Exploring Themes in American Literature

11ELA39 min

Learning Objective

I can analyze themes in American Literature.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

12 min

Guided Notes

8 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • According to the video, two books often cited as the "Great American Novel" are *The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn* and *The Great Gatsby* by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

  • Nick Carraway, the narrator of *The Great Gatsby*, grew up in the Midwest, moved to New York's West Egg, and got rich because a rich ancestor paid someone to serve in the Civil War on his behalf.

  • In *The Great Gatsby*, the color yellow is associated with wealth, corruption, amorality, and death, while the green light at the end of Daisy's dock symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams.

Practice

12 min

4 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

In *The Great Gatsby*, how does the color yellow symbolize the corruption of the American Dream?

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts