ELAALRL1 The student demonstrates comprehension by identifying evidence (i.e., examples of diction, imagery, point of view, figurative
language, symbolism, plot events and main ideas) in a variety of texts representative of different genres (i.e., poetry, prose [short story, novel,
essay, editorial, biography], and drama) and using this evidence as the basis for interpretation.ELAALRL2 The student identifies, analyzes, and
applies knowledge of theme in a work of American literature and provides evidence from the work to support understanding. The student
The Great Gatsby Journal Fall 2014
Directions: You will keep a journal for each chapter of The Great Gatsby. Journals will be
checked periodically at random times to be sure that you are doing it correctly. At the end of the
unit, your finished journal will be collected and graded for mastery. Each journal entry should
be at least a full page (double spaced, Time New Roman 12 font) in length.
Format: You should include the following in each journal entry:
1.) Title the journal with the chapter number.
2.) Write a five sentence chapter summary.
3.) For each chapter, choose a different character on which to focus (name the character). –
for Ch. 1-5, you must choose a new character each time. You may use a character no
more than twice total.
 After writing about that character, provide a quote that represents that character.
 What are that particular character's strengths and weaknesses (best and worst
qualities)? Tell me about them in a few sentences.
 In a paragraph, define the character's role in the novel (what’s their purpose,
function, etc…)
4.) Write about a meaningful quotation that you feel has significance in the understanding
of this chapter (use MLA formatting to cite quote)- does not have to deal with the
character you chose for this novel….
5.) From each chapter, note at least two sightings of one or more of the following symbols
 the colors green, yellow, white, blue, silver and gold, etc…
 The ash heap
 The eyes of T.J. Eckleberg
 Gatsby’s career/Nick’s career
 Gatsby’s library of uncut books/Nick’s unread book
 East vs. West Egg
 Rain in chapter five
 Heat in chapter seven
 Wolfsheim’s cufflinks
 Faded timetable (showing names of Gatsby’s guests)
 Gatsby’s cars/clothes.
ELAALRL1 The student demonstrates comprehension by identifying evidence (i.e., examples of diction, imagery, point of view, figurative
language, symbolism, plot events and main ideas) in a variety of texts representative of different genres (i.e., poetry, prose [short story, novel,
essay, editorial, biography], and drama) and using this evidence as the basis for interpretation.ELAALRL2 The student identifies, analyzes, and
applies knowledge of theme in a work of American literature and provides evidence from the work to support understanding. The student
Fakey McStudent
Mrs. Sellors
American Literature, 2nd period
20 October 2014
YOU CAN SINGLE SPACE
the JOURNALS, BUT USE 12 pts. TNR
The Great Gatsby Chapter 1
I. Summary At least five sentences………………………………………………………….
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II. Character
a. Character Identification: (Character Name)
Identify this character in 1-2 sentences. Who is this? How is he/she related to other characters in
the book?
b. Quote BY or ABOUT the focus character (WITH CITATION): The quote should
highlight your character’s development.
c. Commentary about character quote —2-4 sentences addressing why the quote is
significant. Why did you choose this quote?
d. Best/Worst Qualities— In 2-4 sentences, identify and explain best and worst qualities.
e. Character’s role in the novel— 6-8 sentences. Why did Fitzgerald spend the time and
space to include this character? Who/what does this character represent? How does this
character advance the plot?
III. a. Meaningful Quote from THIS CHAPTER :“Quote that is important to the chapter or
the novel as a whole” (Author #).
b. Commentary about chapter quote —2-4 sentences addressing why the quote is significant.
IV. Symbol Analysis: Symbols should be THINGS from THIS chapter that represent something
else. Tell what the symbols represent.
a. ________--identify and provide commentary (2-4 sentences)
b. ________--identify and provide commentary (2-4 sentences)
Student Fake
ELAALRL1 The student demonstrates comprehension by identifying evidence (i.e., examples of diction, imagery, point of view, figurative
language, symbolism, plot events and main ideas) in a variety of texts representative of different genres (i.e., poetry, prose [short story, novel,
essay, editorial, biography], and drama) and using this evidence as the basis for interpretation.ELAALRL2 The student identifies, analyzes, and
applies knowledge of theme in a work of American literature and provides evidence from the work to support understanding. The student
Mrs. Sellors
American Literature, 3rd
20 October 2014
The Great Gatsby Chapter 1
Chapter summary (at least 5 descriptive sentences)- The first chapter introduces Nick (the
narrator). Nick talks about himself saying that he had just moved into a rented house on Long
Island. He lives on the west side of the two egg shaped islands on the end of Long Island. This
side is known as the less fortunate side. This chapter describes how his dinner on the East Egg,
with his cousin, permits.
Character: Daisy Buchannan. Daisy is the wife of Tom. She is also Nick's cousin.
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Quote: "‘And I hope She'll be a fool--that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a
beautiful little fool'" (Fitzgerald 21).
Commentary:. This quote is significant because here the author illustrates how Daisy
feels about herself by saying this about her own daughter; she does believe to be a fool is
to be better (ignorance is bliss mindset). I chose this quote because it shows how shallow
Daisy is, but despite her shallowness she is desired by so many, which is a perfect
illustration of the American Dream.
Best and Worst Qualities--Daisy seems to be a sort of stubborn girl. Like when Tom
specifically says he doesn’t like being called hulking, she repeats the word “Hulking.”
Character's role in the novel-Daisy’s role is that of a sort of distraction from the
seriousness of the novel. Her role is Gatsby’s muse and reason why he does what he does.
She is essentially HIS American Dream. This character is essential to the progression of
the plot because she emerges as Gatsby’s motivation for all that he does; she is his
American Dream
Meaningful quote: "Across the courtesy bay the white places of fashionable East Egg glittered
along the water" (Fitzgerald 10)
 I felt this quote is meaningful because it illustrates what the narrator, Nick, thinks of the
East Egg. The narrator uses the color white to describe the area and it seems like the color
may be a symbolic feature symbolizing cleanliness or wealth.
Symbolic Sightings and Analysis
 White: The color white is definitely a symbolic feature in the chapter for he uses it to
further describe his thoughts on the richer of the two islands. The Narrator also uses it to
describe the dresses on the woman on the couch.
 Green: The Narrator uses the color green to describe the light he had looked to just before
Gatsby had vanished. Green may be a symbol used for a mysterious thought of some sort.