Feminist Literary Studies - Hardcover

Ruthven, K. K.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521264545 ISBN 13: 9780521264549

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1984

Synopsis

This book is the first broad survey of feminist critical theory and practice, and one of the few contributions to the subject to have been written by a male academic, in the belief that the basic premise of feminist literary criticism - that gender is the crucial factor in the production, circulation, and reception of literary texts - is of fundamental importance to all serious students of literature. The book focuses on three main aspects: first, the impact of Marxism, structuralism, and post-structuralism on feminist critical practice; second, the argument that in a male-dominated society literary language, conventions, and forms are shaped by masculine biases; third, analyses of the characteristic styles and traditions of women's writing as distinct from men's.

About this title

Review

' ... 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

Book Description

K. K. Ruthven looks 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. An original and provocative study that serves as a valuably clear and sympathetic guide to the complexities of an important issue.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1984
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521264545
• ISBN 13: 9780521264549
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160