1. By: Eli, Hope, Niko, and Dan
The Feminist Approach
By: Eli, Hope, Niko, and Dan

2. What exactly is the Feminist approach?
Feminist criticism is focused on a specific gender
Feminist critics look at gender specific pieces
They try to disect those pieces to show what the piece is dictating about that gender

3. The History of the Theory
Feminism has been going on for thousands of years 
 1790s-  Mary Wollstonecraft wrote A Vindication of the Rights of  Women
 Beginning of first-wave feminism focused on gaining basic women's rights internationally (i.e. suffrage, ending foot-binding) 
Second-wave feminism- 1960s focused on changing roles of women
Third-wave feminism- late 80s focused on continuing the first and second waves, but in a more modern world.

4. The Good, the Bad... and the Theory
The Bad (Cons)
This form of criticism is misunderstood as being sexist towards males
It can turn a piece into a political debate
The feminist approach is viewed as too theoretical
The Good (Pros)
This approach shows women not as victims, but having their own power
It has led to social reforms that have helped women across the world

5. Applied Criticism
The poem deals with the hardships of women in modern society.
Dahlia Ravikovitch's mother was raised in a very religious household
The poem often talks about the importance of flowers which is a feminine symbol.  The last part implies that she is the one who cares for the flowers.
Another feministic symbol is the "beauty of nature"
"My mother" is the main character of the poem and the key feministic symbol as it is also repetition

6. Works Cited
McManus, Barbara F. "Feminist Literary Approach." Characteristics of a Feminine Approach. N.p.,
        1998. Web. 26 Apr  
Karpel, Dalia. "The Essential Dahlia Ravikovitch." Haaretz.com. Haaretz, 17 Aug Web. 26
        Apr. 2010.
"Feminism." Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 26 Apr. 2010