gynocriticism

literary criticism

Also known as: gynocritics

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

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Gynocriticism is a school of feminist literary criticism founded by Elaine Showalter. It focuses on "woman as writer," examining the history, themes, genres, and structures of literature created by women. The term "gynic" relates to females. Gynocriticism seeks to understand and analyze literature from a female perspective, distinct from male-dominated literary traditions.12

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Elaine Showalter
…and teacher and founder of gynocritics, a school of feminist criticism concerned with “woman as writer…with the history, themes, genres, and structures of literature by women.”
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…and teacher and founder of gynocritics, a school of feminist criticism concerned with “woman as writer…with the history, themes, genres, and structures of literature by women.”
Read More