Mary Astell, Judith Drake

An essay in defence of the female sex (eBook, ePUB)

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

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

An essay in defence of the female sex is an unprecedented anthology that traverses the dynamic landscape of Enlightenment-era thought, delving into themes of gender, autonomy, and the societal roles prescribed to women. This collection serves as a crucial dialogue on women's intellectual capabilities and their rightful place in the cultural and social order. The anthology intricately weaves through various literary styles, ranging from eloquent essays to impassioned treatises, each contributing to a robust discourse on the nexus of femininity and intellect. The works within challenge the seminal notions of the time with elegance and wit, with each essay standing out as a catalyst for critical reflection. The anthology brings together the pioneering voices of Mary Astell and Judith Drake, who collectively represent a vanguard in the literary and feminist renaissance of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Their contributions, heavily informed by the burgeoning intellectual movements of their time, provide invaluable insights into gender dynamics. By aligning with Enlightenment values and questioning the status quo, they reveal a multifaceted examination of women's societal roles, one that reverberates with the urgency of empowerment and equality. Readers who engage with this collection embark on a transformative journey through historical perspectives that resonate with contemporary relevance. An essay in defence of the female sex offers not only an exploration of literary and feminist history but also a profound educational experience. This anthology invites readers to appreciate the diversity of perspectives, encouraging a reevaluation of historical narratives surrounding gender and intellect. A must-read for those interested in feminist thought, Enlightenment history, and literary criticism, this volume promises to stimulate thought and conversation among scholars and lay readers alike.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 253
• Erscheinungstermin: 3. Dezember 2019
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4057664573186
• Artikelnr.: 58563071

Autorenporträt

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).