In history, female roles have often been stereo-typically portrayed as obedient and gentle figures. Over time, as literature flourished across different periods, the presence of women in the field of literature began to emerge and develop, guided by the principles of feminism.
Going back to the period of Ancient Greece and Rome, the illustration of women was tied to their husbands and their dependence on men. Greek myths, while rich and influential, reflected sharply on the cultural norms of Greeks. Women in myths such as Helen of Troy were objectified for their beauty as the dominating motivation for war. The generalization of limitation was seen as a major guideline of feminist standards, restricting the new ideals that are pivotal to advancing feminism. Moving towards the Elizabethan period, all genres demonstrated themes of misogyny and sexism. To the extreme, women were regarded as necessities of the process rather than individuals. During this period, gender equality was absent in the fields of literature. Amid the French Revolution, which brought forth ideas of freedom, Mary Wollstonecraft emerged as a major source of inspiration for feminist thought.
She argued that the education system should be accessible to girls and that opportunities needed to be provided equally to the two genders. Not only Mary Wollstonecraft; other writers,, such as Mary Ann Evans, used pen names in order to be treated equally. The boundaries they pushed ultimately contributed to the growing acceptance of gender equality.
In addition, female artists have flourished in modern times as greater diversity and acceptance are shown. As an activist, Lorraine Hansberry, an African American, stands as a prominent figure in literature. Her famous work, A Raisin in the Sun, addresses the racial prejudice faced by African American families as well as reflecting the rise of feminism with abortion laws and marriage laws. The challenges she set up were designed to anticipate significant changes beyond the restraints of traditional feminism.
In conclusion, women in classic literature and modern literature differ in how their presence in the field of writing is accepted. Therefore, there is a clear difference and significant advancement for women in the realm of literature.