SYnthesis Essay
The Great Gatsby and The Catcher in the Rye
What is Synthesis?
To synthesize:
Combining separate
elements to form
a coherent whole.
Overview
Throughout our study of The Great Gatsby and The Catcher in the Rye, you have
used critical reading tools (Actively Learn) and class discussion to develop
interpretive arguments about themes in each novel. This writing assignment asks
you develop an argument (thesis) about an American Literature theme that both
novels address.
Prompt
Taken together, what do the two novels imply about the theme or inference?
Choose a theme or motif that both Fitzgerald and Salinger explore in their
respective novels. Write an essay in which you analyze how both authors tackle
this theme or motif. Remember that no one says that the authors must agree upon
the argument about this theme or motif.
What Is needed for Effective synthesis?
_____ Not purely a compare and contrast, black or white view of the theme.
_____ Has writing fluency and academic language (uses formal tone and diction, does not
use contractions or colloquial language)
_____ Makes a statement of interpretation (Makes a statement about the implied message
about the theme). Does not simply “point” to the existence of the thematic topic in each text.
thematic topic - single word or phrase, abstract, idea or value oriented
thematic message - statement about the thematic topic, implied by author, inferred by reader
_____ Supported by evidence from both books; references title and author (if not included in
hook)
_____ Thoughtful, makes the reader say “Oh!” or “A-ha!”
Sample Thesis Statement
Sample Thesis for two different texts:
Both Mark Twain and F. Scott Fitzgerald explore the theme of re-making oneself in
their respective novels. Through differing examples, both authors imply that an
individual’s desire to escape one’s past is an attempt to gain control over their
future.
Possible Themes/ Motifs
Themes
Reinventing Oneself, Innocence/Repeating the Past, American Dream, Social
Class/Upward Mobility, Authenticity - (being real)
Motifs
New York, Parties, Color, Clothing.
Standards
1. Develop a central argument that synthesizes both novels’ message about a
theme or use of a key symbol/motif. Avoid comparing and contrasting - this is not
a compare and contrast essay. A synthesis argument is a thesis that you can use
evidence from both texts to support.
2. Develop claims to support your thesis. These claims (2-3 of them) should
support the thesis and should be drawn from evidence from each novel.
Standards Continued...
3. Choose the most relevant evidence from each novel to support your claims and
thesis.
4. Practice and apply the writing skill of synthesis commentary, which is body
paragraph analysis that discusses both sources together.
Process and Skills
1.
Writing Practice: Practice “synthesis” commentary by completing the “ “
organizer in class today. Synthesis commentary challenges you to take
multiple sources of evidence into account when reaching your conclusions.
2.
Graphic Organizers: Focus on one theme OR motif and explore how BOTH
novels address this concept→ explore how the theme/ motif is addressed in
both texts using graphic organizers provided by your teacher. Notice trends
and overlap (places where each novel addresses the theme or motif).
Process and Skills… COntinued
RubricS- Writing and Academic Language
Can be found in the “Essay Overview-Synthesis” document that
has been sent to you.
What to do today?
-Organize your new documents in your drive:
-Essay Overview-Synthesis, (Unit 5),%F %L
-Activity- Inner Beauty Pageant: You be the Judge, (Unit 5), %F %L
-Complete your activities from yesterday (if not done)
-Complete the “Activity- Inner Beauty Pageant-You be the
Judge” document.
*Be ready to share your findings with the class.
Finish early? Work on the homework.