Exploring Feminist Literary Criticism: Perspectives and Impact

Introduction Feminist literary criticism emerged in the late 20th century, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of literary analysis by highlighting gender as a crucial determinant in the interpretation of texts. This report aims to explore the various perspectives within feminist literary criticism, examining its evolution, key theories, and the impact it has had on literature and broader cultural discourse. By analyzing the contributions of influential feminist critics and theorists, this paper seeks to elucidate how feminist literary criticism has not only transformed the understanding of literature but has also fostered a greater awareness of gender issues in society.

Main Body Feminist literary criticism primarily critiques the portrayal of women in literature and scrutinizes the ways that literature reflects, reinforces, or challenges societal norms regarding gender. One of the foundational texts in this area is Elaine Showalter’s “T