TEACHING THE GREAT GATSBY: ITS ROLE IN DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

Abstract

Teaching "The Great Gatsby" in literature classes plays a crucial role in enhancing students' critical thinking skills. The novel explores complex themes such as the American dream, wealth, class inequality, love, identity, and moral decay. These themes encourage students to interpret ideas, evaluate the actions of characters, compare different points of view, and connect the text with real social problems. This article discusses how teaching Fitzgerald's novel can support analytical reading, interpretation, argumentation, and classroom discussion. It also looks at several teaching techniques that can help learners become active and independent thinkers.