Feminist Theory

1. Feminist Theory • Gender based • Two distinct ways of looking at feminism • Fundamental Similarities-(egalitarian) Emphasis on fundamental similarities between men and women that exist before any artificial social roles • Fundamental differences (essentialists)- often point out biological differences, suggesting that women’s emotional and nurturing capacities are distinct from men testosterone-driven engagement with the world

2. “Egalitarian” Fundamental similarities Main goal • To reveal, analyze, and redress situations in which women’s equality with men is denied Example: • Gloria Steinem has for many years fought for equal pay for women when they are discriminated against. Basically, equal pay for equal work

3. “Essentialists” Fundamental differences • Goal is to achieve proper social valuation of women’s unique qualities and perspectives as well as to change existing social systems to reflect women’s ways of knowing and being. Example: • Focusing on differences, questioning values associated with men such as the emphasis on cutthroat competition and the aggressive drive for domination.

4. Feminist Racist Theory • Race is also an issue with the Feminist theorists • This branch of theory has been much used because of real and perceived inequity between women of color and white women. These theorists discuss the big difference in pay and treatment not only between men and women but more important racial differences. This extends from pay to health care and other social issues.

5. Other topics within women studies • Rape (Cisneros) Mango Street • Incest • Self-determination (Jane Eyre) • Phallocentrism( Male centered) Freud

6. Jack and the Beanstalk Feminist style Missing Parts of story: • The Old Croan-view as a power in the story, she tells jack what he must do to reclaim his title or manhood. She, in fact, was the power behind his choice of selling the cow for the beans. • Jacks Mother isn’t seen in the best light in the Americanized version of the story. In the older version however, Jack looks much worse because it is he who loses their money. • In the older tale, the giants wife plays more of the roll of a trickster. She fools her husband several times and in turn helps jack.

7. In The Great Gatsby, Daisy is dominated by her husband Tom as Myrtle is dominated by him. The physical abuse that Myrtle suffers at his hands is also duplicated in a smaller way with Daisy. • Fiscally, Both Daisy and Jordon are put down. Daisy is told in no uncertain terms that she is making a mistake with Gatsby. This brings up financial inequality that exists even today. Jordon who essentially is a self made woman sportsman is portrayed as if she won her matches dishonestly. • Myrtle who marries within her own class, is portrayed badly both because of her affair but also because she appears frivolous. • Jordon who is probably one of the first modern women is still portrayed in a bad light by the author. Typical remarks are her bad driving, carelessness, and dishonesty.

8. Symbolism

9. A Midsummer Nights Dream • Look For a reference to Nick Bottom. He is full of himself, in fact he is considered an ass. But you don’t know that until you see the entire scene. This then can be considered symbolic and foreshadowing

10. The Great Gatsby • The Title Gatsby Without the sby (GAT) Slang for Gun • A Modern use of the same. POD’s “Youth of the Nation” “he told the world how he felt with the sound of a gat” (Satellite).

11. The Great Gatsby • Jordon Baker • Named for two cars, The “sporty” Jordon sportscar and the “conservative” Baker Electric • Daisy Buchanan • “Daisy calls Jordon the “Most Immoral person she has ever met