| dc.description.abstract | The subject of men writing women has been a somewhat controversial theme in the world of feminist literary criticism, as many critics believe that men cannot adequately portray women properly and fairly, due to the economic, political, social and psychological oppression of women. To create a deeper understanding as to why it is so difficult for men to write women, many feminists have created their own literary theories in how men have historically oppressed women with their writing, in hopes of educating society and creating awareness on how these oppressive tactics damage women’s freedom and sense of self. To gain a further understanding of why some men oppress women through their writing, this bachelor will take a deep dive into two of the most prolific feminist theories regarding men writing women; Simone de Beauvoir’s the Other and Laura Mulvey’s the male gaze and seeing how it’s possible to apply these theories to the novel Women by Charles Bukowski. | |