This is a guide to all of Mrs. Lusher's classes taught at North Gwinnett High School.
Monday, November 1, 2010
PLEASE READ
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Wednesday, 10/6/10
- Today all rough drafts for the research paper were finished
- All rough drafts were turned in (with the work cited page) by the end of the period
AP Lang
- Students began the period by taking a medieval professions quiz, and they were assigned a profession.
- Writing Assignment for Canterbury Tales was assigned. Students have to write their own tale.
- Students then researched their profession and the time period for their tale.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Tuesday, 10/5/10
- Work on Rough Draft of Research Paper
- Rough Draft due on Wednesday by the end of class
AP Lang
- Test on Beowulf & Anglo-Saxons
- Study Guide due with test
- Introduction to Canterbury Tales, Chaucer, and Middle Ages
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wednesday, 9/22/10
- Research in the Library
AP Lang
- Presentations: Crusades and Black Plague
Tuesday, 9/21/10
- DGP
- Peer edit and discuss persuasive writing drafts
- Revise draft and turn in final draft tomorrow
- Assign research project (see handout)
- Students also picked topics for their research papers
AP Lang
- Discussed the GHSGWT
- Anglo Saxon Riddle Competition (see attached)
Monday, 9/20/10
11th Grade LA
- DGP
- Vocabulary Quiz #2 - assignment also due (see vocab unit 2)
- Note and discussion about persuasive essay content (see powerpoint)
AP Lang
- Background notes on Anglo-Saxons and Beowulf
- Assign Beowulf Boasts (see handout)
- Kennings Assignment (see handout)
- Bring books, starting tomorrow
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday, 9/13/10
- DGP
- Persuasive Writing #3
- "Crisis Number 1" Chart
- Declaration Due
AP Lang
- Orwell Questions Due
- Pass back notecards
- Continue taking notes on 3 essays
- Outline synthesis essay
- HW: Prepare questions for Socratic Seminar on Oedipus
- Synthesis Essay due on Monday, 9/20
Friday, 9/3/10
- DGP #3-4 Due
- Background notes on the Rationalists (Unit 2)
AP Lang
- Annontated Bibs Due
- Vocabulary Quiz #4
- Oedipus
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Unit 1 Reflection (11th grade only)
During this unit we have read a selection from each of the following groups: Native American myths, slave narratives, explorer journals, and Puritan poems/sermons. Of these, which type of writing and which piece was your favorite? Why? Could you identify with the speaker, writer, or characters? Why, or why not?
To receive full credit you must respond to the question and also comment on someone else's response (make sure to address who you are commenting on). Make sure to follow directions on how to post a comment (located to the right on this page) to qualify.
DUE BY MONDAY AT MIDNIGHT - GOOD LUCK!
Wednesday, 9/1/10
- DGP
- Read "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"
- Review for Unit 1 Test
- Discuss how to access online textbook.
- HW: Study for test tomorrow and complete the test review
AP Lang
- Notes on Greek Theater
- Handout on Drama Terms (Quiz on Wednesday)
- HW: Review for 1984 reading quiz tomorrow
Tuesday, 8/31/10
- DGP
- Read "Huswifery" by Edward Taylor
- Read "To My Dear and Loving Husband" by Anne Bradstreet
- Answered questions on pgs. 101-102
AP Lang
- Took notes on MLA format
- Discussed Summary Theme Essay
- Read packet on what a summary theme involves when writing
Monday, 8/30/10
- DGP
- Finished Plymouth Plantation questions
- Groups created rules for their own Plymouth Plantation
AP Lang
- Presentations of 1984 Quote Project
- "Tagging the Text" for 1984
Friday, 8/27/10
- Vocab Quiz #1
- Handed in Vocab work after discussing
- Read Plymouth Plantation
- Answered questions at the end of the story
AP Lang
- Quote Project on 1984 (worked in groups 3rd period)
- 7th period - Discussion Questions
- HW: Finish Quote Project
Thursday, 8/26/10
- DGP
- Quiz on Native Americans/Explorers
- Background notes on the Puritans
- HW: Study for Vocab Quiz #1
AP Lang
- Quote Project for 1984 (worked in groups)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday, 8/25/10
- DGP #3
- Discuss questions for "Equiano"
