Are you eager to learn how to write an academic article in APA format?

You're in the right place! Below, you'll find a complete sample article formatted according to APA 7th edition guidelines. This example demonstrates correct title placement, in-text citations, paragraph structure, and a properly styled reference list.

Titled "A Reciprocal Relationship Between Poetry and Feminism," this sample will guide you in understanding how APA style brings clarity, consistency, and professionalism to your writing. Follow this structure carefully to master APA formatting for your essays and research papers — and take your academic writing to the next level!

A Reciprocal Relationship Between Poetry and Feminism

Ranita Bani
Department of Literary and Cultural Studies
Introspective English
April 26, 2025

A Reciprocal Relationship Between Poetry and Feminism

During the 1950s to the 1980s, women faced profound injustice and disparity, enduring significant discrimination compared to men. They were often forced to adhere to baseless cultural rituals and conform to the norms of a male-dominated society, where exercising basic rights was frequently prohibited. Although many women wished to raise their voices, few were willing to listen. In response to this deep suffering and helplessness, women began recording their struggles through poetry. Poetry became the cornerstone of the Women’s Liberation Movement, capturing every drop of their tears while celebrating womanhood. As Juhasz (2023) aptly observed, “Poetry by feminists has been a powerful and essential articulation of feminist consciousness and concerns.”

Through poetry, women’s stories reached every corner of society, enlightening both men and women about the importance of treating daughters with respect and fostering deeper emotional understanding among mothers, daughters, and mothers-in-law. Poetry played a crucial role in reducing gender-based inequality, which often fueled domestic violence. In turn, feminist writers enriched the tradition of poetry by sharing previously untold stories of womanhood and challenging patriarchal ideologies. They contributed to the ethical and intellectual growth of society, using poetry as a powerful weapon for change.

Between the 1950s and 1980s, prominent feminists such as Adrienne Rich, Audre Lorde, and Maya Angelou expressed the daily struggles women faced and emphasized empowerment through poetic expression (Hicok, 2022). Influential anthologies like Sinister Wisdom, This Bridge Called My Back, and the iconic No More Masks! (1973) significantly altered the landscape for women. Their vivid portrayals of deprivation across social, familial, and economic spheres not only inspired women but also catalyzed transformation within patriarchal society. As a result, landmark legislation such as the Equal Pay Act (1963) and the Civil Rights Act (1964) were enacted (Napikoski, 2019).

Feminism continues to be an indispensable force within poetry today. Together, poetry and feminism have cultivated a mutually enriching relationship, challenging male-dominated structures and reducing harm historically inflicted on newborn girls, wives, and mothers due to gender inequality. Poetry and feminism continue to educate, inspire, and empower individuals to explore their inherent qualities, infusing hearts with wisdom and hope. Today, poetry is celebrated not only for its rhythm and aesthetic beauty but also for its powerful storytelling and emotional resonance. Society remains indebted to those who expanded the role of poetry to glorify feminism and advocate for lasting change.

References

Hicok, B. (2022). Poetry and the second wave. Williams College. https://sites.williams.edu/

Hritz, A. (2023). Power in poetry: Feminist poetry, its roots, and present influence. IlluminateNRHC. https://www.illuminatenrhc.com/

Napikoski, L. (2019, July 3). Feminist poetry movement of the 1960s. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/feminist-poetry-movement-3528971

Disclaimer: This content is created solely for educational and informational purposes. It draws upon publicly available educational materials, literary texts, and the author's own interpretation. All summaries, analyses, and explanations are original and intended to support learning. No copyright infringement is intended.