The female reader is no longer a passive creature. She is a thinking woman, constantly grappling with reality. But what does "woman" mean? What did it mean in the eighteenth century? How was femininity perceived? Could a woman be only an object of spectacle or did she have the leeway to be a spectator as well? The Female Spectator, issued monthly from 1744 to 1746, incites its readers to reflect on these questions. It is known to be first English magazine designed by a woman for women. Eliza Haywood, as the editor of the periodical, comments on social expectations, gendered behaviour, customs and hierarchical boundaries.
The seminar will markedly respond to one peculiar question: what happens "[when] a woman unwomanizes herself..."?
A reader will be available from the copyshop (Kopierladen Reckhammerweg). Issues of The Female Spectator (Volume I) can also be found on Proquest and ECCO platforms which give you a chance to acquaint yourselves with the work.
Remarks: Preparation for each session is required. Reading of the text should be carried out prior to the seminar.
Additional readings: J. Bomarito and J. W. Hunter (eds), Feminism in literature : a Gale critical companion (Detroit, 2005) and P. Goring, Eighteenth-Century Literature and Culture (London, 2008). |
