Intro to Gender and Literary

Analysis

What is Gender?

Sex vs. Gender Masculinity Femininity Sexuality

What influences our gender roles?

Culture and society Religion Family structure Media Race Class

How do gender roles change depending on influence? How do we behave from pressures of gender roles?

Important Terminology

Feminism The fight for social, economical, and political

equality for all genders What does it mean to be a feminist?

Patriarchy Refers to a patriarchal society in which men

dominate power structures and exert their power over women

The patriarch can define gender roles, creating social “norms” and gender stereotypes

Marginalized Marginalized groups are typically groups who

exist on the “fringe” of society. They are not the dominate group and therefore their needs are exploited or ignored.

Oppression How are people/groups oppressed as a result of

their gender?

Analyzing Literature through the Gender Lens

Characterization Conflict Dialogue Point of View Setting Symbolism Imagery (description) Tone

Connect to Current Issues

How can we connect themes/issues from older texts to current issues with gender?

“The Lady with the Dog”-- a story about two married people who engage into a love affair

Relatable issues today Gender stereotypes in marriage Social stereotypes of affairs/open-

relationships Arranged/Forced marriages Unhappy marriages and depression Cultural obsession with scandals

Anton Chekhov

Chekhov (1860-1904) Born in southern Russia Physician, dramatist,

and author--considered one of the best short story writers in history

Disregarded traditional structure and was unapologetic for any confusion this brought to readers

“If in Act I you have a pistol hanging on the wall, then it must fire in the last act.”

Joyce Carol Oates

Oates (1938-) Born in New York state Valedictorian at

Syracuse University; M.A at University of Wisconsin

Taught at Princeton University for over 30 years

One of the most prolific authors of our time with over 50 novels published and numerous collections in short stories, poetry, and nonfiction