Working with feminist criticism

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Speech and Silence -- Defining a Feminist Text -- Creating a Matrilineage -- The Woman Author: Lost and Found -- The Death of the Woman Author? -- Gender and Genre -- Feminism and Genre Fiction -- Feminist Publishing -- Feminist Reading -- Feminist Criticisms -- Patriarchal Binary Thought -- Gender Play -- Feminine Writing and Reading -- Finding the Subject -- The Politics of Location.

Using the concepts and practices of feminist literary criticism, this constantly challenging workbook not only makes the connection between women's writing and women's lives but breaks new ground in enabling students to apply critical concepts and to feel more at ease with the texts common to feminist literary theory. Based on extraordinarily wide-ranging material gathered over many years by a leading specialist, the workbook embodies the best of current teaching in this field.

The emphasis throughout the workbook is on taking the reader more deeply into the issues raised, rather than on finding 'correct' answers. Active participation is stimulated as the reader is asked to investigate, discuss and evaluate the exciting and representative texts presented by the author. Each clearly-focused section engages the reader with direct questions and specific tasks, provides a rich variety of materials and approaches, and includes suggestions for further reading and research.

Working with Feminist Criticism will be essential reading for students of Literary Theory, Women's Studies and Cultural Studies and an indispensable tool for teachers. Integrated into taught courses, it will provide an excellent basis for seminar discussion and small group activities.