Feminist Reading
Here are some potential dissertation writing objectives for a feminist reading of a literary text:
To examine the representation of gender roles and societal expectations for women in the text.
To analyze the ways in which the female characters in the text challenge or resist traditional gender roles and societal expectations.
To examine the portrayal of sexual assault and how it is used as a catalyst for the female characters' journey or actions.
To explore the ways in which the text portrays the female characters as complex, multidimensional and how they are not just victims but strong, dynamic and independent.
To analyze the ways in which the text engages with feminist theory and the impact of the text on feminist discourse.
To compare and contrast the representation of women in the text with other literary works of the same period, and in the context of the author's other works.
To examine the ways in which the literary text reflects on the societal and cultural context in which it was written and how it reflects on the contemporary world.
To explore the ways in which the literary text resonates with contemporary readers, particularly with regards to issues of gender and feminism.
These objectives will help you to focus on what you want to achieve while writing the dissertation on feminist reading of a literary text.
Literature Review Guidelines
When conducting a feminist literary analysis, it is important to consider the following guidelines:
Look for representations of women and their experiences in the text. Analyze how they are portrayed and the implications of these portrayals.
Consider the role of gender in the construction of the text and its characters. Analyze the ways in which gender shapes the characters' actions, relationships, and experiences.
Examine the power dynamics at play in the text, particularly as they relate to gender. Look for instances of patriarchal oppression, as well as moments of resistance and subversion.
Pay attention to the intersectionality of identity. Be mindful of how gender intersects with other forms of oppression, such as racism, classism, and ableism.
Consider the historical and cultural context in which the text was written. Analyze the ways in which the text reflects and reinforces societal attitudes towards gender during the time period in which it was written.
Keep in mind that feminist literary analysis is not limited to texts written by women or about women. Any text can be analyzed from a feminist perspective.
Be aware of your own biases and assumptions. Seek to understand the text on its own terms, rather than imposing your own preconceptions onto it.
Resources:
There are many resources available for studying feminist literary theory and its application to literary texts. Some key texts and authors to consider include:
"A Room of One's Own" by Virginia Woolf: This influential essay explores the relationship between women and fiction, and argues for the importance of women's economic and intellectual independence.
"The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir: This classic feminist text explores the ways in which women have been defined and oppressed by patriarchal society.
"Feminism and the Mastery of Nature" by Val Plumwood: This book examines the ways in which patriarchal culture has oppressed both women and nature.
"Sister Outsider" by Audre Lorde: This collection of essays and speeches by the black lesbian feminist poet and writer explores themes of intersectionality, identity, and resistance.
"Feminisms" edited by Robyn Wiegman: This anthology collects essays and articles from a variety of feminist scholars and activists that explore the history and diversity of feminist thought.
"Gender Trouble" by Judith Butler: This influential book explores the concept of gender performativity and the ways in which gender is socially constructed.
"Race, Gender, and Sexuality" by bell hooks: This book is a collection of essays that explore the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality in contemporary culture.
Additionally, journals such as Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, Feminist Studies, and Feminist Theory are great resources for current feminist literary criticism.