10.1 The rise of the woman novelist
5 min read•august 20, 2024
The 18th century saw a surge in women novelists, challenging gender norms through their writing. This shift in the literary landscape was fueled by rising literacy rates, an expanding publishing industry, and a growing female readership eager for relatable stories.
Women writers faced and often used to protect their reputations. Despite these challenges, they made significant contributions to the literary canon, expanding novel genres and influencing future generations of authors.
Rise of the woman novelist
- The 18th century witnessed a significant increase in the number of women writers, particularly in the novel genre
- This period marked a shift in the literary landscape, as women began to assert their voices and challenge traditional gender roles through their writing
- The rise of the woman novelist had far-reaching effects on the development of literature and the perception of women's roles in society
Factors enabling women writers
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- Increasing literacy rates among women due to the expansion of education and the growth of the middle class
- Expanding publishing industry created new opportunities for writers to reach a wider audience and earn a living through their work
- Growing female readership eager for stories that reflected their experiences and concerns
Pioneering women novelists
- , one of the first English women to earn a living through writing, known for her plays and novels ()
- , prolific writer of amatory fiction, challenged conventional notions of female virtue and desire ()
- , satirical novelist and political commentator, often used her writing to critique social and political issues (The New Atalantis)
- Jane Barker, poet and novelist, explored themes of exile and displacement in her semi-autobiographical works (A Patch-Work Screen for the Ladies)
Challenges faced by women writers
- Social stigma and criticism from those who believed writing was an inappropriate pursuit for women
- Women writers were often accused of immorality or impropriety
- Many faced ridicule and dismissal from male critics and readers
- Pseudonyms and were commonly used by women writers to avoid public scrutiny and protect their reputations
- Some women published under male pseudonyms or used only their initials to conceal their gender
- Anonymity allowed women to express themselves more freely without fear of social repercussions
- Limited financial independence made it difficult for women to support themselves through writing alone
- Women often had to rely on male relatives or patrons for financial support
- Lack of legal rights and property ownership further restricted women's ability to earn and control their own income
Impact on the literary landscape
- Expansion of novel genres, as women writers experimented with new forms and styles
- Development of the epistolary novel, which used letters to tell a story ( by Samuel Richardson)
- Growth of the , which emphasized emotion and moral instruction ( by )
- Influence on later generations of women writers, who built upon the foundations laid by their predecessors
- , one of the most celebrated novelists of the 19th century, was inspired by earlier women writers like Frances Burney and
- , Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, drew on the Gothic tradition pioneered by women writers like
- Contribution to the literary canon, as works by early women novelists have been rediscovered and recognized for their artistic merit and historical significance
- Aphra Behn's Oroonoko is now considered a key text in the development of the English novel
- Eliza Haywood's Love in Excess has been praised for its subversive depiction of female desire and agency
Notable works by early women novelists
- Oroonoko by Aphra Behn
- A short novel that tells the tragic story of an enslaved African prince
- Considered one of the earliest English novels and a key text in the development of the genre
- Love in Excess by Eliza Haywood
- A scandalous and popular novel that explores female desire and the dangers of romantic excess
- Challenged conventional notions of virtue and propriety for women
- by Delarivier Manley
- A semi-autobiographical novel that satirizes the literary and political world of early 18th-century London
- Offers a rare glimpse into the life and career of a professional woman writer
Themes in early women's novels
- Exploration of female experience, including the challenges and limitations faced by women in a patriarchal society
- Depiction of arranged marriages, domestic abuse, and the lack of legal rights for women
- Examination of the emotional and psychological lives of women, often through the use of first-person narration or epistolary form
- Social and political commentary, as women writers used their novels to critique and satirize the world around them
- Delarivier Manley's The New Atalantis, a political satire that attacked prominent figures of the day
- Sarah Fielding's The Adventures of David Simple, which critiqued the shallow and materialistic values of 18th-century society
- Subversion of gender norms and expectations, as women writers challenged traditional ideas about femininity and female behavior
- Eliza Haywood's heroines, who defy conventions of passive femininity and assert their own desires and agency
- Charlotte Lennox's The Female Quixote, which satirizes the romantic ideals of chivalry and questions the role of women in society
Critical reception and legacy
- Contemporary reactions and reviews were often mixed, with some praising the wit and creativity of women writers, while others dismissed their work as trivial or immoral
- Samuel Johnson, one of the most influential literary critics of the 18th century, praised the works of Frances Burney and Charlotte Lennox
- Other critics, like Alexander Pope, mocked and satirized women writers, often in gendered and dismissive terms
- Rediscovery and reevaluation of early women novelists in the 20th and 21st centuries, as scholars have sought to recover and celebrate their contributions to literary history
- Feminist critics like Elaine Showalter and Sandra Gilbert have championed the works of early women writers and argued for their inclusion in the literary canon
- Modern editions and adaptations of works by Aphra Behn, Eliza Haywood, and others have brought renewed attention to their writing
- Influence on feminist literary criticism and theory, as the works of early women novelists have been used to explore questions of gender, power, and identity in literature
- The rise of the woman novelist has been seen as a key moment in the history of women's writing and the development of a female literary tradition
- The challenges and strategies of early women writers have been studied as examples of how women have navigated and subverted patriarchal systems of power and representation
Key Terms to Review (28)
Ann Radcliffe: Ann Radcliffe was a prominent English author known for her influential Gothic novels in the late 18th century. Her work often combined elements of the supernatural and psychological exploration, establishing her as a pivotal figure in the Gothic tradition and the broader Romantic movement.
