Mary and The Wrongs of Woman
Author Description
Mary Wollstonecraft is best known for her pioneering views on the rights of women to share equal rights and opportunities with men. They are expressed here in two novels in which heroines have to rely on their own resources to establish their independence and intellectual development. Strongly autobiographical, both novels powerfully complement Wollstonecraft's non-fictional writing, inspired by the French Revolution and the social upheavals that followed.New to this edition is a completely rewritten introduction that incorporates the latest scholarship and features a consideration of the social formation of Wollstonecraft as a Revolutionary feminist and her literary-political career, as well as a critical account of the two novels. A new bibliography includes all the latest critical writing on Wollstonecraft, while heavily revised notes link her fiction to her extensive reading, her other writings and major events and issues of the day. In addition, the text has been completely reset, making it easier on the eyes. It is by far the highest quality edition available, and a great choice for readers interested in pre-Victorian literature and feminist history.About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
The central conflict arises from the struggle of female protagonists to secure personal autonomy and intellectual freedom within a restrictive, patriarchal social structure. Wollstonecraft presents two narratives where women must navigate the physical and logical constraints of late 18th-century society, relying solely on their own resources to survive. The stories function as a critique of the limited roles available to women, emphasizing the necessity of self-reliance. The narrative framework employs a realistic style that mirrors the author's own experiences and political convictions regarding the rights of women.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Exploration of female independence and self-determination
- Critique of 18th-century social and legal constraints on women
- Integration of autobiographical elements into fictional narratives
- Focus on the intellectual development of the protagonists
- Examination of the impact of the French Revolution on social norms
- Use of narrative to advance political and philosophical arguments
- Depiction of the struggle against systemic gender inequality
- Analysis of the domestic sphere as a site of political conflict
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers and critics frequently highlight the significance of these novels as foundational texts in the development of feminist thought. Discussion often centers on the clear connection between Wollstonecraft's fictional characters and her more famous non-fictional political treatises. Scholars emphasize the pacing of the prose, which serves to articulate complex social critiques rather than prioritize traditional plot-driven action. The atmosphere is noted for its intellectual intensity and its reflection of the turbulent political climate of the late 18th century. Readers interested in the evolution of political literature often find these works essential for understanding the historical roots of gender equality movements.
Page Count:
208
Publication Date:
2009-04-15
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0199538905
ISBN-13:
9780199538904
Philosophy
Political fiction
Feminist
classic
Historical
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