Subversive discourse
Subtitle: the cultural production of late Victorian feminist novels
By: Rita S. Kranidis.
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 1995
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 143
Subjects: English fiction -- Women authors -- History and criticism; Literature and society -- Great Britain -- History -- 19th century; Feminism and literature -- Great Britain -- History -- 19th century; Women and literature -- Great Britain -- History -- 19th century; English fiction -- 19th century -- History and criticism; Feminist fiction, English -- History and criticism; Women's rights in literature; Discourse analysis, Literary; Social norms in literature; Dissenters in literature
Description: In the midst of political agitation and increased public visibility, late Victorian feminists turned to writing novels as a means of furthering their political cause without alienating readers. Subversive Discourse reevaluates this culturally significant literature that has long been considered sub-literary.

An engaging investigation into the specific circumstances surrounding the production of late Victorian feminist novels, Subversive Discourse delves into the politics and ideologies feminist novels addressed and challenged. This study also considers how aesthetic ideologies served to contain and negate progressive literary agendas such as that of the feminists.

Kranidis argues that the Realists appropriated feminist literary and social accomplishments and hence challenges the notion that the Realists were pro-feminist. The author outlines the character of late Victorian feminism, reactionary opposition to it, and the narrative and textual strategies devised by feminists to ensure their texts' publication in a conservative literary marketplace.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.