wolstencraft slides

100 vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts and themes from Mary Wollstonecraft's A Vindication of the Rights of Women.

Mary Wollstonecraft

An English writer and advocate for women's rights, known for her work A Vindication of the Rights of Women.

A Vindication of the Rights of Women

A seminal work advocating for women's education and rights, published in 1792.

“I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.”

A quote from Mary Wollstonecraft emphasizing women's autonomy.

Polemic essays

A form of writing that strongly argues against or supports a particular opinion or cause.

Romanticism

An artistic and intellectual movement emphasizing emotion and individualism, often connected to nature.

George Imlay

Mary Wollstonecraft's partner, with whom she had a daughter, Fanny.

William Godwin

Mary Wollstonecraft's husband and a notable philosopher and novelist.

Daughters of Mary Wollstonecraft

Fanny Imlay (with Imlay) and Mary Shelley (with Godwin), the latter known for writing Frankenstein.

French Revolutionary Assembly

A governing body during the French Revolution that produced the Declaration of the Rights of Man.

“Declaration of the Rights of Man”

A fundamental document of the French Revolution, outlining individual rights and liberties, excluding women.

Edmund Burke

An Irish statesman and philosopher whose work A Vindication of the Rights of Man criticized the French Revolution.

Rhetorical appeals

Strategies used in writing to persuade an audience, including ethos, pathos, and logos.

Ethos

A rhetorical appeal to credibility or character.

Pathos

A rhetorical appeal to emotion.

Logos

A rhetorical appeal to logic and reason.

Women’s subjugation

The condition of women being dominated or controlled by men.

Education

The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university.

Chastity

The practice of refraining from sexual intercourse, valued for both sexes according to Wollstonecraft.

Patriotism

The devotion to and vigorous support for one's country.

“Personal accomplishments”

Skills or achievements that are often emphasized in traditional forms of education for women.

False education

A misguided educational approach that emphasizes superficial accomplishments over genuine knowledge.

Feminist critiques

Analyses and evaluations of literature, philosophy, and cultural practices from a feminist perspective.

Emotional tone

The feeling or attitude expressed in a piece of writing, such as melancholy or indignation in Wollstonecraft's work.

Main argument of Wollstonecraft

Women must be educated to fulfill their roles in society and promote progress and virtue.

Rational mothers

A reference to Wollstonecraft's belief that mothers should be educated and capable of rational thought.

Social commentary

The act of using rhetorical means to provide commentary on issues in society.

Equitable marriage

A marital relationship based on mutual respect and true affection.

“Barren blooming”

A metaphor used by Wollstonecraft to describe superficial achievements that lack substance.

Women’s roles

The societal functions and responsibilities traditionally assigned to women.

Civic duty

The responsibilities of a citizen, particularly in contributing to society and governance.

Educational system

The organized method of instruction in schools, which Wollstonecraft criticized for being inadequate for women.

“Melancholy emotions of sorrowful indignation”

Wollstonecraft's expression of her sadness and anger regarding the state of women's education and rights.

“Neglected education”

The lack of educational opportunities and support for women, leading to their oppression.

Paternalistic attitudes

Societal views that see men as guardians or caretakers of women, often limiting women's autonomy.

Public discourse

Debate or discussion about issues affecting the public, which Wollstonecraft argued women should participate in.

Women’s liberation

The movement aimed at achieving equal rights and opportunities for women.

Historical context

The background information regarding the time period in which Wollstonecraft wrote, including societal norms and values.

Figurative language

Creative writing techniques that use metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech to convey deeper meanings.

Romantic ideals

Philosophies focusing on emotion, nature, and the individual's experience, represented in Wollstonecraft's views.

Sensibility

The capacity to perceive and respond emotionally, highly valued in Romantic literature.

“False system of education”

An educational approach that Wollstonecraft claimed was detrimental to women's intellectual development.

Social reform

The attempt to improve societal conditions, particularly regarding rights and education for women.

Influence of German and French philosophers

Wollstonecraft's translation work, which contributed to her understanding and advocating for women's rights.

Female virtue

Qualities considered admirable in women, which Wollstonecraft argued should include rationality and strength.

“Hasty conclusion”

A rapid judgment about women's capabilities based on insufficient evidence, as critiqued by Wollstonecraft.

Civilized society

A society that reflects developed cultural, social, and moral standards, which Wollstonecraft argued was not realized for women.

Pioneering feminist

A term used to describe Wollstonecraft's role as an early advocate for women's rights.

Existential aim

The fundamental purpose or goal in life, which Wollstonecraft believed women should aspire to understand.

Women’s rights movement

A social and political movement focused on advocating for women's legal rights and social equality.

Moral education

Teaching individuals about ethical principles and virtues, essential for societal progress according to Wollstonecraft.

Historical and Moral View of the Origin and Progress of the French Revolution

A work by Wollstonecraft analyzing the French Revolution's impact on society and women's roles.

Literary influence

The effect Wollstonecraft's writings have had on subsequent generations of writers and thinkers.

Dedicatory letter

The introduction written by Wollstonecraft outlining her arguments and principles regarding women's rights.

Nature of man vs. nature of woman

Wollstonecraft's exploration of gendered differences and the notion of equality in humanity.

Mental strength

The intellectual capability to reason and analyze, which Wollstonecraft encourages women to develop.

Critique of beauty standards

Wollstonecraft's argument against society's preference for superficial beauty over intellectual and moral strength.

Cultural expectations

Norms and standards imposed by society regarding behavior, particularly those specific to gender.

Legacy

The lasting impact of Wollstonecraft's work on future generations and the feminist movement.