Title: Forum - Party at Gatsby’s
Course: BC - English Studies 12 - 1.2 > Section: Unit 3: The Great Gatsby

Party at Gatsby’s Forum

Complete a 200-250 word forum post. Your post should address one of the following topics.

1. The party at Gatsby’s house is ostentatious in the extreme. Analyze particular aspects of the event, its guests, and its host that point to Fitzgerald’s critique of aspects of his own society.

1. Gatsby has worked long and hard to set up a meeting with Daisy. Are you rooting for him to succeed or to fail? What is your emotional reaction to Gatsby at this point in the novel? Analyze your own emotional response to the character and what aspects of him either attract or repel you.

1. There are many instances and types of dishonesty conveyed by the novel. Choose one  character, and trace their words and actions throughout the first four chapters. What elements of falsehood or dishonesty do you see in their words and actions? How does that dishonesty inform your understanding of the themes of the novel so far?

1. Gatsby was a mysterious character through the first two and a half chapters of the novel, and even after Nick has met him he continues to be mysterious. What do you think Fitzgerald’s purpose is for keeping Gatsby at a distance for so long? Who do you think the real Gatsby is?

After you have created your own post, find two other students to respond to with two separate 75-100 word responses. In your response, don’t just say, “I agree! Great job!” Ask a question, disagree charitably, add other evidence that you saw from the text, or counter with a different interpretation. Try to add something meaningful and insightful to the conversation so that everyone’s understanding of the novel can be increased.

Forum Post Rubric

 | Not Completed | Emerging | Developing | Proficient | Extending
 | 0 | 4              5              6             7              8             9             10
Initial Post | Not complete | My initial post demonstrates an inadequate awareness of the topic. My comments may be off topic or irrelevant and show confused thinking. I do not make reference to the lesson material. | My initial post demonstrates an adequate awareness of the topic. I provide some relevant comments and somewhat organized thinking. I make passing reference the lesson material to support my reasoning. | My initial post demonstrates thoughtful consideration of the topic. Provides relevant comments. My thinking is clear and organized, and I references the lesson material to support my reasoning. | My initial post demonstrates insightful consideration of the topic and provides relevant and comprehensive comments. I have shown exceptional logic and organization. I clearly reference lesson material to support my reasoning.
Response Posts | Not complete. | My responses demonstrate a lack of comprehension of the original post or may be disrespectful. | My responses are respectful but do not add much to the conversation. | My responses are purposeful and respectful, adding to the conversation. | My responses are discerning and respectful, adding meaning and depth to the conversation.
Total          /10 (averaged between posts)