Introduction
Before we begin reading the great American classic, The Great Gatsby, we first need to understand where this book fits in, both historically and culturally. To learn this, a Webquest has been prepared to pave the way for you to understand what the framework of this book look like, as well as what the author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, had experienced prior to writing his novel.
Task
Please use complete sentences when answering the questions provided and send it to me via Google Classroom. The links provided will contain everything you need. When looking through your information, keep this in mind: "How would this (event/person/idea) shape what this decade looks like?"
Each section will contain hyperlinks to online pages to answer each set of questions or tasks.
Process
1. F. Scott Fitzgerald
Skim through F. Scott Fitzgerald's biography. List through three things that influenced his life.
How/when did he die?
2. World War 1
What attitudes followed the war in the mind of American veterans?
3. Amendments of Note:
What was the 18th Amendment?
What rights did the 19th Amendment give?
What were the effects of both? hint: organized crime
4. Prohibition
What was Prohibition?
How were bootleggers involved?
5. Flappers
Describe the attitude or lifestyle of a Flapper.
6. Cars
Look up vehicles manufactured during the early 1920's and find a picture of your favorite one.
What company made it?
7. Music and the Jazz Age
List three major musical contributors to the Jazz Age.
Find a song that you like and share it here:
Pick a movement during the 1920's here, and share how it was effected by Jazz music.
8. Video trailers
This is the first movie trailer for the Great Gatsby, take a look at both...
Evaluation
Based on the information you have collected from this website, what do you think the plot and setting of The Great Gatsby will include? What kinds of characters do you expect to encounter in the novel?
Conclusion
Take your time in compiling all your answers and facts. Read through them and select your favorite topic, cars, flappers, jazz exc... Write a two paragraph summary on why that topic was so critical to the 1920's era.
Credits
This Webquest was created by Greg Fisher for Coe Brown Northwood Academy.
All work completed has been written and authorized by Greg Fisher.