- Read Christopher Columbus's "Voyage"
- Answer questions about "Voyage"
- Journal #5 - "Extreme Experience"
AP Lang
- Research for Annonated Bibs in Media Center
Tuesday, 8/24/10
- DGP #3
- Turn in finished "Myth" journal
- Read "Equiano", marking loaded words and looking for emotional appeal
- Discuss persuasive deivces
- Answer questions on pg. 44
AP Lang
- Discuss rubric essay competition results
- Assign Annotated Bibs for 1984
- Start quote project for 1984
Monday, 8/23/10
- DGP #3
- Peer edit your "Myth" journal
- Begin your re-write
AP Lang
- Discuss AP Rubric
- Rubric Competition
Friday, 8/20/10
- Turn in DGP #1-2
- Hand in Summer Reading Packet/notes
- Write Summer Reading In-class Essay
AP Lang
- Take Vocabulary Quiz #2
- Write Argument Essay - "The Case Against Coldplay"
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thursday, 8/19/10
- DGP
- Read "Earth on Turtle's Back" pg. 14
- Read "Grizzlies Walked Upright" pg. 19
- Read back info on Indian tribes
- Complete Study Guide on Native American Myths
- Journal #4: Create your own myth
- HW: Summer Reading packet due tomorrow, in-class essay tomorrow
AP Lang
- Finish Multiple Choice Practive Exam
- Go over correct answers
- Read "Case Against Coldplay"
- Discuss how the test is scored, and what is on the AP exam
- HW: study for vocab #2 quiz
Wednesday, 8/18/10
- Publishing Day - students shared their typed journal and received comments from their peers
- Picture Day
AP Lang
- Multiple Choice Practice AP Exam
- Picture Day
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesday, 8/17/10
- DGP #2
- Quiz on Theme, Tone, and Technique
- Publishing day was moved to Wednesday
- Quiz on Rhetorical Devices
- Anglo-Saxon projects assigned
Monday, 8/16/10
- DGP #2
- Notes on Unit 1 - Native Americans, Puritans
- Unit 1 Study Guide
- HW: Study for Theme, Tone, Technique quiz tomorrow and type one journal from last week to share in class.
- Study Guide for Glass Menagerie due
- Socratic Seminar for Glass Menagerie
- HW: Study for quiz on rhetorical devices
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday, 8/13/10
- DGP - Discussed the whole week's answers
- Summer Reading Lit Circles
- HW: packet and notes for summer reading is due next Friday
- Vocab Quiz #1
- Group questions on Glass Menagerie
- Group Presentations
- HW: Prepare 3 questions for Monday's Socratic seminar on Glass Menagerie, study guide doe on Monday, and email me your best journal of the week in a word document
Thursday, 8/12/10
- DGP - Label capitalization and punctuation
- Discussed tone and style. Went over examples from sample texts.
- Students had to complete 12 sample passages on their own.
- HW: Bring Summer Reading materials tomorrow
- Read piece on high school tribal life
- Discussed literary devices used
- Journal #4 - "What tribes exist at North Gwinnett?"
- HW: Bring Glass Menagerie study guide and book for tomorrow and study for vocab quiz
Wednesday, 8/11/10
- DGP - label clauses and sentence type
- Read "Memories of Dating" by Dave Barry
- Talk about theme, tone, and technique
- Journal #3 - "Memory"
- Discuss Rhetorical Devices
- Read two pieces by Leonard Pitts
- Discussed why the author used the rhetorical devices they did
- Journal #3 - "Why?"
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tuesday, 8/10/10
Honors 11th Grade LA
- DGP - Label the sentence parts
- Collected student information sheets
- "Where I'm From" Icebreaker
- Read "Where I'm From" poem, discussed
- Wrote Journal #2 - "Where I'm From" poem and Origins story
- Received Vocab Unit #1, part 2
AP Lang
- Textbooks were checked out to all students
- Discussed rhetorical devices/strategies
- Read "Black Men and Public Spaces", discussed rhetorical devices used
- Wrote Journal #2 - "Stereotypes"
Monday, August 9, 2010
Monday, 8/9/10
11th Grade Honors
- DGP (remember to download and print the form and notes!) - Sentence #1 - edgar allan poe laments the loss of his wife virginia in his poem annabel lee
- Student Info Sheet - due back by Friday, 8/13
- Syllabus
- We read "My Name" and discussed the tone, theme, and technique of the piece.
- Journal #1 - Your Name Story
- Vocab Unit #1 was assigned and worksheets were given. Quiz and worksheets due on 8/27.
