Feminist literary criticism

Definition

Feminist literary criticism is an approach to literature that seeks to understand and critique the ways in which literature reflects, reinforces, or challenges the social roles and representations of women. This type of criticism focuses on the power dynamics between genders in texts and analyzes how language and narrative structure affect women's experiences and identities. It also highlights the contributions of female authors and re-evaluates the canon of literature to include diverse women's voices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feminist literary criticism emerged in the late 20th century, coinciding with the second wave of feminism, which emphasized issues like equality and representation.
2. Jane Austen's works often present strong female protagonists who challenge societal norms, making her a key figure in feminist literary discussions.
3. Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' has been analyzed through a feminist lens to explore themes of motherhood, creation, and the role of women in a patriarchal society.
4. Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables' offers commentary on the struggles of women within oppressive systems, which feminist critics analyze for its depiction of gender relations.
5. Contemporary feminist literary criticism expands beyond just women's issues to include LGBTQ+ perspectives and critiques of masculinity in literature.

Review Questions

• How does feminist literary criticism challenge traditional readings of works by authors like Austen or Shelley?
  • Feminist literary criticism challenges traditional readings by highlighting how authors like Austen and Shelley subvert societal norms regarding gender. For instance, Austen's female characters often navigate and critique the limitations placed on them by patriarchy, revealing deeper themes of agency and identity. Similarly, Shelley's 'Frankenstein' can be interpreted through a feminist lens as it explores the implications of creation and motherhood within a male-dominated narrative.
• In what ways do Victor Hugo's themes in 'Les Misérables' intersect with feminist literary criticism?
  • Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables' intersects with feminist literary criticism by examining the plight of women in a patriarchal society. The character Fantine embodies the struggles faced by women who are marginalized and exploited within oppressive systems. Feminist critics analyze how Hugo portrays her sacrifices and resilience, ultimately arguing that his depiction highlights broader issues of gender inequality and societal expectations placed upon women.
• Evaluate the evolution of feminist literary criticism from its inception to its current state, particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ literature.
  • The evolution of feminist literary criticism has expanded significantly since its inception in the late 20th century. Initially focused primarily on women's representation and experiences in literature, it has grown to encompass intersectionality, addressing how race, class, and sexuality influence women's narratives. In recent years, feminist criticism has increasingly engaged with LGBTQ+ literature by challenging heteronormative standards and exploring the complexities of gender identity. This broadening perspective allows for a richer understanding of how diverse voices contribute to discussions around power dynamics and representation in literature.

Related terms

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

Gender Studies: An interdisciplinary field that examines the social and cultural constructions of gender and their implications for identity, inequality, and power relations.

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