Say, Mean, Matter Chart

Directions: Now that we have read and studied The Great Gatsby, you
will need to analyze what the text says explicitly as well as make
inferences. This chart will help you develop meaning for quotations in
the novel and can help you get ideas for your essay.
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For this activity, you will work in groups of 3 or 4 students.

Each student will find an important quote in the novel that serves
a purpose to the themes of the novel. The quote can also be an
important description of a character that gives insight on their
personality. Make sure to include the page number where you
find the quote, who is speaking, and to who. This quote will go
under the Say section of the chart.

As a group, you will write what the quote means under the
Mean section. You will discuss what the quote is actually
saying. Ask yourself what thoughts/emotions does it evoke?
What are its implications? How do I interpret this? This section
must be 2-3 sentences.

As a group, you will write why this quote matters in the Matter
section. In this section you will reflect and make inferences on
why the quote is important. Does this quote show a theme in the
novel? Why does this quote matter? Why is this quote significant
to you or society? What are its impacts? This section must be 4-5
sentences long.

Grading Checklist:
____________ Each quote has a page number, speaker, and who is being
spoken to.
____________ Quote is important to the theme or novel.
____________ Every student in the group participated and chose 1
quote.
____________ Mean section is clear and is 2-3 sentences.
____________ Matter section is clear and is 4-5 sentences.