Gynocriticism 240723 215054

Gynocriticism
Introduction
Gynocriticism emerged in the late 1970s as part of the broader
feminist movement within literary studies. It was a response to
the predominance of male-centric literary criticism, which often
ignored or marginalized the voices and experiences of women
writers. Scholars like Elaine Showalter sought to rectify this
imbalance by developing analytical frameworks that centered on
women’s literature and explored its significance within the context
of gender and society. Gynocriticism aimed to uncover the unique
contributions of women writers, highlight their themes, styles,
and concerns, and challenge traditional literary canons that
overlooked or devalued their work.
Male-Centric Literary Criticism:

Prior to the emergence of gynocriticism, literary criticism was
predominantly male-centric. Almost all prominent literary critics
such as Raymond Williams, Terry Eagleton, Fredric Jameson,
Roland Barthes, Stuart Hall, Northrop Frye, Harold Bloom, Stuart
Hall, etc. were men. Feminist theory and criticism were extremely
isolated and misunderstood. Female authors were frequently
overlooked, and their works were subjected to interpretations
that reflected male perspectives and priorities.
Feminist critique and gynocriticism

In Elaine Showalter’s essay “Toward a Feminist Poetics,” she
divides feminist literary theory into two main categories: feminist
critique and gynocriticism. Here’s the differences between
feminist critique and gynocriticism according to Elaine Showalter:
1. Feminist Critique:
• Focuses on how women are depicted in literary texts
written by men. In the feminist critique, woman acts as a
reader.
• Analyzes women’s characters, conditions, and experiences
as portrayed by male authors.
• Highlights traditional misconceptions, misogyny, and
marginalization of women present explicitly or implicitly in
literature.
• Examines the representation of women in literature through
a critical lens, aiming to expose and challenge patriarchal
norms and ideologies.
• Often seeks to uncover the ways in which male authors
reinforce gender stereotypes, perpetuate power
imbalances, or silence women’s voices in their works.
2. Gynocriticism:
• Focuses on literature written by women. Woman no longer
is a reader but becomes a writer.
• explores how women writers express their experiences,
perspectives, and challenges.
• Analyzes women’s literature from a feminist perspective,
examining themes, styles, and concerns unique to women
writers.
• Seeks to establish a distinct tradition of women’s writing
and highlight the significance of women’s voices within
literary studies.
• Emphasizes the contributions of women writers to literary
history and challenges traditional literary canons that
overlook or marginalize their work.
• Recognizes the importance of studying literature from a
female perspective and promotes a deeper understanding
of women’s creativity and literary achievements.
Significant American Gynocritics
Showalter also mentions four significant American feminist

scholars who have attempted to explore new ways to study and
understand 19th century female culture through literature. Out of
the four gynocritics, three are social historians.
1. Carroll Smith-Rosenberg:
She’s recognized for her groundbreaking work in women’s
gender and history in the United States. Her article “The
Female World of Love and Ritual” (1975) is particularly
notable for its exploration of society and emotions through
archived letters between women. Smith-Rosenberg’s research
sheds light on the intimate relationships and cultural
dynamics among women in the 19th century.
2. Nancy Falik Cott:

Her book “The Bonds of Womanhood: ‘Woman’s Sphere’ in
New England (1780-1835)” focuses on the solidarity and
sisterhood that emerged among women in New England
during the early 19th century. Cott examines how women
navigated their roles within a patriarchal society, emphasizing
the bonds formed through shared experiences of exploitation
and cultural constraints.
3. Ann Douglas:
Douglas is known for her work “The Feminization of American
Culture,” where she traces the development of American
mass culture through women’s sentimental literature and
clergy writings. Her analysis highlights the ways in which
cultural norms and values were shaped by and reflected in
women’s writing during the 19th century.
4. Nina Auerbach:
Auerbach’s book “Communities of Women: An Idea in Fiction”
(1978) explores the bonds among women as depicted in the
fiction of various authors, including Louisa May Alcott,
Elizabeth Gaskell, Muriel Spark, Sylvia Plath, and Dorothy
Sayers. Through her analysis of these literary works, Auerbach
illuminates the themes of female solidarity, support, and
community across different contexts and time periods.
Gynocriticism of Pride and Prejudice
‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen is one of the most popular
English novels of the 18th century.
Feminist reading
In the feminist reading, we look at how the novel shows that
women in that time period had limited options for financial
security. The Bennet family, for example, has five unmarried
daughters who are trying to attract a wealthy bachelor like Mr.
Bingley.
Gynocritical Reading
In the gynocritical reading, we focus on the relationships between
the Bennet sisters and their personal experiences. Instead of just
looking at the women’s desperate need to get married, we
consider how they interact with each other. We also explore how
the novel fits into a larger tradition of women’s literature.
Gynocriticism
Gynocriticism, as conceptualized by Elaine Showalter, represents a
transformative approach in literary criticism that centers on the
study of women’s writing from a distinctly feminist perspective. By
prioritizing the experiences, voices, and creativity of women
writers, gynocriticism challenges the male-dominated literary
canon and offers a more inclusive understanding of literary
history. This framework not only highlights the unique
contributions of women to literature but also deepens our
comprehension of gender dynamics and cultural contexts.

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Gynocriticism

Male-Centric Literary Criticism:

Feminist critique and gynocriticism

Significant American Gynocritics

Showalter also mentions four significant American feminist

2. Nancy Falik Cott:

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