Sample passages (or full reading) from the following:
Interested? Summaries of Suggested Texts:
The Female Quixote (1752) imitates the ideas of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. Arabella was raised by her widowed father in a quaint English castle, where she reads only French romance novels, and believing them to be historically accurate, expects her life to be equally adventurous and romantic. She finds out that she will lose part of her estate if she does not marry her cousin, Mr. Glanville. After imagining wild fantasies for herself in the country, she visits London. Glanville is concerned at her fantastical ideas, but continues to love her, while Sir George Bellmour, his buddy, attempts to court her, using the same high-flown language and chivalry as in the romance novels. When she throws herself into the Thames River in an attempt to flee from men that she imagines to be "ravishers" in an imitation of "Clélie," she becomes weak and ill. Her doctor learns of Arabella's wild delusions concerning romance, and explains to her the difference between literature and reality. As a result, she finally decides to accept Glanville's marriage proposal.
Possible discussion points: Restricted/limited education, the ending of the novel-- is it a good ending? Is it fair to Arabella?
"Oroonoko" by Aphra Behn (1688) is included even though it is not from the 18th-Century because Aphra Behn is considered the first professional female writer and the story comments on the condition of women writers of the time. "Oroonoko" tells the story of a royal slave, taken into captivity and sold-- forcing him into a life of slavery. Imoinda, the love interest, The two are split apart by the slave trade, but eventually reunited under fake slave names (Clemene and Caesar). The story idolizes Oroonoko's integrity and honor, but also undermines his physical features by comparing them negatively to other black people-- an interesting talking point for a classroom. Trigger Warning: Oroonoko dies a tragic, slow death.
Possible discussion points: Nobility, Behn's language describing Oroonoko, Behn's comparison of the plot to female writers' careers.
Persuasion by Jane Austen (1817) tells the story of Anne Elliot, a 27 year old English woman. It opens with a telling of the family's wealthy, respected historical status. Anne's father must move them to lower his debt and rent the family estate. Anne and Captain Wentworth were engaged years before and he returns from sea while Anne is at the estate. She feels that she has lost his love forever, but after many different occasions between them and traveling, the two end up together.
Possible discussion points: The Navy as a theme throughout, love lost, traveling with friends as socializing in London.
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman and The Wrongs of Woman, or Maria by Mary Wollstonecraft (1792) are feminist, political novels explaining Wollstonecraft's stance on women's role in society. For example, the need for unrestricted education, their role in the household, and their role as mothers.
Another source for suggested writers:
https://bust.com/books/13762-6-amazing-18th-century-lady-authors-who-aren-t-jane-austen.html
- The Female Quixote by Charlotte Lennox
- "Oroonoko" by Aphra Behn
- Persuasion by Jane Austen
- A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft
- The Wrongs of Woman or Maria by Mary Wollstonecraft
Interested? Summaries of Suggested Texts:
The Female Quixote (1752) imitates the ideas of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. Arabella was raised by her widowed father in a quaint English castle, where she reads only French romance novels, and believing them to be historically accurate, expects her life to be equally adventurous and romantic. She finds out that she will lose part of her estate if she does not marry her cousin, Mr. Glanville. After imagining wild fantasies for herself in the country, she visits London. Glanville is concerned at her fantastical ideas, but continues to love her, while Sir George Bellmour, his buddy, attempts to court her, using the same high-flown language and chivalry as in the romance novels. When she throws herself into the Thames River in an attempt to flee from men that she imagines to be "ravishers" in an imitation of "Clélie," she becomes weak and ill. Her doctor learns of Arabella's wild delusions concerning romance, and explains to her the difference between literature and reality. As a result, she finally decides to accept Glanville's marriage proposal.
Possible discussion points: Restricted/limited education, the ending of the novel-- is it a good ending? Is it fair to Arabella?
"Oroonoko" by Aphra Behn (1688) is included even though it is not from the 18th-Century because Aphra Behn is considered the first professional female writer and the story comments on the condition of women writers of the time. "Oroonoko" tells the story of a royal slave, taken into captivity and sold-- forcing him into a life of slavery. Imoinda, the love interest, The two are split apart by the slave trade, but eventually reunited under fake slave names (Clemene and Caesar). The story idolizes Oroonoko's integrity and honor, but also undermines his physical features by comparing them negatively to other black people-- an interesting talking point for a classroom. Trigger Warning: Oroonoko dies a tragic, slow death.
Possible discussion points: Nobility, Behn's language describing Oroonoko, Behn's comparison of the plot to female writers' careers.
Persuasion by Jane Austen (1817) tells the story of Anne Elliot, a 27 year old English woman. It opens with a telling of the family's wealthy, respected historical status. Anne's father must move them to lower his debt and rent the family estate. Anne and Captain Wentworth were engaged years before and he returns from sea while Anne is at the estate. She feels that she has lost his love forever, but after many different occasions between them and traveling, the two end up together.
Possible discussion points: The Navy as a theme throughout, love lost, traveling with friends as socializing in London.
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman and The Wrongs of Woman, or Maria by Mary Wollstonecraft (1792) are feminist, political novels explaining Wollstonecraft's stance on women's role in society. For example, the need for unrestricted education, their role in the household, and their role as mothers.
Another source for suggested writers:
https://bust.com/books/13762-6-amazing-18th-century-lady-authors-who-aren-t-jane-austen.html