JOURNALS

The Great Gatsby

Journal 1 - The American Dream

What is the American Dream?James T. Adams who coined the term

said in 1931 that it is the “dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement.”

Journal 1 – The American Dream

For each of the following statements, write down whether you agree (A) or disagree (D).

1. It is possible to move from poverty to the middle class. 2. Hard work alone determines success. 3. Being middle class is the American Dream. 4. Poverty equals unhappiness.5. Money equals happiness.6. You can never change your class status. 7. A stable family life is important to achieving success.

Journal #1 – The American Dream

Now, looking back at your answers to the seven previous statements, pick one statement that stands out to you the most (which one did you have the strongest feeling about?).

Write 3 sentences about that statement and explain WHY you feel that way.

Journal # 2 - Virtues

At the end of Chapter 3, Nick says, “Everyone suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known” (59).

What does “virtue” mean?List at least 3 virtues.Which virtue do you think is “yours”? Write a

few sentences explaining why you feel this way and citing examples of times when you have demonstrated this virtue.

4 Cardinal Virtues 7 Catholic Virtues

Prudence - able to judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time

Justice - the perpetual and constant will of rendering to each one his right

Temperance or Restraint - practicing self-control, abstention, and moderation

Fortitude or Courage - forbearance, endurance, and ability to confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation

ChastityTemperanceCharityDiligencePatienceKindnessHumility

Journal #2 - Virtues

Journal #2 - Virtues

(*This slide is for discussion only, you do not have to write down your answers.)

So, the virtue that Nick names is not really a “cardinal virtue”. Why do you think Fitzgerald worded his sentence that way?

What other instance of misnaming have you observed in the novel? When Gatsby tells Nick his family is from the Mid West.“What part of the Middle West?” I inquired casually.“San Francisco.”“I see.”

Journal # 3 - Dreams

“Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” William Butler Yeats

  Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths, Enwrought with golden and silver light, The blue and the dim and the dark cloths Of night and light and the half-light, I would spread the cloths under your feet: But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

A. How does the above poem relate to the character of Gatsby? Write a few sentences explaining how this poem could be describing Gatsby’s feelings toward Daisy.

Journal #4 – The American Dream

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1PUhcqBg98 Start at 6:15

Journal #4 – The American Dream

NPR Interview on Work Ethic

Journal #4 – The American Dream

1. How do you think the changes in The Game of Life correspond to the changes in views of the American Dream? “character, hard work, and

sacrifice”2. What did you hear

in the interview that you can apply to your attitude towards work, school, sports, extracurriculars, etc.?

Journal #5 – Dreams

A. In Chapter 9, Gatsby’s father talks to Nick about Gatsby’s book, Hopalong Cassidy (173).

1. What might this book represent?2. What was surprising about his general resolves?3. Name 3 resolves that you could make for your life.

Journal #5 - Dreams

B. On the last page, Fitzgerald writes, “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter – tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther… And one fine morning –”

1. Why does Fitzgerald leave this sentence unfinished?2. What do you think Nick hopes will happen “that” morning?

C. The final sentence reads, “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”Does Nick actually believe his dreams (or anyone’s dreams) are

really attainable? How do you know?