Final Project for The Grapes of Wrath and The Great Gatsby
Choose any number of projects to equal 150 points.
150 points - Due: March 19, 2012
Option I: The Film Project
After choosing one of the films from the provided list, you will be required to complete a series
of small writings as part of a presentation.
Film List: Choose one film and watch it.
Chicago (PG-13)
Eight Men Out
(PG)
The Cotton Club (R)
The Untouchables (R)
Cinderella Man (PG-13)
The Natural (PG)
The Sting (PG)
Malcolm X (PG-13)
Seabiscuit (PG-13)
Native Son (PG)
The Color Purple (PG-13)
Hoodlum (R)
King Kong (PG-13)
The Green Mile (R)
The Great Debaters (PG-13)
Part 1: Writing Period Chart (50 points)
Firstly, I am asking you to review the writing styles we have covered in class and then determine
which aspects of the writing styles are seen in the film (focus on the ideas making up the writing
styles). However, I want you to decide which writing style is the dominant one in the film and
explain why.
Use a chart to display your findings. Include (1) a brief description of the scene, (2) the writing
style, (3) the writing style characteristic, and (4) an explanation. The final writing style, which
you believe is the dominant one, should be last and contain the most specific, most detailed
explanation.
Part 2: Novel Connections (50 points)
Next, I am asking you to identify how your chosen film connects to The Great Gatsby and The
Grapes of Wrath. Events, situations, characters, traits, themes, and more can be used to draw
connections between the film and the novels.
Complete an outline of your connections (using a traditional outline format) in preparation for a
3-5 minute presentation to the class. I will have a copy of your outline during your presentation
and will score the outline and your presentation. Your presentation should be detailed and
specific. A visual aid would be helpful here.
Part 3: Recreate a Scene (50 points)
Recreate a scene from The Grapes of Wrath. Act out the scene and film it. Pay close attention to
costumes, sets, and acting. This is not a parody or a farce; it is a recreation of scene matching the
tone and mood of the chosen scene.
Your film should be well-edited, finely acted, and between 3-10 minutes. You will be scored on
your performance and your production as a whole.
*** The only chance for extra points is to turn in your project on time or early and to incorporate
technology into your project.
Cloke 1
Final Project for The Grapes of Wrath and The Great Gatsby
Choose any number of projects to equal 150 points.
150 points - Due: March 19, 2012
Option II: The Artistic Option
With this option each portion of the project contains an artistic component alongside a writing
piece.
Part 1: Visual Representation and Diction Analysis (75 points)
Choose a passage of 100-200 words (no less, no more) and complete a diction analysis based on
the chosen passage. At least seven (7) diction devices should be defined and their effects
explained. Refer to the previous diction analysis completed for more specific information.
Accompanying the diction analysis should be a visual representation (a drawing or painting)
based on the passage chosen for the diction analysis. A piece of the chosen passage (a quotation)
should be part of the drawing or painting, and the representation can be a literal, interpretive, or
abstract rendering.
You will present your visual representation to the class, and I will ask you questions about the
colors chosen, images used, and so on.
Part 2: Bumper Stickers (25 points)
For this option you will choose two (2) characters from The Great Gatsby and three (3)
characters from The Grapes of Wrath. You will then create a bumper sticker this character would
place on his or her vehicle. Consider colors, slogan or saying, images, and wit when designing
the bumper stickers. Go beyond “California or bust.” Be creative.
On the back of each bumper sticker write or attach an explanation of 2-3 sentences detailing why
the bumper sticker is appropriate for the character.
Part 3: Soundtrack and Cover (50 points)
Here you are required to create a soundtrack for The Grapes of Wrath of at least seven (7) songs,
each matching a scene from the novel. Include an explanation of 4-5 sentences for each song
chosen detailing exactly when the song would be used and why the song itself is appropriate.
Create the CD. You may not get the disc back, so make your own copy if you really like it.
Create the front and back covers for the disc. What images would be used? How could the cover
catch a customer’s eye?
Be prepared to present your CD, its covers, and your rationales for your choices.
*** The only chance for extra points is to turn in your project on time or early and to incorporate
technology into your project.
Cloke 2
Final Project for The Grapes of Wrath and The Great Gatsby
Choose any number of projects to equal 150 points.
150 points - Due: March 19, 2012
Option III: The Writing Option
Part 1: Personal Connections (50 points)
Lastly, I am asking you to compose a personal reaction to The Grapes of Wrath. In a 3-5 page
essay, explain to which ideas in the novel you personally connect, which character you like the
most, which character you like the least, and which event or scene in the novel resonates with
you the most. Also, detail what aspects of the novel connect to modern society (ideas, events,
etc.).
You may write in first person; however, you should still use heightened language, complex and
varied sentence structures, and show depth and thoughtfulness.
You may be asked to read all of or part of this to the class.
Part 2: Literary Analysis (100 points)
Compose a 3-4 page literary analysis on The Great Gatsby or The Grapes of Wrath. You may use
one of the following topics or use one of your own choosing. You may wish to check your thesis
with me before beginning your paper.
1. What symbols are used in The Great Gatsby? What is the effect of each? How do the symbols
connect to the central theme of the novel?
2. How does Fitzgerald view the American Dream? How does he develop this idea throughout
the novel?
3. How is Jay Gatsby “great”?
4. Compose a compare/contrast paper about 2-3 major characters in The Great Gatsby or The
Grapes of Wrath.
5. How do Jim Casy’s beliefs form the core of The Grapes of Wrath?
6. How does Tom Joad develop throughout The Grapes of Wrath? What events cause or
influence his transformation?
7. How does the turtle in chapter three symbolize the Joads and others heading west in The
Grapes of Wrath?
8. What are the universal themes explored by Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath?
*** The only chance for extra points is to turn in your project on time or early and to incorporate
technology into your project.
Cloke 3