Gatsby Found Poem
One of the key elements that makes The Great Gatsby an American classic is his use of characterization to create
characters that are unique and memorable, yet representative of their social class and era. Choose Nick, Jordan,
Gatsby, or Tom and create a found poem made up of at least 12 quotes from the story. Arrange them artistically. You
may use narration, quotes from the character, or quotes that include what others say about them.
Nick
In my younger years, my father gave me some advice:
Reserving judgments is a matter if infinite hope.
Daisy told me, “You remind me of… an absolute rose.”
She looked at me with an absolute smirk on her lovely face.
It made me uneasy.
She had asserted her membership in a rather distinguished
secret society.
I have been drunk just twice in my life, and the second was that afternoon.
I wandered around ill-at-ease.
Welcome or not, I found it necessary to attach myself to someone.
I began to like New York, the racy, adventurous feel of it at night…
Then I was lying half asleep in the cold lower level of the Pennsylvania Station,
Staring at the morning “Tribune” and waiting for the four o’clock train.
CATEGORY
4
3
Focus on Topic The entire poem is
related to assigned
(Content)
2
1
Most of the poem is
related to assigned
topic: theme, tone, or topic: theme, tone, or
mood.
mood; but wanders
off topic at one point.
Some
Logical
Progression or
Sequence
The poem is
The poem is
presented in a logical presented in a logical
sequence.
sequence, but with
1-2 items out of
order.
The poem is
The poem is
presented in a logical presented with no
sequence, but with
apparent order.
3-4 items out of
order.
Word Choice
Writer uses vivid
words and phrases
that linger or draw
pictures in the
reader's mind, and
the choice and
placement of the
words seems
accurate, natural and
not forced.
Writer uses words
that communicate
clearly, but the
writing lacks variety,
punch or flair.
Writer uses vivid
words and phrases
that linger or draw
pictures in the
reader's mind, but
occasionally the
words are used
inaccurately or seem
overdone.
The main idea is not
clear. There is a
of the poem is
seemingly random
related to assigned
collection of
topic: theme, tone, or information.
mood; but the
majority of the poem
is general.
Writer uses a limited
vocabulary that does
not communicate
strongly or capture
the reader's interest.
Jargon or clichés
may be present and
detract from the
meaning.
The poem maintains The poem maintains The poem maintains The poem does not
Clear,
a consistent tone
a consistent tone
maintain a
Consistent Tone a consistent tone
that clearly and
effectively
communicates the
writer’s attitude
toward the subject
that generally
communicates the
writer's attitude
toward the subject.
that somewhat
communicates the
writer's attitude
toward the subject.
consistent