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Feminist Narratives in English Literature: From Virginia Woolf to the Present

Chief Editors:  Mr. Irshadullah Asim Mohammed, Dr. Yogesh Mohan Gosavi, and Prof. (Dr.) Vineeta Kaur Saluja

Associate Editor: Mrs. Sruthi S

Co-Editors: Dr. S. Rajeswari, Dr. Nikhil Saini, and Ms. Atreyee Banerjee

ISBN:  978-81-985805-1-1

Chapter: 20

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/mrnc20/321

Author: Mr. Ravi. B. Havinale

Abstract

Feminist narratives in English literature have played a pivotal role in challenging traditional gender norms and advocating for women’s agency, autonomy, and representation. From Virginia Woolf’s modernist explorations of female consciousness to contemporary feminist literature that addresses intersectionality, inclusivity, and diverse gender identities, feminist writing has continually evolved. Woolf’s seminal works, such as A Room of One’s Own (1929), laid the foundation for feminist literary discourse, emphasizing economic independence and intellectual freedom for women. The mid-to-late 20th century witnessed the emergence of second-wave feminist writers like Margaret Atwood and Angela Carter, who deconstructed patriarchal myths and critiqued gender oppression through speculative and postmodern narratives. This study explores the evolution of feminist narratives, analyzing their thematic continuities, stylistic innovations, and socio-political impacts. By tracing the transformation of feminist literature, this paper highlights the enduring relevance of feminist storytelling in shaping cultural and literary landscapes.

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