Feminist literary theory

Definition 

An attempt to read literary works from a feminist perspective. It most often refers to gender inequality. In the 1960s and 1970s, feminism became a major social movement in America, and it began to influence the way we read literature. Writers are not necessarily men. 

Examples of criticism

Male characters are portrayed as having higher status and being more knowledgeable than women. Additionally, women are more likely to experience tragic situations. One example is that female characters are more likely to be rejected even if they ask for help. Also it point out the patriarchy and stereotypes that persist in the work. 

Gynocriticism

It is a study that focuses on women's creativity, and considers women's literature without using the perspective of male writers. It is a little different from Feminist literary theory, which looks at gender inequality from a feminist perspective. 

Works that have been criticized

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn  

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro 

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman 

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein 

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart 

The important Feminist in 20th century

Betty Friedan, Julia Kristeva, Judith Butler, Elaine Showalter, Carol Gilligan, and Adrienne Rich. 

Sources

Guide to Feminist Literary Theory | SuperSummary 

Feminist theory | Poetry Foundation 

Feminist Literary Criticism Defined (thoughtco.com) 

 Haruka Kimura