Macbeth Socratic Seminar discussions

While listening to the inner circle discussions, post a 50-word blog offering your view on the topic, referring to Macbeth and particular scenes in the play to support your opinions.

Daisy and Tom Buchanan

After meeting Daisy and Tom, does it surprise you to learn that Tom has a mistress that everyone knows about?  Why or why not?

What does this suggest about their marriage and/or gender roles during the time period?

The Great Gatsby Treasure Hunt

1.      F. Scott Fitzgerald

Skim the biography of F. Scott Fitzgerald. List the major influences on his life and writing.

2.      World War I

o    After the war ended, the economy skyrocketed, making it possible for people to spend more time and money on leisure activities. After reviewing the website in this section, list three major innovations that came out of the WWI experience.

o    After the War: List the dominant postwar American attitudes and the major movements of the 1920's. Pay close attention to the attitudes of the "Lost Generation" and the "Prosperity & Consumerism" movement.

3.      19th Amendment

What right did women gain from the passage of the 19th Amendment?

4.      The Roaring Twenties 

List three changes that occurred in 1922 (the year in which the novel is set). You need not read the entire article; your answers will be found in the first few paragraphs.

5.      18th Amendment

o    What exactly does the amendment abolish? What was the result?

6.      Prohibition

o    What is a Speakeasy? Based on information you have already collected from previous questions, why do you think Speakeasies popped up across the country?

7.      Organized Crime and Arnold Rothstein

o  What's in a name?: List three elements of Rothstein's character that interest you. Explain.

o    The Organizer: Read the quotes at the beginning of this site. What is his primary occupation? What are his "sidejobs"?

o    Did your impression of Rothstein change from one web page to the next? Explain.

8.      Flappers

o    Read the first five paragraphs of the article about "Flapper Jane" According to the author, what are the essential elements of being a true flapper?

o    After reading the article, look at the selected photos of Louise Brooks. Does she fit the "Flapper" profile as proposed by the author of "Flapper Jane"? Why or why not?

o    Read Dorothy Parker's poem "The Flapper." Do you think Ms. Parker approves or disapproves of Flappers? Explain.

9.      Automobiles

o    Why were cars considered "the most important catalyst for social change in the 1920's"?

o    Gatsby Coachworks: Reproductions of 1920's era automobiles. The white and gold car is similar to what Jay Gatsby would have driven.

10.  Music

o    Listen to the music on the radio blog music player to the right (click on the track with your mouse).

o    As you listen, record your thoughts and reactions to the songs.

11.  1920's Slang

o    Read some 1920's slang terms.

o    List 5 slang words or phrases and definitions from this site and write them down in your notes.

o    Why did you choose these terms?

12.  Drawing Conclusions

Based on the information you have collected from this website, what do you think the plot and setting of The Great Gatsby will include? What kinds of characters do you expect to encounter in the novel?