Female Authors Who Changed the Literary Scenes
In literature, women have long been pioneers, defying conventions, breaking down barriers, and shaping literary history. Apart from adding value to the literary history they also have sparked discussions on important topics like gender roles, identity, and society. So, let’s look at the lives of some of the greatest and finest female writers in history to understand how they altered the literary scenes and left a lasting impression on the world.
Amrita Pritam
“मैं तैनू फ़िर मिलांगी, कित्थे ? किस तरह पता नई, शायद तेरे ताखियल दी चिंगारी बण के, तेरे केनवास ते उतरांगी, जा खोरे तेरे केनवास दे उत्ते, इक रह्स्म्यी लकीर बण के , खामोश तैनू तक्दी रवांगी.” ~ Amrita Pritam (Mein Tenu Phir Milangi)
Starting the list we have the woman who paved the way for modern-day feminism, a woman who was brave enough to live her life as she imagined, the fearless and passionate Punjabi poetess Amrita Pritam. She made a huge impact on literature that till date continues to resonate with authors as well as readers.
Her writing journey encompassed various genres. Her works include over 100 pieces which include poems, short stories, novels, and her renowned autobiography ‘Rasidi Ticket’. Her works not only enhanced Punjabi literature but also left an everlasting mark on the global literary scene.
She was honored with the Padma Shri Award in 1969 and the Padma Vibhushan Award in 2004. She was also the first female recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1956.
Her most Famous Works include: Sunehadey, Kagaj te Canvas (Paper and Canvas), Pinjar (The Skeleton).
Jane Austen
“There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.” ~ Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice)
When it comes to females who transformed the world of literature, no list is complete without mentioning Jane Austen. She is loved not only for her art but also for the woman she is. Her sharp wit and excellent observation of societal norms are still relevant after centuries.
Her unwavering determination opened doors for future female writers as she began writing at a time when women didn’t even have the right to speak up. During the 19th century in Britain, women couldn’t sign contracts so in order to get her work published her brother Henry signed it.
Due to societal norms, she chose to publish her work anonymously. No doubt writing was recognized as a valued skill for women to have but it was mostly viewed as a respected hobby. For this very reason, the anonymous publication was preferred to ensure society that the author didn’t seek writing for stardom but rather as a passion turned part-time employment.
Her debut novel, Sense and Sensibility, was told to be authored by ‘By a Lady’ while her subsequent works were titled “By the Author of Sense and Sensibility.”
Her Famous Works include Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Emma
Ismat Chugtai
“अपने अंदर झांकने की हिम्मत रखो, वहां बहुत सारी कहानियां छिपी हुई हैं।” ~ Ismat Chugtai
Ismat Chugtai was the pioneer in Urdu literature, she was well-known for her fearless and honest depiction of women’s experiences. She wrote dramas, stories, novels, drawings and travelogues. Most of her notable works are in the form of short stories where she challenges traditional norms and ideologies. Her works focused on themes like gender roles, sexuality, and injustice in society. On a whole her topics and writing style are a reflection of her dedication to dismantling obstacles and advancing progressive ideals in Indian literature. Her work Lihaaf faced a lot of criticism for which she was charged and summoned by the Lahore court for trial. She penned down the entire process in a witty manner in her essay The Lihaaf Trial. In 1976 she was the recipient of the Padma Shree award by the Government of India.
Some of her famous works include Tehri Lakeer (The Crooked Line), Lihaaf (The Quilt), and Masooma.
Virginia Woolf
“A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction” ~ Virginia Woolf (A Room of One’s Own)
Virginia Woolf was a prominent writer of the 20th century. She used her experimental writing style to express her views on gender inequality, identity, and mental illness. Her writing style focused more on character development instead of plot development. One of her most renowned works is A Room Of One’s Own where she talks about female writers and the suffrage of women. Her most famous pieces are Mrs. Dalloway and A Room of One’s Own.
Sylvia Plath
“I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am.” ~Sylvia Plath (The Bell Jar)
Sylvia Plath was someone who independently supported women’s movements by refusing to accept the established gender roles. Her works discuss mental suffering and identity resembling her own experiences and struggles. Some of her notable works include The Bell Jar, Ariel, and The Colossus. Her works not only demonstrate her command over the language but also her distinctive voice which resonates with the readers on a deep personal level. Even her poetry, particularly works like Lady Lazarus and Daddy is renowned for its raw intensity and upfront exploration of her inner world.
Female writers’ voices continue to create contemporary literature, pushing the boundaries of form and genre while bravely confronting critical societal issues. Literature has the power to enlighten, provoke, and inspire. It has the power to question, and bring people together as the works of the women who came before have shown us.
About Giftex
For over three decades, Giftex has been at the forefront of the gifting industry in India, serving as the premier platform for both corporate and personalized gifting products. As it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the gifting industry, it was glad to introduce ‘A World Of Collectibles’ online auction platform. It aims to provide a curated assemblage of rare, limited-edition collectibles and impressive niche objects for those who seek quality, exclusivity, and the joy of owning exceptional pieces.
About ‘A World Of Collectibles’ Auction
Giftex was thrilled to introduce a ground-breaking addition to its repertoire — a niche online auction platform in October 2023. So, far it has concluded 5 successful auctions, with an average turnover standing at a whopping ₹ 14.15 crore. These auctions brought one-of-a-kind treasures for luxury gifting, with something to suit every taste & budget. Giftex auction offers a finely-curated selection across categories like Contemporary & Modern Art, Jewellery and Silver, Textiles, Memorabilia, Furniture and Decorative, Fine Writing Instruments, Books and Maps, etc.
TOP 3 SOLD LOTS:
The Story Of My Experiments With Truth: Volumes I & II By Mk Gandhi – ₹3,98,475
A Collection Of 6 Novels By Eminent Authors by Jim Corbett – ₹6,16,816
Birds Drawn For John Gould By Edward Lear – ₹ 5,12,325
If you are someone who’s passionate about adding some rare finds to your collection, then the Giftex auction can be your ideal destination. It offers an exquisite collection of vintage and rare books that would be treasured by any bibliophile.
Take a sneak peek into our rare and exquisite book collection
About Post Author
