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On some level, The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, Death of a Salesman ... all deal with the idea of "The American Dream." In addressing these three literary works, we would like for you to consider each in terms of your own identity and your own experience (individually or collectively), as Koreans, yourselves. Keep a reading journal, with daily entries related to the following assignment. Number or itemize each of the seven questions below:
I) For an individual analysis of each book: (Gatsby, before vacation)
1) Archtypes? In each of the three literary works, consider THREE characters and compare all three to similar characters in Korean history, or in Korean pop culture, or as being similar to characters among your own family and acquaintances. Elaborate on the similarities and/or differences.
2) Chose and investigate THREE scenes from each book, three scenes that you feel are pivotal in the plot or pivotal in explicating the theme. Why do you think these particular scenes are pivotal? Support your opinion with logical evidence.
3) What is to be done? These three scenes should expose some major conflict or obstacle someone (the protagonist, for example) or society/humanity has/had to overcome. For each book consider: In your opinion,
a) What is to be done -- vis a vis the human condition?
b) In the book at hand, where did the seeds of the major conflict first arise.
c) What could have been done or should have been done to avert or resolve the problem(s) before--or following--any of the climactic tragedies dealt with in the literary work, at hand.
4) Book by book: How significant is this work, (on you: how much of an impact might it have made; how much of an impression has it made; how moving is it)
a.) How significant for you;
b.) How significant for Korea (in your opinion)
c.) How significant for the world, at large (in your opinion)?
5) What are one or two strengths, one or two weaknesses of this book.
Go to Amazon.com and consider the review for each book, then:
Give your own rating for each book, on a scale from one to five.
II) In a comparative analysis to be submitted at the first English class upon your return after summer vacation: Number and address the following questions:
6) Is there a distinctive "Korean Dream"? If not, elaborate on this answer. If so, is that "Dream" similar to, identical with, or very different from "The American Dream" (or "Nightmare")? Elaborate (based on individual analysis of each book).
7) In fact, through these three readings, what can you say by way of describing or defining this "American" Dream/Nightmare?
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Amazon.com : Gatsby
Home : Sky Blue Dream