1. FEMINIST CRITICISM

2. Important Points: Derives from the critique of a history of oppression
Denounces misrepresentation of women in literature and affirms women’s writings
Explores the idea of women as “Other,” or inferior
Linked to Marxist Literary Criticism. Gender roles “were independent systems for registering the material consequences of people’s differences”
African American women did not identify with feminism because white women had so long enjoyed power over both men and women of their race. African American women allied with men of their perceived class rather than women of other classes.

3. Goals: (adapted from: Tuttle, Lisa. Encyclopedia of Feminism
Goals: (adapted from: Tuttle, Lisa. Encyclopedia of Feminism. Harlow: Longman, Page 184)
To develop and uncover a female tradition of writing
To interpret symbolism of women’s writing so that it will not be lost or ignored by male point of view
To rediscover old texts
To analyze women writers and their writings from a female perspective
To resist sexism in literature
To increase awareness of sexual politics of language and style

4. How to do: Look at roles and situations of female characters
Look at relationship of female characters to each other
Look at role of female characters in relation to male characters
Look at vocational roles of women in literature
Look at attitudes of characters and how their world-view contributes to outcome of story. How powerful do they become?

5. “Barbie Doll” Example:
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