The Great Gatsby:
Chapter Summaries
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For each chapter you will fill out one
worksheet. It is up to you to get a new
worksheet for each chapter. Copies will be
up front.
What elements are you asked to fill in on
the worksheet? Look at it…
Each chapter summary worksheet will be
due when we finish each chapter. I will let
you know.
Symbolism Notebooks (more on that
later…)
How to Read a Short Story
Critically
Analyze Essentials Elements
of the Story
Note each character as they are introduced
 Note the major characters in relation to the
lesser characters
 Identify elements of plot—”what happens or
factors that influence action”
 Note the essential conflict
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How to Read a Short Story
Critically
Analyze the Structure of the Story
 Identify POV
 Explain how the author uses time
 Explain how the author uses setting
 Explain how the author uses perspective
as seen through the eyes/experiences of
each character.
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How to Read a Short Story
Critically
Analyze Rhetorical Elements
 Identify author’s use of irony
(dramatic, situational, verbal)
 Identify recurring image patterns
 Explain author’s use of symbols
 Identify special uses of language like
figures of speech, unusual diction and
syntax
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How to Read a Short Story
Critically
Analyze the Meaning of the Story
(Interpretation)
 Identify themes (dominant message/claim)
and how the author announces it
 Explain how elements above contribute
to theme
 Identify contextual elements (allusions,
symbols, etc.) that point beyond the story
to the author’s experience/life, history, or
to other writings.
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Pick your Gatsby Theme/s
*Society/Class *Love
*Visions of America (The American Dream)
*Wealth *Memories of the Past *Isolation
*Dissatisfaction *Mortality *Marriage
*Gender Roles *Lies/Deceit
*Education *Compassion/Forgiveness
*Religion (or lack thereof)
Gatsby Book
Overview…
1. Look at the art on the front cover. Describe
everything you see. What do you think this will
have to do with the novel?
 2. How many pages does this book have?
Chapters? About how long is each chapter?
 3. Look at the back cover. Summarize the
synopsis. What is this book going to be about?
 4. Who wrote this book? Write down
some basic facts about his life. Do you
think the author’s life influenced his
writing? Why?
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