| |
| author |
Kristina Kenny
| | title |
Lessons in Literary Activism: Works of Influence in Postmodern Women's Literature (1960-1979)
| | abstract |
The purpose of this interdisciplinary study is to evaluate sixteen postmodern American literary works, produced between 1960 through 1979. The works selected for the purpose of this research consist of various genres and were written by women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Characteristics such as age and/or stage of life at the time of publication and sexual orientation are also accounted for in the selection of writers. An analysis of the chosen works determines the ways in which they influenced the women's movement by bringing to light "the female experience." Specific themes such as identity and oppression are closely examined to understand the relationship between the literary and sociopolitical spheres of this period. The effects of predetermined roles and expectations based on gender are also studied. Feminist theories proposed by Helene Cixous and Naomi Scheman serve as the theoretical framework for this research and are applied in the analysis of these literary works. In addition, this study explores the interconnectedness of these writers and their works, as well as the methods they employed to successfully connect with their audiences and initiate sociopolitical changes. The results of this study contextualize the ways these literary works influenced the movement for the liberation of women, and in turn, how the movement influenced these writers.
| | school |
The Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, Drew University
| | degree |
D.Litt.
(2023)
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| advisor |
Laura Winters
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| committee |
Liana Piehler
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| full text | KKenny.pdf - requires Drew uLogin |
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