Exploring the American Dream
aligned to Interpret, Analyze, And Evaluate Narratives, Poetry, And Drama, Aesthetically And Philosophically By Making Connections To: Other Texts, Ideas, Cultural Perspectives, Eras, Personal Events, And Situations.
Learning Objective
I can analyze how the concept of the American Dream is portrayed in different texts.
Lesson Flow
Watch Video
Like Pale Gold - The Great Gatsby Part 1: Crash Course English Literature #4
CrashCourse
Guided Notes
Key concepts students will learn:
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In *The Great Gatsby*, Nick Carraway describes Jay Gatsby as having an "extraordinary gift for hope", which is essential to Gatsby's character and his pursuit of the American Dream.
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The color yellow is used in the novel to symbolize the connection between wealth, corruption, amorality, and death, contrasting the cultural view of gold representing wealth and beauty.
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Fitzgerald uses the character Daisy Buchanan to represent the flaws in the American Dream, as she embodies entitlement, limited empathy, and an inability to make difficult choices.
Practice
3 questions • Short answer
Exit Ticket
“In *The Great Gatsby*, how does Fitzgerald use the color yellow to critique the American Dream?”
Teacher Guide
Get the complete package:
- Answer keys for all questions
- Differentiation strategies
- Extension activities
- Printable student handouts
