Pre - reading Assignment

The Great Gatsby

Before we begin reading The Great Gatsby, you are asked to research a topic related to the novel.

1. The life of author F. Scott Fitzgerald: where/when was he born? What was his family’s economic situation? Schooling? Genevra King and Zelda Sayre? Success in writing? Later years/ death? Here is a reputable link: http://library.sc.edu/spcoll/fitzgerald/biography.html (Gabriella)

2. Music, dance and women’s fashion of the 1920s: who were the “flappers”? Why were they so controversial? How did the fashion represent the new woman (with her new rights!) in the 1920s? Look at photos and note website where photos were found so you can share it during class. what types of music and dance were popular? Why was this sometimes controversial?

(Lianna, Desiree)

3. Sports in the 1920s, especially the 1919 World Series: what sports were popular? What happened in the 1919 World Series? (Avaye)

4. Prohibition in the 1920s: what was it? Years? Why was it enacted? How did people get rich from it? Volstead Act. 18th Amendment, Temperance Movement of the 19th century. (Jennifer)

On Wednesday, you will be given time in class to meet with your group to summarize and synthesize the main points of your research and then prepare to “teach” the rest of the class! Feel free to bring pictures, etc. in order to illustrate your topic.