Feminist literature
What is feminism?

A feminist supports feminism…

Feminism is defined as the advocacy of women's rights on the
basis of the equality of the sexes; the belief in social, economic, and
political equality of the sexes.
American Feminist Literature Purpose
& Definitions:

American Feminist Literature is a genre that
emerged from a desire to bring more freedom to
women

Feminist literature, or feminist criticism as it is
often referred to, is any material written by a
woman, any female criticism of any material written
by a man, or female criticism of literary content
produced by another woman.

Feminist literature was born of the need to express
injustice and a need for change. An outpouring of
essays, articles, books, and journals caught the
public eye and fanned the flames of reform for
women in the nineteenth century. Not only did such
writing have an enormous impact as a change
agent, but it also left a lasting legacy for women
and a wealth of literary history.
Characteristics of Feminist Literature

Portrays characters or ideas that attempt to change gender norms.

Tends to examine, question, and argue for change against established and
antiquated gender roles through the written word.

Strives to alter inequalities between genders across societal and political
arenas.

Seeks to add a unique and often overlooked feminine-specific voice and
tone to gender, societal and political issues, as well as social inequalities
where a feminine voice is needed to make an impact.
Notable Feminist Authors:

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888)

Kate Chopin (1850-1904)

Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1860-1935)

Virginia Woolf (1882-1941)

Maya Angelou (1928-2014)

Alice Walker (1944-)

Octavia E. Butler (1947-2006)