Anonymity: Anonymity refers to the state of being unnamed or unknown, particularly in relation to the authorship of a work. In the context of literature, it allows writers to express their thoughts and ideas without personal identification, which can encourage greater freedom of expression and creativity. This concept plays a crucial role in the rise of women novelists, as it provided them a platform to publish their works without facing societal prejudice or limitations imposed by their gender.
Aphra Behn: Aphra Behn was a pioneering English playwright, poet, and novelist from the 17th century, often regarded as one of the first professional female writers in England. Her work marked a significant shift in literature, as she broke the societal norms of her time, paving the way for future women novelists by exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and power dynamics.
Delarivier Manley: Delarivier Manley was an influential English novelist and playwright of the early 18th century, known for her contributions to the rise of the woman novelist. Her works often challenged societal norms and explored themes such as gender, power, and sexuality, making her a significant figure in the development of women's literature during this period.
Domesticity: Domesticity refers to the cultural and social ideals surrounding home life and family responsibilities, particularly emphasizing the roles of women as caretakers and homemakers during the 18th and 19th centuries. This concept shaped the expectations of women, highlighting their responsibilities within the home while often restricting their roles outside it. The idea of domesticity played a crucial part in literature, reflecting the societal norms and challenges faced by women writers and characters as they navigated their identities within this framework.
Eliza Haywood: Eliza Haywood was an influential 18th-century English novelist and playwright, known for her pioneering role in the development of the female novel. Her works often addressed themes of love, gender dynamics, and the struggles faced by women in a male-dominated society, helping to shape the literary landscape for future female authors.
Epistolary format: The epistolary format is a literary style that uses letters, diary entries, and other forms of correspondence to tell a story. This format allows for a unique perspective as readers gain insight into characters' thoughts, emotions, and motivations through their written communications. It creates an intimate connection between the reader and the characters while often highlighting themes of personal reflection, social commentary, and the constraints of society.
Evelina: Evelina is a novel by Frances Burney, published in 1778, that follows the life of a young woman navigating society in 18th-century England. This work is significant as it exemplifies the rise of the woman novelist during a time when female authorship was gaining traction, providing a voice to women's experiences and societal roles.
Female agency: Female agency refers to the capacity of women to act independently and make their own choices, especially in contexts where traditional societal norms limit their roles. This concept highlights how women assert their identity, resist oppression, and navigate their circumstances, often challenging patriarchal structures. In literature, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, female agency becomes a vital theme as women authors and characters strive to express their voices and assert their presence in male-dominated narratives.
First female novelists: The first female novelists refer to the pioneering women who broke societal barriers in the 18th and 19th centuries by writing and publishing novels, a form of literature previously dominated by men. Their contributions marked a significant shift in the literary landscape, showcasing women's voices and experiences, and laying the groundwork for future female authors. These early female novelists not only challenged gender norms but also opened up discussions on women's rights, identity, and social issues through their narratives.
Frances Burney: Frances Burney was an influential English novelist, playwright, and diarist, known for her role in the development of the novel as a form and as a pioneer among female authors in the late 18th century. Her works, particularly 'Evelina' and 'Cecilia', helped to establish a space for women's voices in literature, addressing themes of gender, social class, and individual agency during a time when women's writing was often marginalized.
Free indirect discourse: Free indirect discourse is a narrative technique that blends third-person narration with the subjective perspective of a character, allowing readers to experience a character's thoughts and feelings without direct quotation. This method creates a more intimate connection between the reader and the character, as it reflects their inner experiences while maintaining an objective narrative voice. It serves as an important tool for authors to depict reality from a character's viewpoint, enhancing emotional depth and complexity.
Gender studies: Gender studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the roles, experiences, and expectations of genders in society, focusing on how these factors influence identity, culture, and power dynamics. This field critically analyzes how gender intersects with other identities, such as race, class, and sexuality, shaping individual experiences and societal structures. It plays a crucial role in understanding the historical and cultural contexts in which gender roles have evolved, particularly during significant literary movements.
