Mary Wollstonecraft

Mary Wollstonecraft[2†]

Mary Wollstonecraft (April 27, 1759 - September 10, 1797) was a British writer, philosopher, and a passionate advocate of educational and social equality for women[1†][2†]. She is best known for her work “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman” (1792), which is considered a classic of feminism[1†][2†]. In this seminal text, she argued that women are not naturally inferior to men, but appear to be only because they lack education[1†][2†].

Wollstonecraft’s life, which encompassed several unconventional personal relationships, received more attention than her writing until the late 20th century[1†][2†]. Today, she is regarded as one of the founding feminist philosophers, and her life and works are often cited as important influences in the feminist movement[1†][2†].

She was also the mother of another notable woman writer, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, best known as the author of "Frankenstein"[1†][3†].

Early Years and Education

Mary Wollstonecraft was born on April 27, 1759, in Spitalfields, London[4†]. She was the second of seven children[4†]. Her family environment was complicated, with her mother reportedly favoring her older brother, Edward[4†]. This early experience of gender bias likely influenced her later advocacy for women’s rights[4†].

Despite the limited educational opportunities for girls at the time, Wollstonecraft managed to receive basic schooling[4†]. She learned to read and write, but she was mainly self-educated[4†]. These early experiences would later inspire her views on the importance of education for women, which she expressed in her work “Thoughts on the Education of Daughters” (1787)[4†][1†].

In 1788, she began working as a translator for the London publisher Joseph Johnson[4†][1†]. Johnson published several of her works, including the novel “Mary: A Fiction” (1788)[4†][1†]. Her experiences as a teacher, governess, and translator significantly shaped her perspectives on education and women’s rights[4†][1†].

Career Development and Achievements

Mary Wollstonecraft’s career was marked by her passion for education and social equality, which she expressed through her writings[1†][2†].

After her experiences as a school teacher and governess, Wollstonecraft began working as a translator for the London publisher Joseph Johnson in 1788[1†][5†]. Johnson was a noted publisher of radical texts, and Wollstonecraft became a regular contributor to his Analytical Review[1†][5†]. During this time, she wrote and published several of her works, including the novel “Mary: A Fiction” (1788)[1†].

However, it was her work “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman” (1792) that brought her the most recognition[1†][2†]. In this groundbreaking text, Wollstonecraft argued that women are not naturally inferior to men, but appear to be only because they lack education[1†][2†]. She called for women and men to be educated equally, envisioning a social order founded on reason[1†][2†].

In 1792, Wollstonecraft left England to observe the French Revolution in Paris[1†]. There, she lived with an American, Captain Gilbert Imlay, and gave birth to a daughter, Fanny, in the spring of 1794[1†]. After the breakdown of her relationship with Imlay, she attempted suicide[1†].

Upon returning to London, Wollstonecraft worked again for Johnson and joined an influential radical group[1†]. This group included notable figures such as William Godwin, Thomas Paine, Thomas Holcroft, William Blake, and, after 1793, William Wordsworth[1†]. In 1796, she began a relationship with Godwin, and they were married in 1797 when she became pregnant[1†]. However, their marriage was short-lived as Wollstonecraft died 11 days after giving birth to her second daughter, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley[1†].

Among Wollstonecraft’s late notable works are “Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark” (1796), a travelogue with a sociological and philosophical bent, and “Maria; or, The Wrongs of Woman” (1798), a posthumously published unfinished work that is a novelistic sequel to "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman"[1†].

First Publication of Her Main Works

Mary Wollstonecraft was a prolific writer, and her works have had a significant impact on feminist thought. Here are some of her main works:

• “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman” (1792)[1†][2†]: This is Wollstonecraft’s most famous work, in which she argues that women are not naturally inferior to men, but appear to be only because they lack education[1†][2†]. She suggests that both men and women should be treated as rational beings and imagines a social order founded on reason[1†][2†].
• “Thoughts on the Education of Daughters” (1787)[1†][6†]: This work was inspired by Wollstonecraft’s experiences as a teacher and governess[1†]. In it, she shares her views on female education, advocating for girls to receive the same education as boys[1†].
• “Mary: A Fiction” (1788)[1†]: This novel, published by London publisher Joseph Johnson, is one of Wollstonecraft’s early works[1†]. It explores themes of love and societal expectations[1†].
• “Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark” (1796)[1†]: This travelogue provides a sociological and philosophical perspective on the countries Wollstonecraft visited[1†].
• “Maria; or, The Wrongs of Woman” (1798)[1†]: This unfinished work, published posthumously, is considered a novelistic sequel to "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman"[1†]. It further explores the themes of women’s rights and societal expectations[1†].

Each of these works contributed to Wollstonecraft’s reputation as a pioneering feminist philosopher[1†][2†]. Her writings continue to be studied and celebrated for their insightful analysis of gender inequality and their advocacy for women’s rights[1†][2†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Mary Wollstonecraft’s work has been the subject of much analysis and evaluation. Her writings, particularly “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”, have been recognized as a significant contribution to feminist thought[1†][7†].

