The Great Gatsby Reading Journals
Name:
Each journal needs a thoughtful response with at least five complete sentences.
Chapter One:
In Chapter One we are introduced to the characters of Nick, Daisy, Tom, and Jordan. For each character,
write at least one quote by or about him or her that demonstrates a method of characterization. Then
write at least three character traits for each character.
Chapter Two:
Pick a passage and rewrite the passage from another character’s point-of-view. Have his or her thoughts,
actions, and reactions from a first person point-of-view. (Example: Tom punching Daisy from Tom’s
point-of-view).
Extra Credit: Find a newspaper article, newsclip, story, or blog post (to name a few) that demonstrates narrator
bias. Write a few sentences explaining what that bias is.
Chapter Three:
“Town Tattler”: Write down three pieces of gossip about Jay Gatsby that was heard at the party.
Write down one quote that describes Gatsby from Nick’s point-of-view. Then write down three
characteristics of Gatsby.
Chapter Four:
Dear Daisy…Love, Jay Letter: Write a letter in your journal (like the letter Daisy received on her wedding
night) from Gatsby to Daisy while he was off in WWI. This letter should take place after their romance,
but before Gatsby found out she was married to Tom.
Chapter Five:
Symbolism: In five sentences or more, write down what you think the green light might symbolize. How
about rain?
Chapter Six:
Find one quote that is significant in Chapter Six, and explain why in at least five sentences. Why did
you choose it? Does it show characterization? Symbolism? Narrator bias?
Chapter Seven:
For each of the five main characters (Nick, Jordan, Daisy, Tom, and Gatsby), write down one new
quote for each that demonstrates characterization. Then write down at least one new characteristic for
each character.
Has he or she changed since your first journal about characterization? How? Write about each character.
Chapter Eight:
Write down one prediction for the end of the novel.
Chapter Nine:
Was your prediction correct? How did you feel about the ending?
Was Gatsby really Great? Why or why not?