An essay in defence of the female sex (eBook)

In which are inserted the characters of a pedant, a squire, a beau, a vertuoso, a poetaster, a city-critick, &c. in a letter to a lady

Mary Astell, Judith Drake active 1696-1707 (Autoren)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
72 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654717415-8 (EAN)

Infos

An essay in defence of the female sex stands as a seminal work in early feminist literature, encompassing a rich tapestry of styles and arguments that speak to its time yet echo profoundly in modern discourse. The collection thoughtfully unravels themes surrounding women's societal roles and intellectual capacities, challenging the preconceived notions of the 17th and 18th centuries. Through its insightful essays, the anthology critiques gender hierarchies and advocates for the intellectual and social empowerment of women. It features a range of essays that traverse satire and serious discourse, blending humor with poignant argumentation to drive home the crucial need for gender equity. The authors, including notable figures such as Mary Astell and Judith Drake, contribute their formidable insights into the collection, resonating with the early enlightenment's spirit of questioning and reform. These pioneering voices emerged at a nexus of cultural and intellectual upheaval, harnessing the power of the written word to advocate for change. By aligning with early feminist and enlightenment movements, they collectively provide a nuanced and powerful exploration of women's rights and roles in society. This anthology is highly recommended for those interested in exploring the diverse perspectives and styles offered by these early feminist thinkers. It is an essential read for understanding the historical context of gender debates and the intellectual strides made by women writers of the period. Through engaging narratives and incisive argumentation, An essay in defence of the female sex encourages readers to reflect on the enduring conversation around gender equality and the vital contributions of women to literary and social discourse. This collection stands as a crucial dialogue piece for both historical and contemporary audiences.

Autor

Mary Astell (1666-1731) was a pioneering English feminist writer and rhetorician, acclaimed for her advocacy of education for women and her contributions to philosophical thought. Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Astell was a trailblazer in arguing for the intellectual and moral potential of women at a time when such ideas were revolutionary. Her seminal work, 'A Serious Proposal to the Ladies, for the Advancement of Their True and Greatest Interest' (1694), laid the groundwork for feminist literature by proposing an all-female college. However, it is her 'An Essay in Defence of the Female Sex' (1696), where Astell engages in a spirited defence of women's capacities, mocking prevailing gender stereotypes and calling for educational reform. Astell's work not only critiqued the social norms of her time but also showcased her skillful use of satire and rhetoric. Her literary style intertwines logical argumentation with a moral imperative, aiming to reform both individual character and societal institutions. While Astell's proposals did not materialize in her lifetime, her writings have had a lasting impact on feminist thought, and she has been posthumously recognized as one of the early architects of feminist philosophy (Hill, 2002; Sowaal and Detlefsen, 2016).

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 15.8.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur
• Themenwelt: Sozialwissenschaften ► Soziologie ► Gender Studies
• Schlagworte: 17th century feminism • 17th-century feminist texts • 17th century women's rights • cultural gender expectations • early English feminist writers • early feminist anthology • early feminist texts • early modern literary essay • educational social reforms • Enlightenment female authors • female advocacy in literature • female intellectual history • feminist literary pioneers • Feminist Literature Classics • feminist thought evolution • gender equality literature • Gender roles critique • historical female advocacy • historical feminist arguments • intellectual women in history • Judith Drake writings • marriage • Mary Astell advocacy • Mary Astell philosophy • patriarchal norms critique • proto-feminism writings • satirical character analysis • social commentary essay • the family • Women • women's education advocacy • women's intellectual contributions • women's rights essays