Wollstonecraft’s advocacy for educational and social equality for women was groundbreaking for her time[1†]. She argued that women are not naturally inferior to men, but appear to be only because they lack education[1†][7†]. This perspective challenged the prevailing norms of 18th-century society and laid the groundwork for future feminist movements[1†][7†].

Her writings also reflect her personal experiences and views on society[1†][7†]. For instance, her work “Thoughts on the Education of Daughters” was inspired by her experiences as a teacher and governess[1†]. These experiences shaped her views on female education and led her to advocate for girls to receive the same education as boys[1†].

Wollstonecraft’s work has been analyzed across various disciplines such as education, feminism, politics, and philosophy[1†][7†]. Modern theorists have gained new insights from reanalyzing her key works, which inform many current trends in these disciplines[1†][7†].

However, like any influential figure, Wollstonecraft’s work and ideas have not been without criticism[1†][7†]. Despite the controversies, her legacy as a pioneering feminist philosopher remains[1†][7†].

Personal Life

Mary Wollstonecraft’s personal life was as unconventional as her written works, often overshadowing her public contributions during her lifetime[2†].

In 1792, Wollstonecraft left England to observe the French Revolution in Paris[2†][1†]. There, she lived with an American, Captain Gilbert Imlay[2†][1†]. In the spring of 1794, she gave birth to a daughter, Fanny[2†][1†]. The following year, distraught over the breakdown of her relationship with Imlay, she attempted suicide[2†][1†].

After two ill-fated affairs, with Henry Fuseli and Gilbert Imlay (by whom she had a daughter, Fanny Imlay), Wollstonecraft married the philosopher William Godwin[2†]. Godwin was one of the forefathers of the anarchist movement[2†]. Their marriage, though brief, was described as happy[2†][1†].

On August 30, 1797, Wollstonecraft gave birth to their daughter, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin[2†][8†]. Tragically, Wollstonecraft died of complications after labor due to a blood clot[2†][8†]. Her second daughter, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, later became Mary Shelley, the author of "Frankenstein"[2†][8†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Mary Wollstonecraft’s legacy is profound and enduring. Her passionate advocacy for women’s rights and social equality has made her a pioneering figure in the feminist movement[9†][1†]. Her writings, particularly “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”, continue to influence feminist and political discourse to this day[9†][10†].

During the 19th century, Wollstonecraft’s personal life often overshadowed her intellectual contributions[9†][11†]. However, the rise of women’s suffrage in the early 20th century reignited interest in her work and reframed her legacy[9†][11†]. Today, she is celebrated not only for her groundbreaking feminist philosophy but also for her courage in defying societal norms[9†][1†].

Wollstonecraft’s legacy is also evident in the life of her daughter, Mary Shelley, who became a renowned novelist best known for "Frankenstein"[9†][1†]. This suggests that Wollstonecraft’s progressive ideas about women’s education and their role in society were passed on to the next generation[9†][1†].

Despite the controversies surrounding her personal life and the diverse interpretations of her work, Wollstonecraft remains an influential figure in the history of feminist thought[9†][12†]. Her life and works continue to inspire and challenge us to think critically about gender equality and social justice[9†][1†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin[1†]
• Born: April 27, 1759, London, England[1†][2†]
• Died: September 10, 1797, London, England (aged 38)[1†][2†]
• Nationality: British[1†][2†]
• Occupation: Writer, philosopher, advocate of women’s rights[1†][2†]
• Notable Works: “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”, “Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark”, "Maria; or, The Wrongs of Woman"[1†]
• Notable Achievements: Wollstonecraft is regarded as one of the founding feminist philosophers. Her advocacy of women’s equality and critiques of conventional femininity have become increasingly important with the emergence of the feminist movement[1†][2†].

References and Citations:

1. Britannica - Mary Wollstonecraft: English author [website] - link
2. Wikipedia (English) - Mary Wollstonecraft [website] - link
3. Britannica - Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley: British author [website] - link
4. Local Histories - A Brief Biography of Mary Wollstonecraft [website] - link
5. Guardian Liberty Voice - Mary Wollstonecraft an Early Advocate for Women's Equality [website] - link
6. Taylor and Francis - The Works of Mary Wollstonecraft [website] - link
7. Springer Link - The Palgrave Handbook of Educational Thinkers - Chapter: Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797) [website] - link
8. Simple Wikipedia (English) - Mary Wollstonecraft [website] - link
9. The University of Manchester - Women in International Law Network - Women in International Law Network [website] - link
10. Write a Book HQ - How Many Books Did Mary Wollstonecraft Write? A Comprehensive List [website] - link
11. BookBrowse.com - The Legacy of Mary Wollstonecraft: Background information when reading Love and Fury [website] - link
12. Cambridge University Press - The Cambridge Companion to Mary Wollstonecraft - Chapter: Mary Wollstonecraft's reception and legacies (Chapter 14) [website] - link