Feminist Voices in English Poetry: A Review of Gender, Identity, and Resistance

Abstract

Feminist poetry has played a crucial role in challenging patriarchal norms, redefining identity, and advocating for social and political equality. This paper examines the evolution of feminist voices in English poetry, focusing on the ways poets have used their work as a form of resistance against gender oppression. It explores key themes such as identity, resistance, body politics, and intersectionality through the works of poets like Adrienne Rich, Sylvia Plath, Audre Lorde, Carol Ann Duffy, and Maya Angelou. The paper also analyzes the influence of feminist literary criticism on poetic form, including free verse, confessional poetry, and experimental structures. Finally, it investigates how contemporary feminist poets engage with digital media and social activism to continue shaping gender discourse in literature. By evaluating historical and modern feminist poetic expressions, this study aims to highlight the enduring power of poetry as a transformative tool for gender justice.