You are cordially invited to attend a soiree in honor
of
Mr. Jay Gatsby.
 See the latest fashions modeled by New York’s top designers
 Dine on the most delectable dishes, desserts and drinks
 Dance the night away to the music of the best New York
orchestras
 Participate in party games
Sincerely,
J. Gatsby
There will be four committees planning Gatsby’s soiree
Décor Committee- Decorations
This group is responsible for decorating the room for the party. Connect
to what is happening at the parties in the novel. You will create tablecloths for
the tables that are inscribed with important quotes from the novel discussing
food, drinks, society, wealth and the American Dream. Also include pictures of
the various settings and locales in the novel: Long Island (East and West Egg),
Gatsby’s mansion, the Buchanan mansion, Nick’s cottage, The Valley of Ashes
and the Wilson Garage, New York City- the Plaza Hotel and Myrtle’s apartment.
Music Committee- Music and Dance
This group will select music from the 1920’s that we will listen to at the
party. Research actual pieces from the 1920’s, put on a jump drive or create a
computer presentation that we can listen to and view during our party. Your
group will also research some of the dances popular during the jazz age,
demonstrate and teach one of these dances to the guests at the party.
Entertainment Committee- Party Games and Literature
This group will research the type of party games that were played at
parties during the 1920’s . You will play at least one of these games with the
guests at the party. In addition, you will research some of the poetry that was
being written during the Harlem Renaissance and share specific pieces with us.
Ambiance Committee- 1920’s Education
You will research various political and social gatherings of the 1920’s, for
example, speakeasies, prohibition, the beginning of organized crime, the stock
market and American politics. Also prepare a lexicon of jargon and language
of the 1920’s for guests to use at the party. Create a computer presentation of
your findings.
In addition each group will be expected to bring a 1920’s food to share with the
class. Consider what food and drink would have been served at these parties.
Gatsby will provide the non-alcoholic libations (It is prohibition, after all!),
paper plates cutlery and napkins.
Party goers are encouraged to dress as a character in the latest 1920’s fashion.
Gatsby Soiree Rubric
Group Grade
________ (50-45)
Party planning demonstrates thoughtful understanding and
comprehensive connection to the novel. Visual and auditory
presentations are well developed, planned and thoughtful,
creative and original. Group dynamic demonstrates equal
effort and cooperation.
_________ (44-40)
`
Party planning demonstrates connection to characters and
plot of the novel. Visual and auditory presentations are
developed and clear. Group dynamic indicates all members
involved in project.
_________ (39-35)
Party planning not clearly evident. Presentations may be
limited or lack originality. Connection to novel inconsistent.
Group dynamic limited. Cooperation between members not
always evident.
_________ (34-25)
Presentation severely limited. Little development of portions
of the project. No clear connection to elements in the
novel. Little cooperation evident.