LITERARY
CRITICISM
FEMINIST | Movement of Women
in the world of Literature
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEMINIST LITERARY THEORY
1 3
Introduction to 2 Impact and 4
Criticism of
Feminist Literary
Feminist Literary
Criticism
Theory
Historical Conclusion
Context of
Feminist Literary
Criticism
"I am only resolved to act in that manner which will, in
my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without
reference to you, or to any person so wholly
unconnected with me."
WHAT IS
FEMINISM?
Feminism is a social and political movement
that advocates for the social, political, and
economic equality of the sexes. It seeks to
challenge and dismantle gender-based
inequalities and power imbalances in society,
with the goal of creating a more just and
equitable world for all genders.
FEMINIST
LITERARY CRITICISM
Definition:
Feminist literary criticism is a branch of literary theory
that explores and analyzes literature through a feminist
lens. It examines how gender influences the creation,
reception, and interpretation of literary works. Feminist
literary critics aim to uncover and challenge the
patriarchal biases, gender stereotypes, and societal
norms present in literature.
Purpose Purpose
explore the intersectionality of gender
to contribute to broader
with other social categories, such as
conversations about gender
race, class, and sexuality, recognizing
equality, representation, and social
the multiple forms of oppression and
justice.
privilege that individuals experience
Goal # 1 :
to rediscover old texts
OF FEMINIST THEORIES
ACCORDING TO
LISSA TUTTLE
GOALS
Goal # 2 :
to interpret symbolism of women's
writing so that it will not be lost or
ignored by the male point of view
Goal # 3 :
to analyze women writers and their
writings from a female perspective
Goal # 4 :
to resist sexism in literature
OF FEMINIST THEORIES
ACCORDING TO
LISSA TUTTLE
GOALS
Goal # 5 :
to increase awareness of the sexual
politics of language and style
Goal # 6 :
to develop and uncover a female
tradition of writing
HISTORICAL
CONTEXT
Feminist Literary Theory
Feminist literary theory has its roots in the early
feminist movements of the 19th and 20th centuries.
During this time, women began to challenge traditional
gender roles and advocate for their rights and equality.
These movements, such as the suffrage movement and
the first-wave feminism, had a significant impact on
literature.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF A
02 Critique of
LITERARY WORK
Patriarchal Norms
Consider whether the work challenges or
UTILIZES FEMINIST
critiques patriarchal norms and power
structures. Look for themes or discussions
LITERARY THEORY
that address gender inequality,
discrimination, or the social construction of
gender.
01 Through Representation
of Women 03 Intersectionality
Pay attention to women are portrayed in the
Look for how the work explores
work. Look for female characters who defy the experiences of women from
stereotypes and actively participate in diverse backgrounds and considers
shaping the narrative. the ways in which different forms
of oppression intersect.
4. SUBVERSION OF
Feminist literary theory often
involves subverting or challenging
TRADITIONAL traditional literary conventions.
LITERARY
Look for narrative techniques,
storytelling strategies, or stylistic
CONVENTIONS choices that disrupt or question
established norms and expectations.
5. FEMINIST
Consider whether the work engages with
feminist themes and perspectives. Look
THEMES AND
for discussions of gender equality,
women's rights, autonomy, or the social
PERSPECTIVES
and cultural construction of femininity.
Pay attention to how the work reflects
feminist concerns or critiques societal
attitudes towards women
Mary Wollstonecraft
THEMES IN THEIR WORKS
WOMEN WRITERS a British writer, philosopher, and advocate of women's
rights. One of her works is “Vindication of the Rights of
ADDRESS FEMINIST
Woman" (1792) which argued for women's intellectual and
WHO EMERGE AND social equality.
Charlotte Perkins Gilman
an American humanist, novelist, writer, lecturer, advocate
for social reform, and eugenicist. Her work "The Yellow
Wallpaper" (1892) critiqued the oppressive treatment of
women in society.
Jane Austen
is often regarded as a feminist writer, although the term
"feminism" did not exist during her time. Through her novels,
Austen subtly challenged the societal norms and expectations
placed upon women in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Elaine Showalter
THEMES IN THEIR WORKS
WOMEN WRITERS an American literary critic, feminist, and writer known for
her influential contributions to feminist literary criticism
ADDRESS FEMINIST
and her exploration of gender issues in literature.
WHO EMERGE AND
Simone de Beauvoir
a French existentialist philosopher, writer, and feminist
theorist. She is best known for her groundbreaking work,
"The Second Sex," published in 1949 which examined the
social construction of gender and the oppression of women.
Adrienne Richsten
an American poet, essayist, and feminist. Known for her
powerful and socially engaged poetry, Rich played a
significant role in the feminist movement and explored
themes of identity, gender, and social justice in her work.
A Room of One's Own
THAT UTILIZES FEMINIST
by Virginia Woolf - In this influential essay, Woolf
explores the challenges faced by women writers and the
LITERATURE
importance of economic and intellectual independence for
LITERARY THEORY
women.
WORKS
The Madwoman in the Attic: The Woman Writer
and the Nineteenth-Century Literary Imagination"
by Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar - This groundbreaking work
examines the portrayal of women in 19th-century literature and
the ways in which female authors were marginalized.
Gender Trouble: Feminism and the
Subversion of Identity
by Judith Butler - This influential book explores the
performative nature of gender and challenges the binary
understanding of sex and gender.
"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
The story begins with the March sisters living serving as a chaplain in
the war. The sisters have different personalities and aspirations: Meg is the
responsible and traditional one, Jo is independent and ambitious, Beth is
gentle and kind, and Amy is artistic and a bit spoiled.
As the sisters navigate their daily lives, they face various trials and triumphs.
They befriend their wealthy neighbor, Theodore "Laurie" Laurence, who
becomes a close companion to all of them. Jo, in particular, dreams of
becoming a writer and forms a strong bond with Laurie.
The sisters experience both joys and sorrows. Meg falls in love with John
Brooke, Laurie's tutor, and they eventually marry. Jo focuses on her writing
career and faces rejection but eventually finds success. Beth, who is the most
fragile of the sisters, battles illness and eventually passes away, leaving her
family devastated.
Amy, the youngest sister, travels to Europe with their Aunt March and
meets Laurie there. They fall in love and get married. Meanwhile, Jo, who
had rejected Laurie's proposal, realizes her love for her childhood friend,
Professor Friedrich Bhaer, and they also get married.
"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
"I want to do something splendid before I go into my castle, something
heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead. I don't know
what, but I'm on the watch for it, and mean to astonish you all some day. I
think I shall write books, and get rich and famous; that would suit me, so
that is my favorite dream."
_________________________________________________________________
"I don't believe fine young ladies enjoy themselves a bit more than we do, in
spite of our burned hair, old gowns, one glove apiece and tight slippers that
sprain our ankles when we are silly enough to wear them,' And I think Jo was
quite right."
"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
"I can't get over my disappointment in not being a boy; and it's worse than
ever now, for I'm dying to go and fight with Papa. And I can only stay at
home and knit, like a poky old woman!"
_________________________________________________________________
"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents," grumbled Jo, lying on
the rug.
"It's so dreadful to be poor!" sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress.
"I don't think it's fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things, and other
girls nothing at all," added little Amy, with an injured sniff.
"We've got Father and Mother, and each other," said Beth contentedly from
her corner.
"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
1. How are the female characters portrayed? Are
they depicted as strong, independent individuals
challenging traditional gender roles, or are they
QUESTION
confined to stereotypical roles?
GUIDE
2. How do the characters in "Little Women"
navigate the tension between societal
expectations and their own desires for
independence and self-fulfillment?
3. How does the theme of education and
intellectual growth contribute to the feminist
message of "Little Women"?
4. How does the novel address the concept of
sisterhood as a form of feminist resistance and
QUESTION
GUIDE support in a patriarchal society?
5. How do the characters negotiate their desire
for love and companionship with the societal
pressures to marry for financial security or social
status?
6. In what ways does the novel explore the
limitations and opportunities for women in a
patriarchal society?
• The female characters in "Little Women" are
portrayed as both strong, independent individuals
challenging traditional gender roles and as individuals
who navigate within societal expectations. Each sister
has her own unique personality and aspirations, and
their portrayal reflects a mix of defiance and
conformity to societal norms.
• In "Little Women," the characters challenge
traditional gender roles of the 19th century. Jo
pursues a writing career, Meg seeks fulfillment beyond
domesticity, Amy aspires to be an artist, and Marmee
advocates for independence and education. These
characters defy societal expectations, showcasing
women's ability to forge their own paths.
•The theme of education and intellectual growth in "Little
Women" contributes to the feminist message by empowering
women through knowledge and personal development. The
March sisters, especially Jo, challenge societal norms by
pursuing education and intellectual pursuits. This theme
highlights the importance of valuing women's intelligence
and potential, encouraging them to pursue their passions
and aspirations beyond traditional roles.
•"Little Women" depicts sisterhood as a form of feminist
resistance and support in a patriarchal society. The March
sisters stand together, offering each other emotional
support and defying societal expectations. Their unity
showcases the power of female solidarity and promotes
feminist ideals of empowerment and support in the face of
gender inequality.
•the characters navigate the tension between their
desire for love and companionship and societal pressures
to marry for financial security or social status. They
strive to find a balance between personal fulfillment and
external expectations, seeking relationships that meet
both emotional needs and practical considerations.
•"Little Women" explores the limitations and opportunities
for women in a patriarchal society by depicting the
challenges faced by the March sisters. They encounter
constraints in education and career prospects but also
find ways to challenge societal expectations and pursue
personal fulfillment. The novel highlights both the
constraints and possibilities for women within a
patriarchal society.
•In addition to education and career
limitations, "Little Women" also explores
the role of women in a patriarchal society
during wartime. The novel depicts how the
March sisters contribute to the war effort,
highlighting their bravery and resilience in a
male-dominated arena. By showcasing their
involvement in the war, the novel
challenges traditional gender roles and
emphasizes the strength and capabilities
of women in times of conflict.
Overall, “Little Women" is
considered a feminist work
because it emphasizes female
agency and independence,
promotes sisterhood and
solidarity, critiques societal
expectations of marriage and
domesticity, and values women's
work.
KEY POINTS
TO REMEMBER
Feminist Literary during...
Feminism
Criticism
19th and 20th century,
a social and political a branch of literary theory women began to challenge
movement that advocates that explores and analyzes traditional gender roles
for the social, political, literature through a and advocate for their
and economic equality of feminist lens rights and equality.
the sexes
KEY POINTS
TO REMEMBER
observe how WOMEN is look for narrative
PRESENTED techniques, storytelling
To determine if
consider whether the strategies, or stylistic
the literature choices that disrupt or
work challenges or
work uses question established
CRITIQUES PATRIARCHAL
feminist literary norms and expectations
NORMS and power
theory/criticism, consider whether the
structures
you must... work engages with
look for it's
feminist themes and
INTERSECTIONALITY
perspectives.
IMPORTANCE
feminist literary criticism is very Feminist literary criticism is like a superpower
important since it plays a crucial role in for readers. It encourages us to think
promoting gender equality, amplifying critically about books and stories, and helps
us see if there are any unfair stereotypes or
marginalized voices, and fostering a
power imbalances based on gender. It gives us
more inclusive and diverse literary
tools to question and challenge these things,
landscape; and It's a big help in making our reading experience more
contributing to broader conversations meaningful and fair. It's all about
about social justice, representation, and understanding that everyone deserves equal
the dismantling of oppressive systems. treatment and respect, no matter their
gender.
ANY Questions?
and
Q A
THANK YOU!
Have a great day ahead!
—Group 2
