Teaching The Great Gatsby: A Teacher's Guide to Close Reading

Navigating the intricate themes and symbolism of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby can be a daunting task for both new and experienced high school English teachers. As a veteran educator, I've found that close reading strategies are invaluable in unlocking the novel's complexities and fostering deeper student engagement. In this post, I'll share insights into my close reading approach and provide practical tips for incorporating this method into your Gatsby unit.

Need help with your Gatsby unit?  I've got you covered!

The Power of Close Reading

Close reading is a student-centered, teacher-directed approach that hones analytical skills and cultivates a deeper understanding of complex texts. When implemented consistently, close reading fosters substantial growth in students' reading and writing abilities. It's a cornerstone of equitable teaching practice that creates an intentional thread of spiraled skills, ensuring increasing complexity in understanding the essential questions of the unit.

Structuring Close Reading Lessons

A typical close reading lesson involves multiple readings of a selected passage, with each reading focusing on different aspects of the text. Here's a basic framework:

1. Review: Briefly revisit the assigned reading and the author's craft tools under examination.

2. Second Read-Through: Conduct a teacher-led reading, emphasizing attentiveness to the text without highlighting or annotating.

3. Third Read-Through: Facilitate a student-led reading, such as partner, popcorn, or small group reading.

4. Author's Craft Tool Analysis: Model the identification and analysis of the first craft tool, highlighting its use and discussing its implications.

5. Independent/Collaborative Analysis: Guide students in identifying and analyzing additional craft tools individually, in pairs, or in small groups.

Remember, ample modeling and think-alouds are crucial in teaching close reading effectively. Don't rush into independent work until students are ready to confidently identify and discuss the targeted craft tools.

Unit Focal Skills and Close Reading Passages

A well-structured Gatsby unit employs close reading to explore a progression of skills, building on prior knowledge and gradually increasing complexity. Here's a glimpse into the sequence of close reading skills and corresponding passages in my unit:

• Chapter 1: Gender Roles & The American Dream

  • Color Symbolism

  • Nature Symbolism

  • Setting

  • Characterization

• Chapters 2 & 3: Economics & The American Dream

  • Color Symbolism

  • Imagery

  • Setting

• Chapters 4 & 5: Love & The American Dream

  • Color Symbolism

  • Nature Symbolism

  • Setting

  • Characterization

  • Tone/Mood

  • Tension

• Chapters 6 & 7: Reality & The American Dream

  • Color Symbolism

  • Nature Symbolism

  • Setting

  • Characterization

  • Tone/Mood

  • Tension

• Chapters 8 & 9: How the American Dream is Capable of Destruction

  • Color Symbolism

  • Nature Symbolism

  • Setting

  • Tone/Mood

  • Tension

You’ll notice that many of the author’s craft tools are set to repeat: this is on purpose. The most painful mistake I’ve had to learn from is always trying to cover too much just because its there. Do these passages have more that we could look at than just what’s on the list? You bet! But the more we add, the less concentrated focus we can expect. Trust me, the first time students tackle color symbolism, it’s going to be an epic train wreck. At that point, it’s not time to move on to a list of more literary terms, it’s time to revisit it — again and again. As painful as it might feel, close reading forces us to decide what matters and teach it often — to teach it deeply.

Each passage is accompanied by a short answer question designed to assess comprehension and analytical skills. The writing practice is where we get to see all of the highlighting and annotating come together. It’s going to be a rough go with a lot of hand holding to begin, but given practice and time, students will get stronger and stronger.

Take Your Gatsby Unit to the Next Level

While this blog post provides a foundational overview of my close reading approach to teaching The Great Gatsby, my complete unit offers a wealth of additional resources and support. It includes meticulously crafted close reading passages, detailed lesson plans, engaging activities, and thought-provoking assessments. If you're seeking a comprehensive and effective solution for teaching this timeless novel, I encourage you to explore my full Gatsby unit.

Remember, close reading is a journey of discovery. Embrace the process, guide your students with intention, and watch them connect in ways you didn’t think possible as you work your way through The Great Gatsby.