Gatsby in 2k18

Background: We have studied Scott Fitzgerald's novel for the past two weeks, specifically
Fitzgerald's critique of the American Dream. Each of the characters in his well-known novel
represent Fitzgerald’s commentary of the American Dream: those who pursue the American
Dream can never be satisfied, because the American Dream entails always striving for
something more than what we already have.

In this project, you will modernize characters from the novel - instead of professions,
looks, and places in the 1920s, you will change everything to what is found in 2018. Although
your character looks and professions will change, you must keep the same theme, symbols,
and critique of the American Dream.

Directions: Work with your group to complete a modernization of three to four characters
from The Great Gatsby.

1. Pick 4 group members from your class. Please work with someone who you’ve never
worked before.

2. Each group member must choose a character to modernize. Your options are:
a. Jay Gatsby
b. Daisy Buchanan
c. Tom Buchanan
d. Nick Carraway
e. Jordan Baker
f. Myrtle Wilson
g. Mr. George Wilson
h. Wolfsheim

3. Make an Instagram page for your character (detailed instructions below). Make sure
that your character is:
a. MODERN
b. Has a modern day profession that is very similar to that of the original
character
c. Use the same actor/person (NO DIFFERENT PICTURES OF THE
CHARACTER! Ex: If you pick Britney Spears for Daisy, all pictures MUST be
Britney Spears. Shakira won’t work).
 i. You MAY NOT use the actors/actresses that were in the Great Gatsby
movies. Be original!

Instagram Page Directions:

Each character page MUST follow the design below:

Create the following for your character:

● Unique and appropriate username
● General bio (Be creative. Ex: Gatsby is a mysterious fellow, make his bio sound
mysterious)
● Number of posts
● Number of followers
● Number of following
● Likes for each picture
Include 6 pictures for your character:

1. Selfie - picture of your character with an emphasis on his/her face

a. Include appropriate hashtags and/or emojis (ex: #selfie #me :))
b. Include a caption

2. Welcome to my crib - an image of your character’s residence

a. Include appropriate hashtags and/or emojis (ex: #crib #life)
b. Include a caption
c. Include a location
i. All locations must be in the same state/region
d. Character’s residence MUST correspond to that of the novel
i. Ex: Gatsby cannot live in a shack
ii. Myrtle cannot live in the same area as Nick

3. Dollah Dollah Bills - an image of your character at work

a. MUST show new/old money
b. Include appropriate hashtags and/or emojis (ex: #grindin #lifeishard)
c. Include a caption
d. Include a location

4. Favorite activity/hobby - an image of what your character is interested in

a. Include appropriate hashtags and/or emojis (ex: #playallday)
b. Include a caption
c. MUST show new/old money
i. Ex: George Wilson cannot be playing golf in a Country Club
ii. Can include significant other

5. Dreams- an image of what your character wants/an image of their American Dream
a. MUST correspond to the novel
i. Ex: Gatsby cannot be shown wanting to be part of the UN
ii. Ex: Gatsby and Daisy picture together
b. MUST be symbolic
c. Include appropriate hashtags and/or emojis (#goalzzzzz)
d. Include a detailed caption

6. In the end, it doesn’t even matter - an image of the outcome of the character (did they
achieve their dream?)
a. MUST correspond to the novel
 i. I suggest you read ahead to find out what happens to your character
b. Include appropriate hashtags and/or emojis (#falldown7times #standup8)
c. Include a detailed caption

Groups members:

● EVERY picture must have a comment from two different characters

● Your character MUST respond to ONE comment underneath each picture

Presentation:
● On the back, include the following:
○ Your name and period
○ Your character
○ Your character’s image (who did you use?)
○ Member of the group
○ 1 paragraph description of each picture, answering the following:
■ Why did you pick that particular image?
■ What does the image represent?
■ How is the relevant/similar to the novel?

References:
Templates:
http://blogs.henrico.k12.va.us/jpcovais/2015/02/04/instagram-template-for-students/
https://nationalgriefawarenessday.com/2810/instagram-post-template
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Instagram-Template-1064422

Super awesome website where you can create your posts (FREE):
https://www.canva.com/templates/social-graphics/instagram-post/