The Role of Literature in Enhancing Critical Thinking and Language Skills: A Study ofVictor Hugo’s Les Misérables

This study explores the impact of literature, specifically Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, on the development oflanguage skills and critical thinking among advanced French literature students. Utilizing Jean-Louis Dufays'theory of textual interpretation, the research examines how engaging with complex literary texts can enhancevocabulary, syntactic understanding, and critical analytical skills. The main research question is: Can readingand analyzing Les Misérables improve students' ability to analyze texts critically and engage with philosophicaland social themes? The study involved 20 seventh-semester French literature students, and data were collectedthrough semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and content analysis of students' written work.Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a strong relationship between students' pre-test and post-test scores,confirming that literature can significantly enhance both linguistic and critical thinking skills. The findingssuggest that literature is an essential tool for developing advanced language proficiency and critical evaluationabilities.

The Role of Literature in Enhancing Critical Thinking and Language Skills: A Study ofVictor Hugo’s Les Misérables Keywords:

Critical Thinking , Literature , Language Skills , Les Misérables , Textual Analysis.