FEMINIST CRITICISM:: Women as Contemporary Critics

Book Details

• Author: Maggie Humm

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Binding: Paperback

• Release Date: 01-11-2017

• ISBN: 9788131608876

• Pages: 232

• Languages: English

• Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches

• Sale Territory: India

About the Book

This influential critical study delves into the core aspects of contemporary feminist literary criticism in Great Britain, America, and France. The book discusses how feminist critics, by challenging the traditional "fathers" of literary criticism, have pioneered innovative strategies that contribute to a new literary history. Maggie Humm provides a thorough exploration of the general issues within feminist literary criticism, acknowledging the contributions of foundational feminist theorists such as Simone de Beauvoir, Kate Millett, Betty Friedan, and Germaine Greer.

The study examines how feminist literary criticism integrates techniques from linguistics and psychoanalysis, Marxist-feminism, myth criticism, and the perspectives of black and lesbian critics. In the second part of the book, Humm focuses on key feminist figures, such as Virginia Woolf, Rebecca West, and Adrienne Rich, emphasizing the interaction between intellectual theories, predominantly created by men, and the unique feminist voices articulated by these women. Maggie Humm suggests that feminist literary criticism is more than just an extension of literary analysis— it constitutes a radical and vital body of knowledge that challenges and reshapes traditional understandings.

Contents
Part I

• Feminist Criticism

• Pioneers: Simone de Beauvoir, Kate Millett, Betty Friedan, Germaine Greer

• Language and Psychoanalysis

• Marxist-Feminist Criticism

• Myth Criticism

• Black and Lesbian Criticism

Part II

• Virginia Woolf

• Rebecca West

• Adrienne Rich

About the Author
Maggie Humm is an Emeritus Professor of Cultural Studies at the University of East London. She is the editor of Feminisms: A Reader and the author of Practising Feminist Criticism, A Reader’s Guide to Contemporary Feminist Literary Criticism, and The Dictionary of Feminist Theory.