Literature Criticism using Feminist Theory
Feminist criticism is a theoretical approach in literary and cultural studies that seeks to
understand and critique how literature, media, and other forms of cultural production reinforce,
question, or subvert the norms, roles, and power dynamics associated with gender. Feminist
criticism goes beyond just highlighting female characters or themes; it examines the underlying
structures that shape narratives about gender and offers ways to interpret texts that challenge or
uphold societal expectations and gender roles.
Core Concepts in Feminist Criticism
1. Patriarchy: This is the social system that privileges men and masculinity over women
and femininity. Feminist criticism examines how literary texts reflect or resist patriarchal
norms, which can be subtle or explicit.
2. Gender Roles and Stereotypes: Feminist criticism explores how characters are
constrained by stereotypical expectations of gender. It analyzes whether female
characters, for instance, are confined to roles of caregivers, wives, and mothers, while
men are presented as leaders, warriors, or breadwinners.
3. Representation and Voice: A key question feminist critics ask is, Who gets to tell the
story? Many classical and even modern texts are written from a male perspective, often
marginalizing women’s voices or presenting them through a male lens.
4. Feminist criticism seeks to unearth and value narratives that prioritize women’s
perspectives or that allow complex, multifaceted female characters.
5. Intersectionality: Feminist criticism also considers the intersections of gender with race,
class, sexuality, and other identities. This approach, pioneered by Kimberlé Crenshaw,
emphasizes that the experiences of women cannot be generalized without considering
how these factors interact to create unique challenges.
Examples of Feminist Criticism in Literature
1. Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre
o Jane Eyre is often analyzed through a feminist lens for its portrayal of a strong,
independent female protagonist in a society that restricts women’s freedom.
Jane’s journey of self-discovery and her struggle to maintain her autonomy in her
relationship with Mr. Rochester exemplify a feminist reading of the text.
o A feminist critic might highlight Jane’s resistance to traditional gender roles,
choosing to be economically independent by working as a governess rather than
relying on a man for her livelihood.
2. William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew
o In this play, Katherine (the “shrew”) undergoes a process where she is “tamed” to
fit the expectations of a submissive wife. A feminist critique would examine how
her transformation reflects societal pressures for women to conform to male
expectations and lose their agency.
o Critics may argue that Katherine’s “taming” represents the oppression women
face in patriarchal societies, where assertive women are often punished or
“corrected.”
3. Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale
o Atwood’s novel offers a dystopian portrayal of a society in which women’s rights
are stripped away, and their sole purpose is seen as reproductive. Feminist critics
use this text to explore themes of bodily autonomy, state control, and the dangers
of extreme patriarchy.
o The character Offred is used to depict how women navigate and resist oppression,
with feminist readings focusing on her struggle to reclaim her identity and
autonomy.
4. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
o While not overtly feminist, this novel is often explored in terms of how the female
characters like Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson are objectified and trapped by
the materialistic and patriarchal society they inhabit. Feminist critics might
examine how women’s lives are shaped by their relationships with men and how
they lack agency in the novel.
Key Questions for Feminist Analysis
1. How are women represented in the text? Are they fully developed characters or
stereotypical figures?
2. Does the text reinforce or challenge traditional gender roles? How?
3. What is the balance of power between male and female characters? Who has agency?
4. How does the text address issues of bodily autonomy, sexuality, and reproductive rights?
5. How do factors like race, class, and sexuality intersect with gender to impact the
characters’ lives?
Feminist Criticism in Practice: Application
1. Character Analysis: Look at female characters’ complexity, motivation, and agency. For
example, Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series can be seen as a feminist character
due to her intelligence, independence, and courage, yet the broader narrative can be
critiqued for how it treats other female characters, like Cho Chang or Ginny Weasley,
whose roles are less developed.
2. Plot and Structure: Examine how plot points reinforce or question patriarchal norms. In
Pride and Prejudice, for example, Elizabeth Bennet challenges the expectations of
marriage and social class in Regency England, providing a progressive viewpoint that
aligns with feminist values.
3. Narrative Perspective: Assess who is telling the story and if female voices are
marginalized or represented in a stereotypical way. For example, in Heart of Darkness,
women are largely absent, reinforcing a critique of the novel’s gendered perspective.
