Exploration of the intersection of Historical-Critical Analysis and Feminist theory in Kate Chopin's The Awakening and Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s Herland

Abstract

This research paper focuses on the intersection of feminist theory and historical-critical analysis in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s Herland and Kate Chopin’s The Awakening. Both novels illuminate the struggles of women for identity and autonomy in the patriarchal societies and challenging the gender norms. Through employing the historical-critical methodologies, the current study situates the novels within their social and cultural contexts through highlighting the pressure of contemporary social reform and gender politics movements. Simultaneously, the feminist theory is used to critically analyze the narratives’ demonstration of resistance and female agency. The results demonstrate how both writers envision the alternative spaces for women empowerment. This interdisciplinary and intersectional approach provides a nuanced concept of how The Awakening and Herland reflect the greater historical shifts.