Socratic Circle Reflection

Instructions
After each of our Socratic circle, you will be responsible for turning in a one-to-two page, single-
spaced, typed reflection on the experience. This reflection will be comprised of three sections: (1)
summary of what was shared during the discussion, (2) reflection on performance, and (3) reflection on
content. The information below will help you understand what content needs to be placed in each of
the sections.
At the end of the semester, these reflections will be compiled into your digital portfolio and
used as evidence to document your growth through Socratic circles. This portfolio will affect your final
grade in this class. Not having each of the reflections on our circles will result in a lower grade.
Also, because your final Socratic circle portfolio will ask you to show growth over time, it is in
your best interest to make sure that you date each and every one of your Socratic circle reflections and
identify the title of the text that served as the basis of discussion.

(1) Summary of the Discussion

Write a summary of what your inner circle discussed. Share the title and author of the text under
discussion and what the big opinions during the discussion were.

(2) Reflection on Performance

Answer the following questions:
 What were the TWO most original arguments or opinions that were shared during the
discussion? Why do you think these were insightful thoughts?
 What was the most original piece of evidence from the book that was used to support an
opinion during the discussion? Why do you think this?

(3) Reflection on Content

This final section will comprise three items:
(1) a thesis statement for an “imaginary” essay you might write about the meaning and
importance of the ideas expressed in the selection of text (for this reflection, it could be on a
question that was NOT discussed or it could be a thesis statement from your own imagination
rather than the prompt questions)
(2) a paragraph in which you describe (in general terms) the main points you might make in that
“imaginary” essay, and
(3) a paragraph in which you make connections between the content of this selection of text and
some element of your own experience. You might consider connecting this text to the following:
past learning in this class or other English classes, learning that has occurred in other classes,
personal experiences from your life outside of school, experiences of friends and family
members with which you are familiar, current events, movies, literature, music, art, etc. Like the
previous sections, this last paragraph has no right or wrong answers, only well-expressed
opinions.
Checklist
Before turning in a reflection, use the following checklist to ensure you have included all the necessary
requirements to receive full credit:

______ One-to-two pages, single-spaced, 12-point font, typed

______ MLA Header: Your name, the teacher’s name, the course title and block, and the due date of this
reflection
______ Centered Title: Socratic Circle Reflection on [the subject of this particular Socratic circle]
______ One paragraph reflection on the performance of your group
______ One paragraph reflecting on your individual performance
______ A thesis statement for an “imaginary” essay on this text
______ One paragraph explaining the main points of that “imaginary” essay
______ One paragraph explaining the connections you made between the text and your own life
Itzel Esparza

Mrs. Storer

Block 5 English 3H

Feb 20, 2020

Socratic Circle Reflection: The Great Gatsby

I think that this Socratic seminar was my personal favorite. We were able to discuss the
power question which compared where characters either lacked or had power and we discussed
the question of whether or not Gatsby was a Christ figure. My circle had really good ideas and
theories based of the book and we were all able to kind of share, exchange, and even sometimes
connect our theories and ideas to make a big web. There were a lot of people that wrote on how
Gatsby had power and when he didn’t there were also a few Toms in there and it was really cool
to see the different characters that weren’t common, like Myrtle. The Gatsby as a Christ figure
question was interesting in how there were people that agreed but for different reasons. They
agreed in the final answer but not in the way he resembled Christ. There were people saying no
because he wasn’t acting very Christ like and someone else saying no because there wasn’t any
point to his death. I liked how not everyone agreed with everything said but they were able to
keep an open mind and see how the idea could work. We were all excited to share our ideas and
how they connected. I liked that my group was serious but also, we weren’t afraid to banter and
just let the conversation flow the way it went.

I think that the best or most original opinion/idea was when Mila brought the color theory
into the keyes from the book. I loved how she connected the description to the theory. How
God’s calm and truthful eyes sees through people’s dishonest and secret lives. I love how she
pointed that out because I would have never in a billion years put those two things together and
I’m so glad she did because it makes so much sense. And I really fell in love with the color
theory from this book because there are so many ways you can bring it up and see it in
Fitzgerald’s writing in the Great Gatsby.

Daisy and Gatsby were foils of each other which is seen through the way they acted, to
their desires, and the color both were associated with. Daisy and Gatsby, at first glance they
seem like opposites, but upon a closer examination there are similarities. First of all, both of
them are obsessed with status, Daisy would have never even noticed Gatsby if he hadn’t been in
a military uniform. Gatsby wants the high life because he believes that was his destiny. Both
were wealthy but Daisy came from old money and Gatsby came from new money, this first sign
of a way they were on different sides of the spectrum. Another thing was how their socialness
was, Gatsby was social because he needed to be, he threw large parties for the heck of it just to
show off his wealth and prove himself, where as daisy was not really into the social part of it
because she was already established , there was no need for her to socialize with anyone outside
of who she fell into the same category. Both Gatsby and Daisy were described with or to have a
lot of yellow, and I find that this represents the fake persona both put up on the daily. Daisy I feel
is overly peppy because she is unhappy and Gatsby is trying to hide the past he came from.

I connected the most with the secret unhappiness everyone felt throughout this whole
book. Everyone was always wearing a mask and hiding their true feelings. I usually feel like I
have to hide what im really feeling because I don’t want to bother anyone are show any sign of
weakness. It reminded me of how even around the people who should be the most important we
all wear masks.