Jane Austen: Jane Austen was an English novelist known for her keen observations of social class, gender roles, and romantic entanglements in early 19th century England. Her works, which include beloved novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Sense and Sensibility', mark a significant contribution to the rise of the woman novelist during her time, reflecting the complexities of women's lives and their struggles for agency within a patriarchal society.
Literary criticism of women authors: Literary criticism of women authors refers to the analysis and evaluation of works created by female writers, often focusing on themes, styles, and societal implications in their narratives. This type of criticism seeks to uncover how women authors have been historically marginalized and how their perspectives differ from those of male authors. It also examines the broader cultural and historical contexts that shape women’s writing, thus acknowledging their contributions to literature.
Love in excess: Love in excess refers to an overwhelming and often uncontrollable intensity of love that can lead to obsessive behavior, emotional turmoil, and sometimes destructive consequences. This theme frequently appears in literature, particularly in works by women novelists of the 18th and 19th centuries, highlighting the challenges and societal constraints faced by women as they navigated their passions and desires.
Maria Edgeworth: Maria Edgeworth was an Anglo-Irish novelist and educationist known for her influential works in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Her writing is significant as it reflects the emergence of women novelists during this period, showcasing their ability to address complex social issues and articulate female experiences through fiction.
Oroonoko: Oroonoko is a novella written by Aphra Behn, published in 1688, that tells the story of an African prince who is enslaved and brought to the Americas. This work is significant as it explores themes of race, colonialism, and the complexity of human emotions, while also presenting one of the earliest representations of an African character in English literature. Behn's portrayal of Oroonoko's noble nature challenges contemporary views on race and morality, contributing to the rise of the woman novelist during a time when female authorship was emerging.
Pamela: Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded, is a novel by Samuel Richardson published in 1740, considered one of the first English novels. It tells the story of a young maid named Pamela Andrews who resists her employer's sexual advances, showcasing themes of virtue, morality, and social class dynamics. This work marked a shift in literature, as it utilized the epistolary format and reflected the increasing significance of women's roles in literature and society.
Patriarchal publishing: Patriarchal publishing refers to the traditional publishing system that has historically favored male authors and narratives, often marginalizing or excluding women's voices and perspectives. This system reflects the broader social structure where men held power, influencing which works were deemed worthy of publication and shaping literary canon. The rise of female novelists challenged this norm, as they began to assert their presence in a field dominated by male authors, leading to significant changes in literary production and consumption.
Pseudonyms: Pseudonyms are fictitious names used by authors or individuals to conceal their true identity. This practice allows writers to explore different styles, genres, or themes without the constraints of their real-life persona and often serves as a tool for social commentary or personal safety.
Sentimental novel: A sentimental novel is a literary genre that emphasizes emotional experiences and the moral development of its characters, often portraying themes of love, virtue, and the importance of feeling. These novels typically aim to evoke strong feelings in the reader, promoting a sense of empathy and moral contemplation through the depiction of intense emotional situations and personal struggles.
Social stigma: Social stigma refers to the disapproval or discrimination against an individual or group based on characteristics, behaviors, or conditions that are perceived as different or undesirable. This concept is significant as it can lead to marginalization and exclusion, particularly in contexts where individuals or groups challenge societal norms, such as with the rise of women novelists in a predominantly male literary landscape.
The Adventures of Rivella: The Adventures of Rivella is a novel by the author and early feminist Mary Davys, published in 1714. This work is often recognized as one of the first examples of the woman novelist's emergence, showcasing the complexities of female identity and social constraints of the time while contributing to the growing acceptance and popularity of women writers in literature.
The brontë sisters: The Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, were influential English novelists of the 19th century who made significant contributions to literature through their pioneering works. Their novels often explored themes of gender, class, and individualism, reflecting their own experiences as women in a male-dominated society. The sisters challenged societal norms and established themselves as prominent figures in the rise of the woman novelist.
The Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution was a profound period of change that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, marked by the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized and urban ones. This transformation involved technological innovations, changes in labor practices, and shifts in societal structures, leading to significant impacts on culture, economy, and social commentary in literature.
The women's suffrage movement: The women's suffrage movement was a social and political campaign aimed at granting women the right to vote, which gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It challenged existing gender norms and sought to address broader issues of gender equality, ultimately leading to significant legal reforms in various countries. This movement was instrumental in promoting female voices in literature and society, particularly as women began to express their perspectives through novels and other writings.
Women's literary salons: Women's literary salons were gatherings hosted primarily by women in the 18th and 19th centuries, where intellectuals, writers, and thinkers came together to discuss literature, philosophy, and social issues. These salons played a significant role in shaping literary culture and provided women with a platform to express their ideas and contribute to the literary community, marking a critical moment in the rise of female novelists.