Feminist Literary Studies An Introduction [Paperback]

K. K. Ruthven looks at the impact of Marxism, structuralism, and post-structuralism on feminist critical practice.An in depth survey of the impact of Marxism, structuralism, and post structuralism on feminist criticism, as well as the effects of the rise of twentieth century feminism on the theory of literary criticism.An in depth survey of the impact of Marxism, structuralism, and post structuralism on feminist criticism, as well as the effects of the rise of twentieth century feminism on the theory of literary criticism.The rise of feminism is undeniably one of the major events in the development of literary criticism this century. Feminist approaches have pushed forward both the theory of literary criticism and the understanding of individual works of literature. K. K. Ruthven's lucid introduction to the subject offers a broad survey, looking at the impact of Marxism, structuralism, and post-structuralism on feminist critical practice; the argument that literary language has been shaped by masculine bias; and feminist claims for distinctive styles and traditions of women's writing. As a lively contribution written by a man to a highly controversial topic dominated by women, K. K. Ruthven's study is original and even provocative, but above all serves as a valuably clear and sympathetic guide to the complexities of an important issue in modern literary studies.Preface; 1. The gendering of critical discourse; 2. Constructing feminist theories of criticism; 3. Dismantling androcentric assumptions; 4. Gynocritics; Notes; Select bibliography; Index.' & fascinating reading for anyone who needs convincing of the need for feminist literary studies.' Year's Work in English Studies' & a stimulating book & wide-ranging in the light of its modest claim to be an introduction to its subject.' The Times Higher Education Supplement