The Great Gatsby Internet Treasure Hunt:
This “treasure hunt” is designed to inform the students of the background information
required to understand the historical elements of the novel. This assignment is worth 50
points.
Assignment: Answer the 14 questions in complete sentences by searching the web. Due
Friday, 2/28.
Questions:
1.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: List several items that greatly influenced the life and writing of
F. Scott Fitzgerald.
2. World War I: List 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 changes that occurred in 1922 (the year in which
the novel is set).
5. 18th Amendment: What exactly does the 18th Amendment prohibit?
6. Prohibition: What are the three major elements of Prohibition? What were the final
results of prohibition?
7. Speakeasies: What is a Speakeasy? Based on information you have already collected
from previous questions, why do you think Speakeasies popped up across the
country?
8. Organized Crime: Who is Arnold Rothstein? What is his primary occupation? What
are his ‘side-jobs?’ How did your impression of the man change from one website to
the next?
9. Flappers: What are the essential elements of being a true flapper? Did Louise
Brooks fit this profile?
10. Automobiles: Why were cars considered “the most important catalyst for social
change in the 1920's?”
11. Music: Listen to a few sample recordings of music from the 1920’s. What is your
initial reaction to the music?
12. Language: List 5 slang words or phrases and definitions from this site and write
them down in your notes. Why did you choose these terms?
13. Poetry: Do you think Ms. Parker approves or disapproves of Flappers? Explain.
14. Drawing Conclusions: Based on the information you have collected from this
website, what do you think the plot and setting of The Great Gatsby will include?
What kinds of characters do you expect to encounter in the novel?