AP Lang
- Ice Breaker activity - "Find Someone Who..."
- Syllabus
- Vocabulary Units explained (remember to download and print the critical vocab list!) - quizzes on every Friday
- Journal #1 - Unique
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Welcome!
Let me begin by introducing you to my website. This is one of the most valuable tools you will need this year. Each day I post what we covered in each class, as well as post any assignments given.
To find assignments, handouts, notes, etc. click on your class up in the right hand corner. This will re-direct you to another page, organized by unit. Click on the unit we are currently studying and then browse by date for the assignment you need.
Also, on my website you will find a link to my email, calendar of due dates, and the link the the textbook online.
Please do not hesitate to email me with any questions you may have! I look forward to seeing everyone on Monday! :)
Monday, April 26, 2010
This week...4/26-30/10
Tuesday - Review for the Unit 6 Test
Wednesday - Unit 6 Test
Thursday - Intro to Raisin in the Sun, and we will begin reading the play
Friday - EOCT Review, Unit 10 Vocabulary Quiz & work due
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday - 4/15/10
Students were also given time in class to work on their essays or paragraphs for part one of the Ancestry Project, which is due tomorrow.
Wednesday - 4/14/10
We also read the short story "Everyday Use" in the Reader's Companion. Students answered questions as we read, and the completed that section of the study guide.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tuesday - 4/13/10
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Catcher in the Rye - Test Review
Click on the "comments" button on the bottom of the post. Please look through the questions that have been posted, regarding Catcher in the Rye. First, you must post your own question (one that you have come up with) following the rules for posting. Next you will need to copy one of the questions that has been posted by someone else, and then supply an answer for that question.
Don't forget to include your student # and period to receive credit!
Monday, March 29, 2010
This week...
Tuesday - Today we will be finishing the book in class. All study guide questions should be answered, and journal #9 completed. If we have time, we will begin our in-class review of the novel.
Wednesday - Quiz Day! You will be taking your third and final quiz over Catcher in the Rye. Your vocab unit 9 work is also due, and you will be taking your quiz over those words. At the end of the period, we will be reviewing parts of the novel in preparation of the test. HW: Catcher Review, directions will be posted here.
Thursday - Catcher in the Rye Test today, all study guide questions and journals due. Your Holden Character Project is also due today. We will have brief, informal presentations of the Holden projects after the test. Good luck!
Friday - Happy Spring Break!! Have fun and be safe!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
GHSGT Testing this week...
- Catcher in the Rye Quiz #1- If you have seen me, then you have taken a quiz on chapters 1-6, if you haven't seen me this week, you will be taking your quiz tomorrow.
- Catcher in the Rye Quiz #2 - EVERYONE will take this in class on Friday. It will be over Chapters 1-15.
- Reading...by the end of the week you should have through Ch. 18 read, questions answered, and journals written.
If you need to catch up on your reading at home, click here for a copy online. If you need another copy of the handouts or the notes from the powerpoint, please see the handouts page, and look under Catcher in the Rye.
I am around if you need me, and of course I am always available through email! Good luck on your testing!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Wednesday, 3.17.10
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Monday-Thursday - 3.1-4.10
Friday - 2.26.10
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday - 2.25.10
We will be in Lab 610 again tomorrow.
Wednesday - 2.24.10
Tomorrow we will be back in the computer lab, Room 610.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday - 2.23.10
SAT Writing - Students had to pick the best of their four rough drafts, and make corrections. Then they typed up that essay and submitted with their rough drafts.
Research Paper - Students looked through the online textbook and picked one author they would like to research. Students had to sign up for this author before leaving.
Remember, tomorrow we are in the Media Center for research!
Monday - 2.22.10
Reminder - We will be in Lab 620 tomorrow!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday - 2.19.10
Today we began the period with a practice SAT timed writing. Students were given a practice topic and 25 minutes to write an essay. This was the third practice.
After the timed writing, students began to work on the Modernism test review. This is due on Monday.
Also, students should not forget to study for their test on Monday. Also, students should watch the videos on Prufrock below and answer the questions for an additional 10 points on their test.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"
These videos are completely different - one creating images from the poem and one is a dramatic reading of the poem. Which one do you like better, and why? Which video helps you to clearly understand the poem? If you were to create a video for this dramatic monologue written by T.S Eliot, what would you incorporate? How would you get your understanding of the poem across?
