Feminist criticism

Definition

Feminist criticism is a literary analysis approach that examines texts through the lens of gender, focusing on the representation of women and the power dynamics between genders. It aims to uncover the ways in which literature reinforces or challenges patriarchal norms and values, often highlighting issues of inequality, oppression, and identity. By analyzing the portrayal of female characters and the roles assigned to them, feminist criticism seeks to reveal the underlying societal structures that influence gender perceptions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feminist criticism emerged in the late 20th century as part of a broader movement to challenge traditional literary canon and highlight women's voices in literature.
2. Key concerns of feminist criticism include the portrayal of women in literature, the absence of female authors in the literary canon, and how language and narrative structures reinforce gender stereotypes.
3. Feminist critics often analyze how power dynamics between male and female characters reflect societal attitudes towards gender roles and relationships.
4. This form of criticism also emphasizes the importance of considering the historical context of a work to understand how its portrayal of gender may resonate with or challenge contemporary views.
5. Feminist criticism has evolved over time to include diverse perspectives, addressing issues related to race, sexuality, and class in addition to gender.

Review Questions

• How does feminist criticism analyze the portrayal of women in literature?
  • Feminist criticism focuses on examining how women are represented in literature, paying close attention to their roles, characterizations, and relationships with male characters. Critics look for patterns that reveal whether female characters are depicted as complex individuals or stereotypical figures. By highlighting instances where women are marginalized or objectified, feminist critics aim to critique the broader societal norms that influence these portrayals.
• In what ways does feminist criticism contribute to our understanding of power dynamics in literature?
  • Feminist criticism sheds light on power dynamics by analyzing how male and female characters interact within narratives. It investigates how societal expectations shape these interactions and can either reinforce or challenge traditional gender roles. By examining conflicts, alliances, and character development through a feminist lens, critics reveal the underlying power structures present in literature, enhancing our understanding of gender relations.
• Evaluate how intersectionality expands the scope of feminist criticism in analyzing literary texts.
  • Intersectionality expands feminist criticism by recognizing that gender does not operate in isolation; it intersects with other identities such as race, class, and sexuality. This approach allows critics to examine how multiple forms of oppression impact female characters differently based on their unique social positions. By incorporating intersectionality into feminist analysis, scholars can provide a more nuanced critique that addresses complexities within narratives, leading to a richer understanding of women's experiences 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 explores the roles, experiences, and identities of different genders, focusing on how gender influences social structures and cultural practices.

Intersectionality: A concept that examines how various social identities such as race, gender, sexuality, and class intersect to create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage.