Question

Characteristics of feminism in literature

Answer 1

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.

Feminist Literature Defined

According to Annette Kolodny, noted feminist literary critic, 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.

More often than not, feminist literature addresses relevant political issues, current attitudes toward women in society, or attempts to break down gender-specific misconceptions. It is not restricted across culture or religion, so topics span a broad range, from politics to race, religion, and the institution of marriage, among others. These topics have contributed to a rich patchwork quilt of literary masterpieces that is part of our heritage and history.