GENDER, POWER, AND VOICE: A FEMINIST READING OF SELECTED WORKS IN ENGLISH LITERATURE

Abstract

This study explores the intricate intersections of gender, power, and voice through a feminist reading of selected works in English literature. By examining how female characters negotiate patriarchal structures and assert agency within male-dominated narratives, the research reveals the various strategies employed by authors to subvert traditional gender norms. The analysis highlights the silencing and marginalization of women's voices, alongside moments of resistance, redefinition, and empowerment. Drawing from feminist literary theory, the study evaluates how narrative techniques, character construction, and thematic content contribute to broader discourses on gender equity and representation. The selected texts serve as cultural artifacts reflecting evolving attitudes toward femininity, identity, and social justice, demonstrating the enduring relevance of feminist critique in literary studies.