Revisiting Classical Literature Through the Lens of Modern Feminism

Abstract

This study embarks on a critical exploration of classical literature through the lens of modern feminist theory, focusing on iconic works such as Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Othello by William Shakespeare, and Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. By employing feminist literary criticism, the research seeks to reveal the underlying patriarchal frameworks embedded within these texts and examine the ways in which gender roles are both constructed and contested. This analysis delves deeply into the lives and struggles of central female characters, including Elizabeth Bennet, Desdemona, and Estella, illuminating how each woman navigates the constraints of a male-dominated society. These characters serve as focal points for understanding the complex interplay between gender expectations and individual agency, highlighting moments of resistance, complicity, and subversion. Moreover, this paper emphasizes the relevance of feminist readings in re-contextualizing these classical works for contemporary audiences. By drawing connections between the gendered struggles of historical contexts and ongoing debates about women's autonomy, identity, and power, the study illustrates how these texts remain potent and relevant in today’s discussions about equality and justice. In doing so, this research aims to contribute to both literary scholarship and feminist discourse, positioning classical literature not as relics of the past, but as living texts that continue to inform and inspire debates on gender dynamics.