What is Feminism in Literature/Film? Kathleen O'Donnell

I believe that feminist literature and other art forms express the societal viewpoints and experiences of women. Gender disparity is rooted in historical progression, and throughout history, women were seen as the inferior sex. Feminist literature first arose to aid in breaking the barriers existent between sexes and show that women are both capable of producing good work and having an important impact on society.

Feminist literature often reflects the attitudes of its era. For instance, Jane Austen wrote about middle to high class women on the search for a husbands to provide for them, despite penning individual characters with free will and independence. It was the marriages, money, and social status that gave them purpose in life. The resentment of this notion rose up through the 19th and 20th century where authors such as Virginia Woolf (and women the world over) thought "We're not that different! We have the same brains!" 

Feminism in film further pushed the boundaries of collective thought on the subject of differences between men and women. The 20th century gave way to modern versions radical feminism and egalitarianism. With a new, fast paced and visual art form, women could display to the world their equality (and in some cases superiority) to men. 

Feminist works of art don't have a single medium or style. They are as diverse and complex as women themselves and will continue to evolve in the 21st century.