aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English
What age group	Year or Grade 11
What topic	Great gatsby forbidden love
Quantity	1
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Engaging Lesson Introduction: Great Gatsby and Forbidden Love

Introduction to the Topic

Begin your lesson on The Great Gatsby with a thought-provoking quote from the text, focussing on the theme of forbidden love. This will not only set the mood for the discussion but also encourage students to think critically about the complexities of love in the context of societal expectations.

Quote to Consider

"I wasn’t actually in love, but felt a sort of tender curiosity." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Classroom Activity: “Love in the Shadows”

Objective

To analyze the theme of forbidden love in The Great Gatsby and explore its implications on character development and plot.

Steps to Engage Students

1. Visual Prompt:

   • Display an image on the board or screen that represents the concept of "forbidden love." This could be an artistic depiction of a couple separated by a barrier, or the iconic green light symbolising unattainable desires.

2. Small Group Discussion:

   • Break the class into small groups. Ask each group to discuss the various types of love represented in The Great Gatsby, focusing on Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship, as well as Tom and Myrtle’s affair. Prompt them with the following questions:
     • What societal barriers exist for each relationship?
     • How do these barriers amplify the theme of forbidden love?
     • In what ways do the characters’ decisions reflect their desires and the societal constraints placed upon them?

3. Sharing Insights:

   • Allow each group to present a brief overview of their discussion. Encourage them to use evidence from the text to support their ideas. Highlight any differing opinions on whether love is portrayed as a liberating or destructive force in the novel.

Conclusion

Wrap up the introduction by summarising the key points discussed and linking them back to the overall themes of The Great Gatsby. Pose a final reflective question for students to ponder as they read the text:

"What sacrifices do characters make for love, and are those sacrifices worth it?"

This opening not only provides a foundation for understanding forbidden love in the context of The Great Gatsby but also engages students in critical thinking and personal reflection, aligning with Australian curriculum standards for Year 11 English.

Transition to Reading

Encourage students to continue to think about these questions as they read the next chapters of the novel, looking for examples and instances that highlight the complexity of love and the impact of societal constraints.