the nature of the changes that take place, the significance of the story for Huck and perhaps for American civilization in the “Gilded Age” (1,000 words; due March 13).

4. Heads-Up!!! Beginning in April, you will be writing a 10 page magnum opus—a research paper on any topic related to American history and/or literature of the 17^{th through 19th} centuries. You should start thinking about your topic NOW so that when the time comes, you will be ready to roll.

Talk to me about ideas—I LOVE brainstorming (and, of course, I love you, too!)