Power and Gaze

This advanced literary analysis worksheet is designed for students in Grades 11 and 12 who are ready to engage with critical theory and evidence-based interpretation. Using an excerpt from The Great Gatsby, students apply either a feminist or Marxist lens to analyze how gender, class, and power dynamics shape character relationships, narrative perspective, theme development, and social meaning within the text.

Instructional Objectives

• Literary Criticism & Critical Lenses (Grades 11-12)
  Students apply feminist or Marxist frameworks to interpret character portrayal and power structures.
• Character & Theme Interpretation
  Learners analyze Daisy’s and Tom’s relationship through social, economic, and gendered perspectives.
• Social & Historical Context
  The activity connects literary analysis to issues of class, privilege, and power in the Jazz Age.
• Textual Evidence & Argumentation
  Students support interpretations with precise quotations and analytical reasoning.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource
  Designed by educators to align with upper high school ELA standards and AP-style expectations.
• Scaffolded Critical Thinking
  Guided questions help students move confidently into theoretical analysis.
• College-Readiness Focus
  Builds skills needed for literary criticism, analytical essays, and seminar discussions.
• Flexible Classroom Use
  Ideal for American literature units, critical theory introductions, discussion prep, or written analysis.

This printable worksheet gives students meaningful practice with applying critical lenses, analyzing power dynamics, and constructing evidence-based literary arguments. By examining The Great Gatsby through feminist or Marxist perspectives, learners deepen their understanding of character, theme, and social context while strengthening higher-level reading and writing skills. Suitable for classroom instruction or advanced homeschool use, this no-prep resource supports rigorous literary analysis and confident engagement with complex texts.

This worksheet is part of our Grade 12 Reading Comprehension collection.