| Lesson start ideas | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | Literature |
| What age group | Year or Grade 11 |
| What topic | The Great Gatsby |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Welcome to our lesson on the classic novel, The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. As we delve into the world of the Roaring Twenties, let's start with a creative activity that will spark your imagination and get you engaged in the story.
First, I want you to close your eyes and imagine yourself attending one of Gatsby's infamous parties. Think about the sounds, the smells, and the sights that surround you. What can you see? What can you hear? How do you feel?
Now, take a few minutes to write down your observations and feelings. Feel free to use descriptive language and really transport yourself into the scene. We'll come back to this later in the lesson, but for now, let's start discussing some of the themes and motifs that make The Great Gatsby such a classic piece of literature.
Let's start with the concept of the American Dream. What does it mean to you? Do you think it's attainable for everyone, or is it just a myth? How does Gatsby represent the American Dream, and do you think he ultimately achieves it?
Another important theme in the novel is the idea of love and obsession. How do the characters' relationships reflect these themes? Who do you think truly loves each other, and who is simply using others for their own gain?
Now that we've discussed some of the main themes and motifs in The Great Gatsby, let's revisit the sensory experience of attending one of Gatsby's parties. Using your notes from earlier, write a short paragraph describing the scene and what it represents in the novel.
I hope this activity has helped you get excited about reading The Great Gatsby, and I can't wait to explore more of the novel with you in the coming lessons.