The Great Gatsby WebQuest
1. F. Scott Fitzgerald
Watch the biography of F. Scott Fitzgerald. What are some of the major influences on his life and writing? 2. World War I After the war ended, the economy skyrocketed, making it possible for people to spend more time and money on leisure activities. What are three major innovations that came out of the WWI experience? What are the dominant postwar American attitudes and the major movements of the 1920's? Pay close attention to the attitudes of the "Lost Generation" and the "Prosperity & Consumerism" movement. 3. 19th Amendment What right did women gain from the passage of the 19th Amendment?' 4. The Roaring Twenties List three major events that occurred in 1922 (the year in which the novel is set.) 5. 18th Amendment What exactly does the 18th amendment abolish? What was the result? 6. Prohibition What is a Speakeasy? Why did they pop up across the country and what were some common characteristics of them? 7. Organized Crime and Arnold Rothstein What are three elements from Rothstein's biography and what is your impression of him? 8. Flappers Read the first five paragraphs of the article about "Flapper Jane." What are the essential elements of being a true flapper? Look at selected photos of Louise Brooks. Does she fit the Flapper profile? Read Dorothy Parker's poem "The Flapper." How does Ms. Parker feel about Flappers? Explain. 9. Automobiles Why were cars considered "the most important catalyst for social change in the 1920's?" 10. Music Listen to the music on the Spotify music player. As you listen, record your thoughts and reactions to the songs of the time. 11. 1920's Slang Read some 1920's slang terms. Select your five favorite slang words and explain why these appealed to you. 12. View the video trailers for Great Gatsby movies. How are they similar and different, and what do you expect from the novel based on the scenes in the trailers? |
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