Active Reading Strategies in the Great Gatsby (10/29/25)

Main Idea of Gatsby

The novel explores love, obsession, betrayal, and the American Dream

Gatsby’s Goal

He chases the American Dream and Daisy, but loses everything

Nick’s Realization

Money and perfection can corrupt people

Purpose When Reading

Focus on character analysis, techniques, devices, and symbolism

Character Analysis

Track roles, changes, and who represents parts of the American Dream

Literary Technique

How Fitzgerald uses language, tone, structure, and symbolism

Author’s Technique

Fitzgerald’s choices with POV, pacing, and what he reveals or hides

Literary Devices

Imagery, symbolism, foreshadowing, irony

Imagery Example

Valley of Ashes shows poverty vs wealth

Graphic Organizer

Helps keep character, tone, mood, and evidence organized

Rationale Column

Explains why a detail matters or what it reveals

Gisting

Short chapter summaries to track events

Gist Example

Fitzgerald shows decay behind wealth in early chapters

Active Reading Routine

Read out loud, highlight, take short notes, write brief reflections

Core Reminder

Focus on characters, techniques, and symbolism to understand meaning