Title: Forum - Is Gatsby Great?
Course: BC - English Studies 12 - 1.2 > Section: Unit 3: The Great Gatsby

Is Gatsby Great? Forum

The beginning of this unit discussed the lack of sympathetic characters in The Great Gatsby. This is actually a debatable point, because in the final chapters, Nick’s opinion of Gatsby shifts following his death. As Nick’s opinions shift, there is an opportunity for the reader to see Gatsby in a more sympathetic light. Now that you have finished reading the novel, what is your opinion of Gatsby? Is the title of the novel ironic, or is Gatsby actually great?

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

1. What elements of Jay Gatsby’s character do you find either admirable or contemptible? Do you think that Gatsby is great, or is the title of the novel ironic?

1. Fitzgerald closes the novel by identifying all people with Gatsby’s pursuit of the future. Where do you see yourself in the character of Jay Gatsby, and in what ways do you identify with his pursuits, dreams, successes, and failures?

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)