Characterization of Tom (not that one or that one -- the Buchanan one)

After our second day or vocabulary, we spent the day working on characterization, a popular prose prompt topic. With AP Literature, you do not have a straightforward characterization. You must tie this in with relationships to other characters, recognize subtle shifts, compare and contrast multiple characters, or connect the character's journey to the overall theme of the passage. Phew! To emphasize this complexity of characterization (really into alliteration with this post), we focused on Mr. Tom Buchanan and his slow recognition of rival romancer Gatsby. From his body language, words, and descriptions, we noted his character traits and how this created an uncomfortable, condescending, and competitive world with his fellow characters.

Second hour, you have homework -- highlight the character traits of Lucetta and Elizabeth in your text. We will work in partners or groups of 3, depending on the size of class that day, to discuss and present your analysis. Then, it will be time for "The Birthmark" and its discussion and essay review.

Fourth hour, don't fret -- you'll know what the above means during class on Thursday.

P.S. Scholar Quiz is our school's academic trivia team. Some of you have attended our practices, which occur every Friday after school in room 404. You are all welcome to attend our practices -- whether you look to be a full time player and earn a letter for competing or a part time player wanting to have fun and learn in a supportive team atmosphere. By the way, it is never too late to join the Scholar Quiz team. We are a splub competing with schools across St. Charles and St. Louis counties, we have finished second in district competition five times, and our goal this year is to win districts and make it to sectionals for the first time in our school's history. If you like trivia and have scheduling conflicts, we have trivia lunches every block Thursday in the library conference room. Bring your lunch, play trivia with us, and spend some quality time with the Scholar Quiz team in a relaxed environment.