ENG307H1 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Aphra Behn, Cogito Ergo Sum, Mary Astell
Document Summary
The introduction (1713) anne finch, countess of winchilsea. 1661-1720; one of earliest pub"d women poets in england; family believed in educating girls; member of the. Maid of honor to mary of modena (later wife of king james ii); countess when uncle, earl of winchilsea, died. Wit, undoing a hierarchy (critics see selves as superior, undermine that authority); distinctions b/n true. Any other female virtue can"t make up for this affront, can"t redeem. Writing would cloud beauty; education mark a woman, less beautiful, degrade. Satirical tone; showing capable of writing like a man, using literary techniques/modes & methods, capable of wit heaven, distributing wit & poetry, was diffusive. Fanfare re: return of the ark holy virgins women are poets, singing poetry needed to properly solemnize event. Another chorus, public opinion dictated by women guiding the rest (men) women"s ideas have political ramifications; military prowess is great, but her intellectual process is even greater.
