Unit 3 Embedded Assessment #2
Gatsby Book Rave
OVERVIEW:
Having finished Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, you will create a book review analyzing the literary
techniques used by the author to deliver a particular message.
Assignment:
In your book review, you will analyze the literary techniques of characterization, symbolism, and style
and how they contribute to establishing Fitzgerald’s theme. You will need to cite specific textual
evidence to explain how those examples of literary techniques are used to effectively deliver the
author’s message to the reader. Your essay must be in MLA format and should address the following:
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What is the author’s message?
How are literary techniques used most prominently in the text?
How do those techniques aid in the delivery of the author’s message?
YOUR TASK:
Planning
1. Begin by reviewing the piece to determine what you believe to be the author’s message to the
audience (theme).
2. Locate specific examples from the text of the techniques required (characterization, symbolism,
style).
Drafting
3. As you write a rough draft, be sure to create your paper with a specific beginning, middle and
end. In your introduction, include a brief plot summary to introduce your reader to your paper. Your
thesis statement, referencing the author’s message, as well as techniques used, should appear at
the end of the introductory paragraph.
4. In composing your body paragraphs, use well-organized SEW Sets to analyze how each literary
technique is used to contribute to the theme of the works as a whole. Use textual evidence to
support your paragraphs and remember to tie the warrants back to your thesis statement.
Characterization: Select one main character from the novel. Explain how the author
introduces the character, how the character develops throughout the novel, and how that
development supports the author’s theme. Please incorporate at least two quotes for
support.
Symbolism: Identify at least two symbols in the text. Explain what the symbol is, how the
author develops it throughout the novel, and how the author uses it to support the theme.
Make sure to use at least one quote for each symbol.
Style: Analyze the author’s use of figurative language by identifying and quoting at least
two different examples of figurative language Fitzgerald uses in the text. Explain what each
means and how each contributes to the author’s theme.
5. In your conclusion, explain whether you liked or disliked the book and why. Explain anything that
you think Fitzgerald could have done/added/changed in order to make the novel stronger. Also,
explain who you think the target audience for this novel is and whether or not he was successful in
conveying his message to his intended audience. Lastly, reword the author’s major thematic
message to the audience, reiterate the prominence of the literary techniques utilized, and wrap the
essay up with a thorough insight about the novel as a whole.
Editing and Revising
6. Review your piece. Make improvements to its idea clarity and structure.
7. Check your MLA format. Ask a peer to review your work and make suggestions regarding MLA
format, structure, style and overall quality.
· Be typed
· Have 1” margins
· Be double spaced
· Be written in Times New Roman, 12 Point Font
Proper MLA Heading:
Full Name
Teacher’s name
Class name and hour
Date (Day Month Year)
8. Edit and correct the grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors in your draft.
9. Be sure to appropriately and creatively title your piece.
Publishing
10. Upload your properly formatted final copy to turnitin.com.