Mary Wollstonecraft's Literary Analysis

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Beginning as early as the late 1700’s, literature provides us with several examples of works that have one recurring central theme. The theme is one of equality for women, an equality that is essential to the survival of humanity. It also includes the idea that a proper education is necessary in order to support this equality. With little access to an education, outstanding and intelligent women writers reveal to society, and to men, just exactly how accomplished a “learned lady” (Greenblatt 5) truly can be. From Mary Wollstonecraft to Virginia Woolf, female literary geniuses state their cases regarding these issues throughout the centuries, and propose that a better world will be attained if they are afforded equality and respect, courtesy of an opportunity to obtain an education. …show more content…

During the outrage and uproar involving the French Revolution, she finds her place in the literary circle despite the place in society she is restricted to as a woman (209). After Richard Burke publishes a work decrying the French Revolution, Reflections on the Revolution in France, she decides to respond with a work of her own, quickly producing A Vindication of the Rights of Men (209). Soon after, Thomas Paine publishes Rights of Man, and Wollstonecraft responds with another essay, this one defending woman, as she produces a classic argument against society (211), and the role it plays in the inequality of the sexes. On the heels of new political ideas which celebrate the “’universal rights of man’”(209), but remove all rights from women (209), Ms. Wollstonecraft writes a passionate appeal for the recognition and modifications necessary to improve woman’s place in society

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