The problematic of feminist criticism: between the diversity of terms and the complexity of concepts

Abstract

The term “feminist criticism” refers to an analytical approach that examines literary, artistic and cultural works from a gender studies perspective. Therefore, feminist criticism is linked to two fundamental axes. The first involves the study of the image of women in literature produced by men, while the second concerns the study of texts produced by creative women. Feminist criticism aims to re-establish women's value as full participants in all aspects of life, rejecting the appropriation of women and male domination. It addresses the representation of women as writers and subjects, focusing on the appropriation of female personalities within male creative frameworks and the liberation of women from male domination in feminist discourse. The present article attempts to explores the term "feminist criticism," its origins, initiators, fields, and main critics. It also addresses the diversity of terms used and the complexity of concepts associated with feminist criticism. It has been concluded that feminist criticism is primarily an ideological liberation movement rather than a purely aesthetic interrogation process. The term "feminist criticism" has sparked much debate in the literary criticism arena, between proponents and opponents. Moreover, this critical arena has witnessed terminological chaos in unifying the term and defining it precisely.