Gatsby vs Barnum (Greatest Showman)

Welcome to the opening scene from The Greatest Showman!  Today, we'll be focusing on the ways in which Hugh Jackman's character (PT Barnum) compares and contrasts with both Jay Gatsby and James Gatz.

Have you ever seen this musical before?

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Right off the bat, compare Gatsby to Barnum.  Barnum says "This is the Greatest Show.  It's everything you'll ever want, it's everything you'll ever need."  How is this idea similar to Gatsby's philosophy?

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So far, what similarities have you seen between Barnum and Gatz's childhood experiences?  Think about family, status, etc.

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Here, Charity says "I don't know what my future will be."  Barnum replies, "I do."  Listen to the lyrics and consider how Barnum and Gatz/Gatsby use dreaming to drive their futures…

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What overlaps do you see so far about how Gatsby and Barnum are dreaming of the future?  Their ambitions?  Their naiveté?   Their materialism?

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In what waYs are James Gatz and young Barnum similar and different in their relationships with their parents?

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The American Dream hovers over both Gatz and Barnum.  How is this similar in their experiences?

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Even though its disapproving, Barnum does manage to "get the girl" when Gatsby does not.  However, that doesn't stop Barnum from continually trying to prove that he's worthy of Charity.  Which situation do you think is more destructive:  Gatsby's tireless push for more wealth and glory to win Daisy back OR Barnum HAVING his girl, Chairty, but never being satisfied with giving her "enough"?

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Read through the lyrics to the song "A Million Dreams"  here:  https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/greatestshowmancast/amilliondreams.html

1.  Which lyrics make you think of Gatsby?  Why?

2.  Does this song depict an American dream that is INSPIRING or DESTRUCTIVE?  Why?