Thursday - 2.18.10
The poem is located on pg. 718. We listened to a recording of poem, noting the rhyme and rhythm of the poem. Before we began I went over a few key notes:
- This poem is a dramatic monologue...think like a soliloquy in a play (maybe Hamlet which is referenced several times).
- This is not free verse - there is a rhyme, although irregular. There is also a refrain that is repeated throughout.
- Eliot uses concrete images at the beginning of the poem, and then moves to abstract ideas.
- Tons of classical references throughout...beginning with Dante's Inferno, demonstrating how he is a lost man in the modern world.
After we listened to the poem, we answered the book questions together. Then students were given a handout to dissect the poem and its literary devices. This handout will be finished for homework and turned in tomorrow.
Don't forget - if you did not watch the video and comment yesterday, make sure you do so tonight!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
"A Worn Path"
After reading this story in class today, how does the video add to your understanding? Would do something similar for someone else, like Phoenix did for her grandson? Why, or why not?
Wednesday - 2.17.10
We have had a lot of work for the modernism unit, and the grades break down as follows:
- Benjamin Button - 20
- In Another Country - 10
- A Rose for Emily - 20
- A Worn Path - 10
- A Worn Path Video Comment - 10
- The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock - 20
- Modernism Test Review - 10
Tuesday - 2.16.10
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Monday - 2.15.10
Today students also selected their LA class for next year. If you were absent today, or have additional questions that were not asked in class, please see or email me.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Friday - 2.12.10
Thursday - 2.11.10
Reminder - Vocab Quiz 7 tomorrow!
Wednesday - 2.10.10
We also started reading a second piece by F. Scott Fitzgerald today - Benjamin Button. This is a short story written during the modernist time period. We will complete the story tomorrow.
Tuesday - 2.9.10
Monday - 2.8.10
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Scrabble Tournament
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday - 2.5.10
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Updated Calendar
Thursday - 2.4.10
- Paul Laurence Dunbar (pg. 656)
- "We Wear the Mask" (pg. 660)
- Fredrick Douglass (pg. 494)
- "My Bondage and My Freedom" (pg. 497)
- "Douglass" pg. 659
Students answered questions over these selections, and then we disucssed the answers.
Wednesday - 2.3.10
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tuesday - 2.2.10
Monday - 2.1.10
Friday, January 29, 2010
Friday - 1.29.10
Suddenly….
Gunshots are heard all around you….
Describe where you are at, who you are with, and what just happened to you.
How did your soldier survive the attack?
Did you have any injuries?
Thursday - 1.28.10
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday - 1.27.10
We also begun our toy soldier journals today. Students received their own soldier, and created a profile for their soldier. Over the next few weeks students will be writing journal entries for their soldier.
The period ended with background/historical notes on the literary time period. Students used the book to complete this activity, and turned it in when they were done.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday - 1.26.10
Outside Reading Assignment #1 was also assigned today. We discussed the purpose behind the assignment and when it is due. Students also received the data sheet that will need to be filled out.
SAT Writing notes were handed out, and discussed. We talked about the criteria of the SAT Writing and how to score the best possible score. Students then wrote one SAT Essay and turned it in.
3rd Period Advisement: Your course planning sheets were distributed and we discussed what was needed to graduate and what you currently have taken. Sheets were then collected, and we will be looking over your transcripts and these sheets again tomorrow.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday - 1.25.10
Vocab Unit 7 has also been posted. The quiz is on Friday, February 12th.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Friday - 1.22.10
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Great Gatsby Discussion
Thursday - 1.21.10
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wednesday - 1.20.10
Reminder for students: Vocab Unit 6 work is due on Friday, and your quiz will also be on Friday. Also, the Great Gatsby test is on Monday. Your color journal for the novel is also due on Monday.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tuesday - 1.19.10
Chapter 9 Summary:
- Rumors fly about Gatsby and his death
- Only a few attend Gatsby’s funeral: Nick, Owl Eyes, a few servants, and Gatsby’s father
- Tom and Daisy move away
- Jordan and Nick break up
- Tom is the one who told Wilson that Gatsby owned the car-thus revenging Myrtle’s death
- Nick describes Tom and Daisy as “careless” people whose money is their safety net
- Nick thinks back about Gatsby’s American Dream
-Though we try to press forward to the future, we are always drawn back to the past
Chapter 9 Analysis - Marxism:
- Explore how the “large” dominates the “small”
- Tom tells Wilson that Gatsby owns the car (used Wilson like a pawn to revenge Myrtle’s death)
- The quest for the “American Dream”
- Tom and Daisy move away without consequence
- No matter how hard we try, the past always weighs us down
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Friday - 1.15.10
Chapter 7 Summary:
- Gatsby now determined to have Daisy. Tom knows of their feelings
- Gatsby, Daisy, Tom, Jordan, and Nick all drive to the city
- Nick rides with Jordan and Tom in Gatsby's car, and Gatsby and Daisy ride together in Tom's car. Nick, Jordan ,and Tom stop for gas at Wilson’s garage in Gatsby’s car
- Wilson reveals he knows of Myrtle’s affair and plans to move her West
- In the city, Tom and Gatsby have THE confrontation, Tom says the he has a history with Daisy that Gatsby could never imagine. Flippant Daisy admits she feels drawn more to Tom than Gatsby
- Tom sends Daisy and Gatsby alone back to the city without fear
- On his way back home, Tom passes by the scene of an automobile accident. Myrtle was hit and killed by a car, but the car sped away
- Wilson knows it was a yellow car that struck Myrtle. Tom fears Wilson will remember him driving Gatsby’s yellow car earlier that day
- Daisy was the actual driver of the car, not Gatsby. Gatsby will take the blame for her though.
