The Great Gatsby Project Options
Project Due Date for all options: _______________________
With your group, select and compete ONE of the following projects.
Option I: Character Metaphors
1.
Choose a character and identify metaphors for the character. You might ask the following questions:
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What motivates your character?
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What do other characters think of him or her?
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What kinds of things to they say, do, and think?
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Thinking about each body part, what do they do with their head, hands, feet, and heart?
2.
Write nouns in each of the body part areas that are similar to that part of the body. (i.e. If he/she is stubborn, you might write the word rock in
the head. If he/she is sensitive, write the word cotton near the heart.)
3.
Collect pictures of these nouns using magazines, clip art, and drawings
4.
Create a LIFE-SIZE “gingerbread man” (have a group member lie on a long sheet of butcher paper and trace outline of body) and draw
your character based on Fitzgerald’s description in the book. Then paste your pictures onto the body.
5.
As each picture is pasted, write a description of how this metaphor accurately represents particular aspects of the character. Include a typed
description of your gingerbread character (MLA format) explaining each metaphor.
Option II: Caricature Map
Create a caricature map of the setting of The Great Gatsby based on the descriptions given in the novel.
Process:
1. Using various art supplies, draw your map on the poster board (at least 20”x30”). Make sure it is big and colorful and suitable for hanging on
the wall.
2. Include a drawing of each location. Remember that your map must be based upon descriptions from novel (e.g., Gatsby’s house looks like a
French hotel with a tower & thin ivy). However, a caricature exaggerates certain features for effect.
3. All areas must be clearly labeled. You may choose to use a legend for identification of smaller locations.
4. All members of the group must sign their name in one corner on the front of the map using black marker.
5. Submit a written KEY (typed on separate sheet of paper in MLA) with Fitzgerald’s descriptions.
Areas Required on Map:
o East Egg (pp. 4 - 5)
o Buchanan's house (pp. 6 - 7)
o West Egg (pp. 4 - 5)
o Gatsby's house (p. 5)
o Nick's house (p. 5)
o Long Island Sound (p. 5)
o Valley of Ashes (p. 23)
o T.J. Eckleberg billboard (p. 23)
o Railroad tracks and motor road (p. 23)
o Wilson's garage/house (pp. 24 -25)
o New York (pp. 4, 23)
o Jordan's aunt's apartment (p. 19)
o Tom and Myrtle's apartment (pp. 28 -29)
Option III: Tableaux Vivants (Performance Art)
“Tableaux Vivants” is a French term meaning “living pictures.” Your group will create several tableaux that “bring to life” several key moments from The Great Gatsby. You
will need to prepare costumes, props, etc. Every member of your group must participate; though you do not all need to be on stage at the same time during the performance.
1.
Select three key scenes that we have read (chapters 1-6) that you would like to re-create.
2.
Determine what a “snapshot” of the action of each scene would look like. Where would each character be positioned? What would his/her body position be? How would
his/her facial expression look?
3.
Brainstorm necessary props and costumes, and plan for how you will attain them. It is up to you and your group to source out and gather these materials. Creativity and
resourcefulness are key here.
4.
The performance should be a maximum of 3 minutes. Your job is to creatively choreograph how to enter, exit, and move during those three minutes. You should hold the
pose of each scene for a few moments (10 seconds, minimum) before you moving into the next scene. Think about how to use movement, light, sound, your bodies,
costumes and props to surprise and delight the audience.
5.
In between each pose, narrate the key actions and motivations of each of the characters involved.
6.
Submit a typed PROGRAM (like one that you would see at a play) including the name of each scene and cast of characters.
Option IV: Roaring Twenties Research
Select an aspect of the 1920s that your group would like to research. (Note: You must sign up for this, as I would like to avoid overlap)
1.
Choose from the following topics (or get teacher approval for another topic):
o Fashion
o Architecture
2.
3.
o Music
o Dominant figures
o Dance
o Politics/world events
o Décor (design)
o Other
Include a 3-4pp. MLA-style research report on your selected topic, including works cited page.
Create/prepare a TANGIBLE VISUAL/REALIA that clearly depicts your topic. For instance, should you select fashion, you are expected to wear a costume that
approximates the fashion of the day. If you select dance, your group should demonstrate a popular dance from the period. Rather than spending a lot of money, be
resourceful and creative. You must get teacher approval on your selected visual.
Assessment
This project is worth a total of 24 points. All group members must contribute to earn the same points. If there are students that choose to let their
peers due most of the work, they should expect to earn fewer points. The instructor will be documenting your work habits. Please look over the
attached rubric after getting in your groups. Be aware of how you will be assessed before you start the assignment. Fill out top of rubric and turn it
in with the final draft of your project.