Chapter 5 Critical Encounters

I found this particularly relevant considering another class I'm enrolled in EFDT 335. I recall near the start of that class the prof asked how many of us considered ourselves to be feminists. I was one of a handful of students who raised their hand.  I think that if she were to take a poll today there would be more hands raised. This brought home the quote at the beginning of the chapter from a grade 11 student that states "feminism is not gender specific" . I think that it is important to be aware that any person who believes in fairness and equity has feminist views- it is not only the domain of angry females. To examine literature through a feminist lens expands our understanding of just how we all are affected by this social construction. However it is important to note that it does not simply mean works by female authors- there are many opportunities to use the feminist lens in reading works by male authors as well. While it is not always easy to view characters from this perspective, it allows us to have a clearer understanding of patriarchy and how it has and continues to shape the society we live in.