FEMINIST
CRITICISM IN
LITERATURE
BY: TAYA VANBLARICUM,
LUKE JOHNSON, LANDON
BASNER
WHAT IS FEMINISM?
Definition: the advocacy of women's
rights on the grounds of political,
social, and economic equality to men.
• ~as many aspects of life are based around a
patriarchal or “male” system of inequality
towards women literary feminist criticism is
established on the history, social stereotypes
and psychological principles of human nature.
HOW DOES FEMINISM TIE TO
LITERATURE?
Feministic critique of literature can
be harbored in this basis of;
~equality : how a man and a
woman are treated equally or unequal,
which has been an ongoing conundrum
throughout centuries
~roles of the gender : how a
woman or a man interact in the world and
how certain activities are done through
the acceptable views of society through
the authors eyes (or characters
viewpoint)
~sociopolitical ideas are often
brought up using feministic criticism
WHO INFLUENCED FEMINISTIC CRITICISM?
Throughout the centuries, several individuals/groups have influenced this type of
criticism or utilized it and made it an effective way of analyzing literature.
Mary Wollstonecraft, who primarily laid the foundation for the beginning of
women's rights (1759-1797)
Abigail Adams, was also a strong advocate of early feminism in schooling
for young girls
Various other women and men have contributed to this idea and type of
criticism though literature, even seen as early as Shakespeare’s the Taming of
the Shrew developed through the ideas of Katherine and her views of marriage
and Petruchio’s treatment of her as his wife
TYPES OF FEMINISM
LIBERAL
Used in mainstream
society for the
integration of
women into society
MARXIST/SOCIALIST
FEMINISM
Recognizes women's
oppression
RADIAL
Considered the
objectionable side to
feminism, transform
society
CULTURAL
Tied to radial, slightly
more subjective in
nature
WHEN DID FEMINISM REALLY TAKE OFF?
During the 1970’s woman's activism really started to make a major appearance
though rallying and major contrasts in ideas about what women should be able
to do regarding gender roles and overall equality in a patriarchal or male led
society (a.k.a mans world)
From the 1700’s to the 1900’s all developed this idea in general though and has
continued to grow popularity in politics and everyday life in ideas like women's
suffrage
THE PROS AND CONS OF FEMINISTIC CRITICISM
S T R E N GT H S
WEAKNESSES
Encompasses a gender that is
generally unheard in matters of
politics,
One sided
Pessimistic at times
KEY TERMS ASSOCIATED WITH FEMINISTIC
CRITICISM
Oppression: the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust
manner.
Prejudice: an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without
knowledge, thought, or reason.
Advocacy: the act of pleading for, supporting, or recommending
Gender/gender roles:
https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/richardg/2013/11/03/feminism-epistemology-and-activism-ananalysis-of-feminisms-strength-and-weakness-and-considerations-for-future-developments/
http://www.uah.edu/woolf/feminism_kinds.htm
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/oppression?s=t
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prejudice?s=t
http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=
2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Wollstonecraft
http://www.uah.edu/woolf/feminism_kinds.htm