The Feminist Literary Theory
Having read the following:
-Archetypal/Myth Literary Criticism
-Feminist Literary Criticism
-Alcott, Louisa May (1863). “The Death of John.” a/k/a “Death of a Soldier.” From Hospital Sketches. Retrieved from http://www(dot)online-literature(dot)com/alcott/1977/. Also available at http://www(dot)classicreader(dot)com/book/2580/1/ and http://grammar(dot)about(dot)com/od/classicessays/a/Death-Of-A-Soldier-By-Louisa-May-Alcott.htm
-Howell, William Dean (1907). “Editha.” From Between the Dark and the Daylight.
New York: Harper and Brothers. Retrieved from http://www(dot)online-literature(dot)com/william-dean-howells/4110/ . Also available at http://public(dot)wsu(dot)edu/~campbelld/howells/editha.htm
Please proceed to the discussion instructions.
Start by reviewing the primary posts of your peers and the reply posts of your other classmates.
Then, in a reply post of no fewer than 250 words, analyze and describe how a character is portrayed in either Alcott's “Death of John” or in Howell's “Editha,” applying at least one (1) concept of “Feminist Literary Theory” or “Archetypal/Myth Literary Theory.”
Name
Institution
Feminism
Feminist literary theory is a study that deals with the nature women in matters related to gender inequality. This philosophical study explains women’s experiences, politics, and social roles in relation to psychoanalysis, literature, economics, sociology and anthropology. Several types of feminism exist but vary depending on the situation at hand. These include social feminism, radical feminism, and liberal feminism.
Editha is a strong-willed woman who encourages her lover to fight for their country. Stereotyping generalizes that women are weak and depend on others, especially men, to survive. This is not the case as the girls encourage the men to go to war, and they believe that they will come back safe and sound. These women bid their loved ones goodbye and wait eagerly upon their return where they will show how proud they are to have their loved ones participate in the war.
A selfless woman is of great value as she puts her country before her pleasure. She encourages her lover to go to for she believes it is a holy war. Liberal feminism can be felt in the story because the women remain behind as men go into war. Liberal feminism is experienced when women do not get a chance to participate in opportunities presented to men. Edith is a patriotic woman. When she visits her lover’s mother upon his death, ...