Engl 3:
Today we discussed chapter 9. We talked about the ending and tried hard to make some sense of it. We also went over the projects that we’ll be working on dealing with this book. I handed out the prompt for the movie that we will be making and went over it. I also handed out a prompt for an analysis paper over The Great Gatsby.
There should (if all technology works correctly) be a copy of the prompts attached to this post. You may print them out yourself. Do not loose them! You will be using them for your essay and movie. The essay is due on Thursday. I will give you in class time to work on it, but I highly recommend against doing it all in class. Write it out in a journal or write out an outline so that you aren’t rushed in the end.
Engl 4:
Research, research, research! It's all we seem to do lately, but it's what's on the menu. You have your literary analysis essay due MONDAY!! You will post a copy of your paper on blackboard as well as hand in a hard copy to me. Those of you who have not handed in your rough draft (And you know who you are!) must have it turned in on Monday along with a final draft.
Speech:
We're continuing our work on our oral presentations. Most everyone has a work chosen now. You need to hand in a copy of your work to me. I will not let you perform if I do not get a script of what you are going to say. This script has to include your introduction. I also need your questions that were included in the oral performance packet. Remember, you must perform these dramatic readings alone. You may choose something with two parts, but it will be difficult to pull off.
Well, it's Friday, we're all done with another week. I hope it feels good. We can almost taste spring break, we're so close. Less than a week to go. And seniors! Only 24 more senior days left. Huzzah!
Engl 3 Prompts:
Gatsby Movie Prompt:
It’s your turn to create something! For this book, we’re going to do an extended project: We’re going to make a movie! Each class will be divided into three groups, and assigned one of the nine chapters in The Great Gatsby.
You and your group will be responsible for creating a script from the chapter. You will have to turn your chapter into a 5-10 minute mini-movie. When every group has turned their project in, we will put them all together into one large movie and watch our very own Great Gatsby movie!
What am I looking for in your movie?
- Creativity— This does not mean making Gatsby a jive-talking gangster. Being creative is about solving problems and presenting in a unique way. Like filming the scene in the restaurant in an actual restaurant.
- Plot— Make sure that your scene accurately follows the plot of the novel. Where it starts, the major points in between, and the ending are all intact. You don’t have to have a novel length script, just enough to show that you read the book and know what the major plot points are.
- Acting— This project still concerns a movie. Make sure your acting is believable. I do not expect a movie star performance, but I do expect a professional performance. This means no giggling during your lines, no flubbing your lines, and do not simply deliver script deadpan. If you have friends or siblings helping you, make sure they know their lines too. Make sure they pronounce character’s names correctly. You are responsible for all of your actors and their quality of work, regardless of if they are in this class!!
I hope we will all be able to make a fun, interesting movie. We will get to watch the final product in class and compare certain sections to the Hollywood movie. There will also be an election for Best Scene, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Script, Best Props, and Most Creative. Those who win will receive a trip down the red carpet during the Gatsbys (Like the Oscars. Get it?)
Gatsby Paper:
Now that we've read The Great Gatsby, I want you to write a shrot, two page analytical essay about the novel. You will choose one of the following topics to write your essay over. Remember that essays should be properly formatted with 1-inch margins, 12 point font, a clear introduction, argument, and conclusion. I recommend completing an outline first so you know where your thoughts are going. Remember, this is an analysis essay! Do not simply summarize the plot. You need to apply analytical thought. (Remember level 4, Analysis?)
The essay will be due on Thursday, Aprith 5th, by the end of school.
Essay topics:
- Analyze a character. Choose one of the following characers, Daisy, Gatsby, or Tom and write an essay describing how they change over the course of the novel. Focus on who they were when the novel started and who they were when the novel ended. What secrets of theirs were revealed to us? Why did they hide them?
- Choose a color from one of the six colors we discussed in class. Discuss its meaning in the novel and instances where the color occurs. How does the color's meaning affect the plot and mood of the novel? How is it important to the rest of the story?
- Compare and contrast either Tom and George or Daisy and Myrtle. How are they similar? How are they different? How do they approach the same situation in life differently?
- What do you think was the most significant moment of the novel? Why? How did it affect the outcome of the novel? (Remember for this topic you have to defend your choice. Give some evidence from the book as to why the scene you choose was the most important.)
You may elect to choose your own topic. If you do so, please clear your topic with me first. This will make sure that you don't create a topic that isn't an analysis after all, and just focuses on summarizing the plot.