- Nick watches Daisy and Tom reconcile
Chapter 7 Analysis - Formal:
- Ignore historical context, and explore the novel as an organic whole
- Cars and Drivers
- Myrtle was the victim
- Wilson and Tom’s suspicion of their wives’ affairs
- Daisy chooses to remain with Tom instead of Gatsby
Chapter 8 Summary:
- Gatsby explains to Nick his romantic history with Daisy
- The gardener wants to drain the pool but Gatsby wants to take a swim first. He has never used the pool
- Wilson finds a dog collar as proof of Myrtle’s affair.
- Wilson believes Dr. T.J Eckleberg’s eyes watches over all. (eyes of God) He comes to the conclusion that the person driving the car was Myrtle’s lover.
- Seeking revenge for his wife’s death, George shoots Gatsby while he is in the pool.
- George then kills himself
- Portrayal of the 1920s and the collapse of the American Dream
Chapter 8 Analysis - Formal:
- Ignore historical context, and explore the novel as an organic whole
- Wilson murders Gatsby
- Dog collar is found
- Gatsby will never have Daisy
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Thursday - 1.14.10
Chapter 5 Summary:
- Nick tells Gatsby that he will help him with the tea party plan. Gatsby wants to make sure the “stage is set” perfectly
- Gatsby offers Nick a business offer on the side- not associated with Meyer Wolfshiem
- Daisy comes over for the tea party and is reunited with Gatsby. Things are awkward at first but the connection between them is obvious.
- Gatsby takes Nick and Daisy over to his mansion for a tour. Daisy begins to cry. Gatsby tells Daisy how much he misses her.
- Nick fears Daisy can not live up to Gatsby’s unrealistic expectations
- Daisy and Gatsby are only focused on one another, and Nick leaves them alone
Chapter 5 Analysis - Formalist:
- Ignore historical context, and explore the novel as an organic whole
- Nick is the only narrator- says he is very honest. Are we limited though?
- Tea Party Organization
- Think of all the connections between the characters. How do their relationships with one another advance the plot? How is each individual crucial to the plot?
Chapter 6 Summary:
- Gatsby’s true past revealed- Born James Gatz in North Dakota, dropped out of college, worked as a janitor and fisherman, befriended Dan Cody who left him money, but Gatsby could not claim it. Determined to be successful
- Tom has drinks with Gatsby, but he dislikes him. Thinks his money came from bootlegging.
- Tom and Daisy attended a party at Gatsby’s house- mood very somber
- Gatsby wants Daisy to fall in love with him again, but she did not have fun at the party
- Now that Gatsby finally has Daisy, the chase is over
Chapter 6 Analysis - Feminism:
- Explore how different genders react in certain situations
- Again, what if Gatsby were a female?
- Competition between Tom and
Gatsby
- Social expectations at parties- drinking and talking
After the discussion of Chapters 5 & 6, we read Chapter 7, which took the remainder of the period.
Wednesday - 1.13.10
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tuesday - 1.12.10
Summary of Chapter 3
- Gatsby invites Nick to one of his famous parties. Jordan is also in attendance
- First look into Gatsby’s house and lifestyle (ex: mansion, Rolls Royce, pool, beach, food)
- Rumors still fly about Gatsby’s past- he is a German spy, a graduate of Oxford, and may have killed a man. He is also a people-pleaser
- Nick recognizes Gatsby. They served in the same division during the war.
