Judging a Book by Its Cover: The Art and Imagery of

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Title:

Judging a Book by Its Cover: The Art and Imagery of

URL:

http://readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/judging-book-cover-imagery-967.html

Content Source:

ReadWriteThink
Type: Lesson/Unit Plan

Overview:

Francis Cugat's 1925 cover art for The Great Gatsby and The View of Toledo by El Greco, mentioned in the final pages of the novel, are the focus of pre-reading and post-reading activities in this lesson plan. Before reading the novel, students tap visual literacy skills as they analyze the artwork commissioned for the novel's cover. Based on their analysis, students make predictions about the plot and imagery of the novel. After completing their reading, students revisit the visual imagery and artwork and discuss how their interpretations have changed. Next, students explore allusion by analyzing an El Greco painting alluded to in the novel and discussing what the allusion means. Finally, students conclude their study by selecting images and designing their own cover for the novel.

Content Standard(s):
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 9
R2. Read and comprehend a variety of literary texts to develop a literal and figurative understanding as appropriate to the type of text, purpose, and situation.

Examples: short and long prose texts, poetry, dramas
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 9
R3. Utilize active listening skills in formal and informal conversations, following predetermined norms.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 10
R2. Read and comprehend a variety of literary texts to develop a literal and figurative understanding as appropriate to the type of text, purpose, and situation.

Examples: short and long prose texts, poetry, dramas
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 10
R3. Utilize active listening skills in formal and informal conversations, following predetermined norms.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 10
4. Interpret an author's use of characterization, connotation, denotation, figurative language, literary elements, and point of view to create and convey meaning in a variety of texts.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 10
5. Analyze context and organizational structures to determine theme, tone, and the meaning of the work as a whole.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 11
1. Read, analyze, and evaluate complex literary and informational texts written from various points of view and cultural perspectives, with an emphasis on works of American literature.
English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 12
6. Analyze a text's explicit and implicit meanings to make inferences about its theme and determine the author's purpose.
Tags: allusion, book cover creator, discussion, El Greco, F Scott Fitzgerald, illustrations, imagery, plot, predictions, The Great Gatsby, The View of Toledo, visual literacy skills
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Author: Cassie Raulston