THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE HISTORICAL AND MODERN LITERATURE

Abstract

This paper undertakes a comprehensive comparative analysis of the evolving portrayal of women in literature, tracing their representation from historical periods characterized by significant underrepresentation to contemporary narratives reflecting a more nuanced and complex understanding of female identity, agency, and lived experiences. The analysis will delve into the intricate interplay between prevailing societal norms, dominant literary movements, and individual authorial choices in shaping the depiction of women across diverse cultural contexts. The study will illuminate recurring thematic patterns, critically analyze the profound impact of feminist literary criticism on the field, and identify persistent challenges in achieving truly equitable and multifaceted female representation within the literary landscape. The exploration will encompass the historical silencing of women's voices, the influence of religious and cultural beliefs on gender roles, the emergence of feminist consciousness and its literary manifestations, and the complexities of contemporary representations, including intersetionality and postcolonial perspectives.