- Jordan and Gatsby have a private meeting. He tells her something “extraordinary”
- Nick does not understand the lavish lifestyle, thinks there is more to life than parties and idleness
- Nick begins to date Jordan although she is deceitful and cheats at golf. He claims to be very honest person.
Analysis of Chapter 3 - Feminism
- Explore how different genders react in certain situations
- How would this story be different if Gatsby were a girl? (Think in terms of his ambiguous past and immense wealth. What if a girl hosted these types of parties?)
- How would the description of Gatsby’s life be different if it were narrated through a girl’s point of view?
- What if Daisy pursued Gatsby?
- What if Gatsby had a wife and child? Complications?
- Think about gender-Jordan cheats while playing golf. Is this behavior normally expected of a girl? How would the plot be different if it were a male cheating at golf?
Summary of Chapter 4
- Gatsby finally tells Nick about his life. He produces a medal and picture as evidence
- Gatsby gets out of a speeding ticket
- Meyer Wolfshiem introduced. He conducts underground business and is said to have fixed the 1919 World Series. Very “shady” man
- Jordan reveals to Nick that Gatsby has confessed his love for Daisy
- Daisy moved on from Gatsby to Tom, but received a letter from Gatsby the night before her wedding. The green light he reaches out for is on Daisy’s dock.
- Gatsby wants Nick to arrange a tea party at Nick’s house and invite only Daisy. Gatsby will show up later to surprise and reunite with Daisy.
Analysis of Chapter 4 - Marxism
- Explore how the “large” dominates the “small”
- Gatsby is able to get out of a speeding ticket (money vs. law)
- Meyer Wolfshiem and the World Series (money)
- Tom’s $350,000 pearl necklace for Daisy (male vs. female)
Monday - 1.11.10
Chapter 2 Summary
- The Valley of Ashes is introduced
- Dr. TJ Eckleburg’s eyes watches over all
- Tom takes Myrtle and Nick to his apartment in New York City that he keeps specifically for the affair. He throws a party and invites a few guests.
- At this party, rumors are discussed about Gatsby’s past as the liquor continuously flows
- Tom buys Myrtle a puppy
- Tom and Myrtle have a violent fight over Daisy. Tom breaks her nose during the argument.
Chapter 2 Analysis - Historical/Biographical
- Explore how this chapter reflects life in the 1920s or elements from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s actual life
- Prohibition
- Cult of Domesticity
- Division of wealth- Valley of Ashes, George vs. Tom
- Sanctity of marriage- blatant affairs
- Fitzgerald’s tumultuous relationship with Zelda
- Fitzgerald and Tom both heavy, aggressive drinkers
After discussing Chapter 2, we went on to read all of Chapter 3.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Thursday - 1.7.10
Summary Notes from Chap. 1:
- Background information given on Nick
- East Egg (old rich) vs. West Egg (newly rich)
- Nick drives to East Egg to have dinner with his cousin Daisy and her husband Tom
- Tom a former football player, physically enormous
- Daisy is very delicate, and absent minded
- Nick is introduced to Jordan Baker- she yawns as if bored by her lavish life
- At dinner, Tom receives a call from his lover. Jordan reveals that Tom is having an affair.
- Nick arrives home to see Gatsby standing on his lawn, reaching out over the dark water of his dock, staring at a distant green light
Critical Analysis Notes from Chap. 1 (Historical or Biographical):
- Explore how this chapter reflects life in the 1920s or elements from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s actual life (Remember that F. Scott Fitzgerald is the author)
Examples:
- F. Scott Fitzgerald and Nick both had traditions of old money, but did not actually have it themselves
- Fitzgerald & Zelda and Tom & Daisy both have rocky relationships littered with affairs and abuse
- Drinking at dinner-prohibition
- Women’s rights and the changing roles of women. Compare/Contrast Daisy and Jordan
- War aftermath
- American Dream- all trying to pursue it
- Division of wealth- East Egg vs. West Egg, time of unprecedented wealth
After taking notes, we read Chapter 2 together in class.
Homework: Students should download and print the semester calendar (from the handouts page, link on the right), and the Vocabulary Unit #6 is due on 1.22 and the quiz is also that day.