Samsinak
IB Literature Year 1
Name______________________
The Great Gatsby – Research Project
You are going to choose a topic to research that interests you. You are going to find information about
the topic to create a brief presentation for the class. Begin with the sites that are listed. You are not
limited to these sites. Your group may decide the format in which you will present. Include a works cited.
Each presentation should last approximately 10 minutes. ½ of the groups will present on_________, and
½ of the groups will present on __________. Your group will need to be ready on the first day. All of the
material that will be presented is necessary material for the Gatsby unit and will contribute to your
individual written commentaries. Your presentation will be assessed on knowledge, presentation, and
language. Each individual must speak for about three minutes. You may use a notecard for your
presentation. The only “written” paper that will need to be turned in is a works cited page that is in MLA
style. See sample.
1. F. Scott Fitzgerald
 Read about the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald and describe the major influences on his life and
writing. http://www.online-literature.com/fitzgerald/
2. World War I & The Economy
 After the war ended, the economy skyrocketed, making it possible for people to spend
more time and money on leisure activities. After reviewing the website in this section,
describe the economy after WWI.

After the war, list the dominant postwar American attitudes and the major movements of
the 1920s. Pay close attention to the attitudes of the “Lost Generation.”
http://home.earthlink.net/~gfeldmeth/lec.1920s.html
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3. Law & Politics (18 & 19 Amendments)
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 What did women gain from the 19 Amendment?
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured_documents/amendment_19/
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18 Amendment
What does the Amendment abolish? What was the result?
http://history1900s.about.com/od/1910s/a/18thamendment.htm
4.
The Roaring Twenties
 List three major events that occurred in 1922 (the year in which the novel is set.)
http://www.history.com/topics/roaring-twenties
1920's Slang
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
Read some 1920's slang terms.
List 5 slang words or phrases and definitions from this site and write them down in your
notes.
Why did you choose these terms?
http://www.huffenglish.com/gatsby/slang.html
Samsinak
IB Literature Year 1
Name______________________
Automobiles
 Why were cars considered "the most important catalyst for social change in the 1920's"?
 The Rise of Automobiles http://www.huffenglish.com/gatsby/automobiles.html
 Photos of 1920's era automobiles. http://www.huffenglish.com/gatsby/cars.html
 Gatsby Coachworks: Reproductions of 1920's era automobiles. The white and gold car is
similar to what Jay Gatsby would have driven.
http://www.gatsbycars.com/gatsbycars.html
5. Prohibition / Organized Crime
 What is Prohibition?
 What is a Speakeasy? Why do you think they popped up around the country? View the
photos and write your reflections about them.
http://theroaringtwentieshistory.blogspot.com/2010/06/prohibition-and-speakeasies.html
http://www.huffenglish.com/gatsby/speakeasies.html
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6.
Discuss organized crime and its effect on America. Who is Arnold Rothstein?
Flappers, Music & Dance
 Read the first five paragraphs of “Flapper Jane.” According to the author, what are the
essential elements of being a true flapper?
http://www.colorado.edu/AmStudies/lewis/1025/flapperjane.pdf
Music & Dance

Listen to music from the 1920’s. As you listen, record your thoughts and reactions to the
songs. Also, watch them dance and record your thoughts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNAOHtmy4j0

After reading the article, look at the photos of Louise Brooks. Does she fit the “Flapper”
profile proposed by the author of “Flapper Jane”? Why or why not?
http://www.huffenglish.com/gatsby/brooks.html

Read Dorothy Parker’s poem “The Flapper.” Do you think Ms. Parker approves or
disapproves of Flappers? Why or why not?
http://www.huffenglish.com/gatsby/parker.html
Extra! Extra! Film…

View these video trailers for Great Gatsby movies. Describe which one you like best and
why.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ud6haTTfFY
Samsinak
IB Literature Year 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV1KGghv5ck
Name______________________