FEMINIST LITERARY CRITICISM
Before "Feminism" was considered an official movement, there were those historical figures who dared to disagree with the cultural oppression of women. These pioneers are celebrated forebearers of the viewpoint today. Below are three of these noted visionaries.
Christine de Pisan (c.1364-1430)
Considered one of the most notable women writers of medieval times, Christine de Pisan took up writing to support herself once widowed. While her first works were ballads in memory of her late husband, de Pisan soon began writing many notable Feminist works. Her final work extolled the virtues of one of the earliest and most notable Feminist figures in history, Joan of Arc.
Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797)
Arguably the "grandmother" of Feminism, Mary Wollstonecraft took up writing after leaving her abusive father. Her most famed work, Vindication of the Rights of Women pushed for equal educational opportunites for men and women. This controversial stance served as an inspiration for future feminists in the officially recognized phases of the movement.
Jane Austen (1775-1817)
Unrecognized in her own time, Jane Austen's works have posthumously received many accolades. Her works, such as Pride and Prejudice, have gone on to be adapted into full-length motion pictures.