Title: Feminist Literary Criticism Defined
Headings: Feminist Literary Criticism
Feminist Literary Criticism
Feminism Definition
Critical Methodology
Embodying or Undercutting Stereotypes
Tools of the Feminist Literary Critic
Gynocriticism
Resources and Further Reading
Watch Now: 9 Feminist Vocabulary Terms You Should Know

Content: Feminist Literary Criticism Defined
Humanities › History & Culture
Feminist Literary Criticism
Feminism Definition
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By
Linda Napikoski
Journalist
J.D., Hofstra University
B.A., English and Print Journalism, University of Southern California
Linda Napikoski, J.D., is a journalist and activist specializing in feminism and global human rights. our editorial process
Linda Napikoski
Updated February 06, 2020
Feminist literary criticism (also known as feminist criticism) is the literary analysis that arises from the viewpoint of feminism, ​ feminist theory, and/or feminist politics. Critical Methodology
A feminist literary critic resists traditional assumptions while reading a text. In addition to challenging assumptions which were thought to be universal, feminist literary criticism actively supports including women's knowledge in literature and valuing women's experiences. The basic methods of feminist literary criticism include: Identifying with female characters: By examining the way female characters are defined, critics challenge the male-centered outlook of authors. Feminist literary criticism suggests that women in literature have been historically presented as objects seen from a male perspective. Reevaluating literature and the world in which literature is read: By revisiting the classic literature, the critic can question whether society has predominantly valued male authors and their literary works because it has valued males more than females.