This year, Arcadia High School’s (AHS) juniors celebrated the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby’s publication with an immersive and creative experience. On Apr. 3, students in AP Language and Composition classes participated in Gatsby Day, an annual tradition where they create small themed parties within their table groups, each centered around an element of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s renowned novel.
The event encouraged students to explore and analyze different motifs from The Great Gatsby while bringing them to life in unique and artistic ways. From extravagant decorations to symbolic food choices, each table crafted a setting reflective of the novel’s Jazz Age motifs.
AP Language teacher Ms. Jennifer Landis, a longtime advocate for Gatsby Day, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. “Gatsby Day is my favorite day of the entire school year because I can see the creativity my students have, and I’m always blown away with the things they make.”
Set in the Roaring Twenties, The Great Gatsby encapsulates an era of excess, hedonism, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The period was marked by economic prosperity, prohibition, and the rise of jazz culture, which were elements that students sought to replicate in their table presentations. Groups embraced the novel’s themes by incorporating lavish decorations, prohibition-inspired mocktails, and even homemade desserts infused with literary symbolism.
“My favorite part about the party was the food. I really enjoyed not only tasting my group’s and a few friends’ food, but also seeing all the symbolism that was put into each one,” said junior Terrence Wu.
In the week leading up to the event, juniors put in extensive effort to curate their parties, carefully selecting attire, decorations, and menus that embodied the spirit of the novel. The excitement culminated on Gatsby Day itself, when students arrived dressed in 1920s inspired fashion, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.
“My favorite part of the party was dressing up for it,” said junior Sofia Perez. “I really enjoyed the novel, and being able to dress in the lavish outfit was really nice.”
Through Gatsby Day, students not only celebrated a literary classic but also gained a deeper appreciation for its historical and cultural significance. The event served as a testament to the novel’s enduring impact and the power of immersive learning in the classroom.
As the event came to a close, students left with more than just memories of a fun-filled day. They carried with them a newfound appreciation for Fitzgerald’s masterpiece and the timeless themes of ambition, wealth, and illusion.
