“Feminist Reimaginings In 21st Century British Fiction: A Study Of Gender And Power In Contemporary Novels”
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i1.85Keywords:
Feminist reimaginings, contemporary British fiction, gender performativity, intersectionality, patriarchy critique.Abstract
This research explores feminist reimaginings of gender and power in 21st-century British fiction, focusing on how contemporary novels challenge conventional gender roles. Using a feminist literary criticism framework, the study analyzes Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo, NW by Zadie Smith, How to Be Both by Ali Smith, and Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss. The research employs thematic analysis to examine how these novels subvert or reinforce gender norms and power relations, drawing on Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity and Kimberlé Crenshaw’s concept of intersectionality. The findings reveal how contemporary British fiction portrays multifaceted and intersectional identities, critiquing patriarchy while illustrating the complexity of gender relations. This study contributes to feminist literary criticism by highlighting how British novels serve as instruments of social change, reimagining gender roles and power structures, and offering a multi-layered view of identity. The research suggests further exploration into cross-cultural feminist comparisons, emerging voices in feminist literature, and the adaptation of feminist narratives across media.
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