The only way for Victorian women to publish their work was by using a pseudonym or a penname to avoid dismissal by male critics.

Her femininity disconcerted male critics and upset stereotypes about female athletes.

Many male critics labeled her as "sentimental."

"It's not a reaction against Hemingway, but against the male critics and scholars of an earlier era who created this one-dimensional macho image of him."

Her memoir has been described by one bowled-over male critic as "refreshingly unapologetic in its enthusiasm for the sexual wilderness."

There was a rise of male critics who deprecated women's writing as they worked to create an American literature.

In the seventies and eighties, Kael cultivated friendships with a group of young, mostly male critics, some of whom emulated her distinctive writing style.

The reception from female critics was mostly negative, while some of the male critics noted that Mane's performance reflected an obvious talent.

Some male critics saw it as "romantic" or "sentimental".

On the other hand, male critics saw the short story as pro-woman and feminist.