From ancient Greece to modern America, feminist authors have used their words to rewrite history. Through poetry, fiction, and fearless essays, these word-wielding pioneers challenged patriarchy, inspired generations, and proved that literature can be a powerful tool for equality. (All in a day’s work for these trailblazing women.) 

From sixth-century poet Sappho to 20th-century icon Maya Angelou, here are five famous feminist writers who changed not only the literary canonbut the course of culture itself. 

#1 Sappho: The Original Voice of Feminist Poetry 

Sappho was a poet and songwriter born in Greece in the sixth century B.C. She was considered the greatest lyric poet of her time in a world dominated by men, and known as “the Tenth Muse”: an ode to her unparalleled creativity. 

Her works celebrated the sensuality of people of all genders and her fearless identification as a lesbian. Sappho’s life and work were considered scandalous until recent times. In the 11th century, the Church burned most of her poems and songs. Thankfully, some of her poetry survived, and its rediscovery opened the doors to many more generations of feminist literature. 

#2 Mary Wollstonecraft: The Philosopher Who Demanded Equality 

Another famous feminist author, Mary Wollstonecraft, was an 18th-century English writer, advocate, and feminist philosopher. She produced critical works like, “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.” This particular piece asserted that women deserved the same educational, economic, and political rights as men. 

Wollstonecraft’s revolutionary sentiment earned her a prominent place in feminist literature. She even influenced her own family to think ahead of their time: Her daughter Mary Shelley was the author of “Frankenstein,” a novel that would also change history. 

#3 Jane Austen: The Novelist Who Rewrote Society’s Rules 

“Sense and Sensibility” and “Pride and Prejudice” are literary classics still beloved by modern readers, and so is their novelist, Jane Austen. Her many books explored female characters that were independent and able to accomplish much on their own. 

While their depiction may seem tame by modern standards, it was extraordinary in 19th-century England, which was governed by a patriarchal society with strict status quos. Her voice led the way for newer generations to address inequalities. Austen herself remained unmarried and chose to write books instead, also challenging 19th-century norms. 

A close-up of a British ten-pound banknote featuring a detailed portrait of Jane Austen wearing a bonnet. 

#4 Virginia Woolf: The Modernist Who Gave Women a Room of Their Own 

Virginia Woolf was an English novelist and modernist who explored stream of consciousness as a narrative device and pioneered the idea of women as emancipated individuals. One of her most striking works is “Orlando,” which explored the idea of gender fluidity. 

Her essay “A Room of One’s Own” argued for female writers to have equal opportunities to express themselves artistically. This included the private physical space that creative thought often requires. While suffering from mental illness and the trauma caused by her sexual abuse, Woolf still managed to produce work that deeply explored the human condition and continues to inspire many readers today. 

#5 Maya Angelou: The Poet Who Spoke Truth to Power 

Maya Angelou was a 20th-century poet, screenwriter, and activist. Despite living in a time when African American women were deeply oppressed, she spoke out bravely through her work. Her famous autobiographical novels, such as “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” garnered national attention by addressing women’s issues during segregation, racial discrimination, and sexism. 

Angelou went on to become the first African American female director in Hollywood, writing award-winning screenplays that addressed the oppression of women—especially women of color. She won the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010, four years before her death. In addition, her 1975 poem “Alone Together” rode a wave of popularity as a viral rallying cry during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Get Inspired by History’s Greatest Feminist Writers in Our Online BA in English Program 

Ready to dive deeper into some of the best feminist writers who shaped culture? Through UT Permian Basin’s online BA in English, you’ll explore everything from early feminist literature to contemporary creative writing. Learn from history’s greatest authors while developing your own unique voice. 

At UTPB, our 100% online classes provide students with high-quality, cost-effective, and convenient education on par with our in-person classes. What’s more, you can enrich your knowledge of English language and culture from anywhere in the world! 

Rated by U.S. News & World Report as having some of the best online bachelor’s programs, UT Permian Basin can provide you with a critical literary foundation that will allow you to successfully pursue an English master’s or doctoral degree.  

Careers that students will be poised to pursue with our BA in English include: 

  • Copywriter 
  • Editorial assistant  
  • Teacher 
  • Journalist 
  • Publishing copyeditor/proofreader 
  • Research analyst 
  • Grant writer 
  • Librarian 

Explore the timeless literature of historical greats and gain valuable knowledge and skills through our online classes. Join UT Permian Basin’s online BA in English program and start your journey today.  

Sources: 
https://americanliterature.com/feminist-literature-study-guide
https://www.worldhistory.org/Sappho_of_Lesbos
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1078268.pdf
https://www.toledolibrary.org/blog/jane-austens-hidden-feminism
https://squaderno.altervista.org/2018/01/15/virginia-woolf-the-pioneer-of-feminism
https://www.bl.uk/people/virginia-woolf
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/maya-angelou

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