Analysing effective endings in Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain and analyse the effectiveness of the ending to 'The Great Gatsby'.
Key learning points
- Arguably, an effective ending either offers a resolution or ends in ambiguity with unanswered questions.
- The ending of 'The Great Gatsby' shows us that Gatsby's dream of his life and future wasn't reached.
- We might interpret the ending of 'The Great Gatsby' as suggesting that we are all striving for something we can't reach.
- Fitzgerald's use of repeated sounds might reflect the idea that we are trying to move forward with no progression.
- The symbolism of the morning might depict the idea of a new beginning that is cut off.
Keywords
Recede - go or move back or further away from a previous position; gradually diminish
Ambiguous - open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning
Elude - (of an achievement or something desired) fail to be achieve by someone
Resolution - the process of solving or ending a problem or disagreement
Paradox - a statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth
Common misconception
That the ending of a text isn't as important as the story itself.
The ending of a text defines the story - it offers resolution or poses questions and can impact the way we see characters and the way we interpret the overall meaning of a story.
Teacher tip
It would be useful to discuss the plot and main themes of 'The Great Gatsby' before this lesson.
Equipment
The ending to F.Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' can be found in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'A figure of speech that involves comparing two things using the verb "to be"' is the definition of a .
Q2.'The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities' is the definition of .
Q3.Which of the following is the definition of ambiguous?
Q4.'The process of solving or ending a problem or disagreement' is the definition of which word beginning with 'r'?
Q5.Which of the following is the definition of a paradox?
Q6.'The recurrence of similar-sounding consonants in close proximity' is the definition of which of the following?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The ending of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' shows which of the following?
Q2.'Go or move back or further away from a previous position; gradually diminish' is the definition of which word beginning with 'r'?
Q3.Fitzgerald's use of a double dash after "morning" in the ending of 'The Great Gatsby' implies which of the following?
Q4.'(Of an achievement or something desired) fail to be achieved by someone' is the definition of which word beginning with 'e'?
Q5.In Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby', the final line states that the boats are " back ceaselessly".
Q6.An ending where the writer leaves unanswered questions is known as an ending.
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Analysing effective endings in Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Analysing effective endings in Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Fiction: books that changed my world unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.