Literary Criticism and Theory · Summer Term

Feminist Literary Criticism

Analyzing texts through a feminist lens, focusing on gender roles, patriarchy, and female representation.

Key Questions

  1. Analyze how patriarchal structures are reflected or challenged in literary texts.
  2. Evaluate the representation of female characters and their agency in different historical periods.
  3. Explain how feminist criticism uncovers hidden biases and power dynamics in literature.

National Curriculum Attainment Targets

A-Level: English Literature - Feminist CriticismA-Level: English Literature - Gender and Identity
Year: Year 12
Subject: English
Unit: Literary Criticism and Theory
Period: Summer Term

Suggested Methodologies

Four Corners

Move to corners to defend your position

20–35 min

Learn more about Four Corners

Fishbowl Discussion

Inner group debates while the class observes

20–40 min

Learn more about Fishbowl Discussion

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More in Literary Criticism and Theory

Formalism and New Criticism

Analyzing texts through close reading, focusing on intrinsic literary elements and structure.

2 methodologies

Reader-Response Criticism

Exploring how the reader's experience and interpretation shape the meaning of a text.

2 methodologies

Marxist Literary Criticism

Applying Marxist theory to analyze texts for representations of class struggle, ideology, and economic power.

2 methodologies

Psychoanalytic Criticism

Using Freudian and Jungian concepts to explore character motivations, symbolism, and authorial psychology.

2 methodologies

Poststructuralism and Deconstruction

Challenging fixed meanings and exploring the inherent instability of language in literary texts.

2 methodologies

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