GENDER EQUALITY AND FEMINISM IN WORLD LITERATURE

Abstract

Gender equality and feminism have been central themes in literature for centuries, with numerous authors using their works to challenge societal norms and advocate for women's rights. This paper examines two seminal works in feminist literary studies: Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre and Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own. These works not only address the limitations placed on women by patriarchal society but also offer progressive models for female autonomy, intellectual freedom, and emotional independence. Through the lens of feminist criticism, this article explores how these texts contribute to ongoing discussions of gender equality, offering both historical and contemporary insights into the representation of women in literature. By integrating scholarly perspectives, this paper aims to underscore the lasting relevance of Brontë and Woolf’s contributions to feminist thought and literary critique.