Huntington English Teachers Weigh-in on Gatsby Hype
With the long-awaited premiere of Baz Luhrmann's film adaptation of The Great Gatsby finally hitting theaters last week, the Huntington High School English department couldn't resist getting in on all the hype.
According to press accounts, Gatsby fever is spreading, and although Luhrmann's movie has been receiving mixed reviews from film critics, English teachers and Huntington students have their own opinions.
About the Novel
Set in 1922 on Long Island's Gold Coast, F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel has become a seminal work of American literature and a staple of the high school English curriculum. The story revolves around James Gatz a.k.a. Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio in the new movie), a larger-than-life millionaire who throws extravagant parties all in the hope of winning the love of Daisy Buchannan (Carey Mulligan).
The novel's narrator, Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire), who has just moved to New York from Minnesota to learn the bond business, describes his experiences living next door to Gatsby and learning about a man whom few actually knew – he famously is the only person to ever be personally invited to one of Gatsby's parties.
With unforgettable (and ultimately loathsome) additional characters, like Tom Buchannan, Daisy's brute of a husband, and Jordan Baker, Nick's summer fling who cheats her way through sporting competitions, Fitzgerald's novel has become one that many readers turn to for an honest portrayal of American indulgence during the '20s. Pitting garish "new money" against the more refined "old money," The Great Gatsby is a story which touches upon some of the greatest themes of literature: elitism, deception, love and hope.
From Page to Screen
"While Baz Luhrmann's version of The Great Gatsby will never replace F. Scott Fitzgerald's literary masterpiece, what better way to appeal to a high school generation of texters, Tweeters and Instagramers," said Aimee Antorino, a tenth grade English honors teacher at Huntington High School. "The allure of the Jazz Age and Luhrmann's eccentric style started conversations amongst students - 'Let's get all dressed up like they used to and go watch it as if it were a huge party during the Jazz Age!' and 'I love Leonardo DiCaprio as Gatsby, but how could they cast Carey Mulligan as Daisy?' That, to me, is the sign of a huge success!"
Bonnie Guarino, an eleventh grade teacher, gushed about the film. "It's alive, vibrant, and exciting when compared to all of the other versions," she said. "It makes you wish you were a guest at one of Gatsby's parties!"
At first some were put off by Luhrmann's creative choice to incorporate more modern music into the movie, but it didn't bother English teacher Dianna Molenko at all. "I really loved the use of modern music throughout the film," she said. "It stayed true to the essence of the characters on the page."
Victoria Lombardi, an eleventh grade AP Language and Composition teacher said she's very pleased with the way the film turned out. "There's always a little fear that a movie is going to ruin the literature you love," Ms. Lombardi said. "But, ultimately, you have to go into film adaptations with an open mind and accept that directors are going to take some creative license. In the end, it's just refreshing to hear students talking about one of my favorite stories."
Other members of the department had fun simply remembering their favorite quotes from the classic book. Kelly Krycinski loves Carraway's assertion that "You can't repeat the past." While Marie Morello enjoys the line, "It takes two to make an accident."
"All in all, it's just fun to see students getting so excited by Gatsby," said Michael Schwendemann, another department faculty member. "Unfortunately, I don't usually get to teach The Great Gatsby because I'm primarily a ninth and twelfth grade teacher. But, I saw so many of my seniors, who already had experiences reading the book, become energized and eager for the film's release."
The Bigger Picture
At the end of the day, the English department's wish is that younger students are inspired after seeing the film and are enthusiastic about reading the novel once they reach their junior year, or even sooner.
"Not everyone is going to love literature the way that English teachers do, but we're definitely hoping that a deeper appreciation for reading and storytelling will emerge," said one teacher.