Feminist criticism

Definition

Feminist criticism is a literary approach that seeks to understand and challenge the ways in which literature reinforces or undermines the roles of women and the construction of gender identities. It examines the representation of women in literature, the power dynamics between genders, and how societal norms influence both characters and narratives. This lens is particularly relevant when considering how historical contexts shape these portrayals and what they reveal about women's positions in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feminist criticism emerged as a distinct literary theory in the late 20th century, inspired by second-wave feminism's emphasis on women's rights and equality.
2. This approach critically examines classic texts to highlight overlooked female voices and perspectives, often reclaiming female characters who have been marginalized.
3. Feminist critics analyze how literature reflects societal attitudes towards gender roles and often critiques the male gaze in storytelling.
4. The role of women in Gothic literature frequently serves as a lens for feminist analysis, exposing themes of oppression, power dynamics, and rebellion against patriarchal structures.
5. Victorian literature provides rich ground for feminist criticism as it showcases the struggles women faced within a rigidly defined social hierarchy and highlights their fight for autonomy and identity.

Review Questions

• How does feminist criticism reinterpret classic literary works to highlight the role of women?
  • Feminist criticism approaches classic literary works by examining the representation of female characters and their narratives, often revealing how they have been marginalized or misrepresented. This approach encourages a reevaluation of these texts, shedding light on the complexities of women's experiences and the societal norms that shape them. Through this lens, previously overlooked voices are brought to the forefront, challenging traditional interpretations.
• In what ways does feminist criticism critique the portrayal of gender roles in Victorian literature?
  • Feminist criticism critiques Victorian literature by highlighting how it reflects restrictive gender roles that were prevalent during that era. Many female characters are depicted as passive or confined to domestic spaces, showcasing their lack of agency. By analyzing these portrayals, feminist critics reveal the underlying power dynamics at play and advocate for a broader understanding of women's struggles for independence and self-identity amidst societal expectations.
• Evaluate the significance of intersectionality within feminist criticism when analyzing Gothic literature.
  • Intersectionality adds depth to feminist criticism by acknowledging that women's experiences are influenced not only by gender but also by factors such as class, race, and sexuality. In Gothic literature, this means examining how different identities intersect to create unique narratives of oppression or resistance. By considering intersectionality, critics can better understand how various forms of discrimination impact female characters differently, leading to richer interpretations of texts that reveal complexities within their struggles against patriarchal constraints.

Related terms

Patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

Gender Roles: Social and behavioral norms that dictate what is considered appropriate for individuals based on their gender, often leading to stereotypes about masculinity and femininity.

Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how various forms of social stratification, such as race, class, gender, and sexuality, intersect and contribute to unique experiences of discrimination and privilege.