Class today: October 17th

1. By now, you should have your text thoroughly annotated for Formalist conventions.  Remember, the Formalism lens focuses us on a close reading of the rhetorical devices that an author uses AND then we theorize to the implications of this usage.

During class, we will be zooming in on specific literary devices that become the focus of a Formalist and responding to their usage by Fitzgerald.

Not only does Fitzgerald tell an interesting story, but the artistry of this text is phenomenal. Formalism allows us not only receive the results of his artistic talents... but to examine the devices used to create the stunning effects.

For a non-literary example....  Donatello's David, Michaelangelo's David, del Verrocchio's David

Questions to consider; 

1. How does the medium (material or format) impact the tone of the subject? 

2. How are all three works similar in their treatment of the subject?

3. How does each sculptor treat the human body? What impact does this have on the reception of this piece?

4. The inclusion of Golliath's head is in two of the sculptures... What are the implications of this inclusion? What are the implications in the absence in Michelangelo's David? 

5. How does the facial expressions of each David interact with the context of the Biblical story? (Formalist start with examination of facial expression... branching out to intertextuality with context portion of question. 

2. Complete the Gatsby and Formalism handout for Monday, October 24th. 

Remember: ACT Writing Field Test will be taken on Tuesday, October 17th.