Introduction:
Your English class has been chosen to participate in a top-secret, experimental educational program that allows you to go back in time and meet the historical figure of your choice. Because you enjoyed reading The Great Gatsby so much, you decide to visit the year 1925 and meet its author, F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Sadly, you arrive too early in the year and the legendary author has not yet completed his masterpiece. Because of your error, Fitzgerald is unable to discuss the novel with you. However, he offers to take you out on his yacht to enjoy the scenic views of the Long Island Sound. While pointing out East Egg, he reaches a bit too far and falls overboard. (This probably has something to do with the drinks he has been sneaking while you were distracted.)
You immediately dive in after Fitzgerald and pull him safely back onto the yacht, but… there’s a problem. Fitzgerald has a massive bump on his head from a piece of driftwood he hit and he cannot remember where, or who, he is.
You are terrified! Because of you, Fitzgerald’s memory is lost and he has not yet completed The Great Gatsby. The course of American Literature will be forever altered unless you find some way to bring Fitzgerald back to his senses. But what can you do???
The Task:
You and your group decide that the most appropriate way to jog Fitzgerald’s fuzzy memory is to throw him a “This is Your Life” party. This party must be a lavish gala, the type Fitzgerald would throw himself, and it must incorporate all of the important social, cultural, historical, and biographical aspects that Fitzgerald includes in The Great Gatsby.
You will use the internet (good thing you brought your laptops with you) to research everything from food and fashion to historical figures of the time period in order to prepare for the event. Your group will then present your “party plan” to the class during our very own Gatsby-inspired party. Feel free to dress for the occasion!
Your presentation must be a Google Presentation or Prezi that you share with me electronically.
My email address: dcastellano@socsd.org
Your presentation include :
- A “party plan” that describes your assigned aspect of the party in full detail. Be sure to address each question for your group (see below). You must also include research sources.
- A visual/audio component (pictures, photos, movie clips, music)
*Presentations should be approximately 7-10 slides. Please keep this in mind during the planning process.
The Process
You will be given time to research and create your Party Plan. Each group will make their presentations to the class. Remember, the purpose of this party is to help Fitzgerald regain his memory so that he can complete The Great Gatsby. Keep this in mind as you conduct your research.
- First, you will be assigned to one of five groups. Your group must address each of the ‘Research Questions’ below for your role.
|
Role |
Research Questions |
| Biographer
|
-What important events in Fitzgerald’s life are important to the plot of The Great Gatsby? -Which people in his own life serve as inspiration for the characters in the book?
-Describe the biographical events in Fitzgerald’s life that influenced the plot and themes of the novel. |
| Guest Coordinator
|
-Who would Fitzgerald invite to this party? -What types of people might grace his mansion with their company?
-What rules for decorum should they be expected to follow (or break)? -Include specific names and descriptions of some of the famous people of the day who may be in New York for the occasion. |
| Caterer
|
-What food and beverages should be served at a luxurious party in the 1920’s? -Where will get these refreshments? Remember, you have come back in time to the Prohibition era when alcoholic beverages are difficult to find… but they are a must for any Fitzgerald party!
-How are you going to provide these? What methods will you use to ensure your guests aren’t thirsty? |
| Fashion Consultant
|
-What is the dress code for this party? -What do the members of the upper social class of the 1920’s wear to a formal event? Remember that both men and women pay particular attention to their
attire at this time. -What are the latest trends? Include hairstyles, accessories, jewelry, do’s and don’t’s. |
|
Entertainment Director
|
-What kind of entertainment would a man like Fitzgerald provide for his guests? -What performers would he book and what kind of music would they play?
– In what dances might the guests engage? Be specific about songs and even dance steps. -Also, what other activities might guests during this time do for fun? |
2. Once you have been assigned to a group, do the necessary research for your part of the party plan. You may also want to reread chapter 3 of The Great Gatsby for inspiration. Be sure to address each of the research questions for your role in the table above.
3. When the research step is completed, meet as a group to create your Party Plan to present to the class. Be sure to review all of the required components.
4. Once all components of the Party Plan are complete, be sure to revise it into a polished final copy and rehearse your presentation. All group members are expected to participate in the presentation.
5. You are now ready to make your presentation to the class and save F. Scott Fitzgerald. Good luck!
Handout and Rubric – GG-Party Presentation Handout 2014
Resources: