Exploring the Literary Lives and Reputations of: Daniel Defoe & Mary Astell

Exploring the Literary Lives and Reputations of: Daniel Defoe & Mary Astell

By: Colin Furlong &Sara Tokach

Mary Astell

Literary Life and Reputation

Mary Astell: Literary Life & Reputation

•Followed the philosophical writing of Lock and Descartes

•Study of sciences drove her to write "A Serious Proposal to the Ladies..."

•Academy proposed was a retreat for the education and improvement of women

•Concerned with women's morality

•Conservative feminist: still believed in marriage, the monarchy and the Church of England

Questions1. Behn as a female writer was racy and controversial, especially compared to Astell's conservative feminism. Who would have had more of an impact on you, if you were part of their society?

2. Astell's idea for an academy for women was considered extreme, by some. Is there any kind of establishment now that you think would raise this kind of controversy, or be considered extreme?

Daniel Defoe

Literary Life & Reputation

Daniel Defoe: Literary Life & Reputation

Best known for his work titled: “Robinson Crusoe”.

In Defoe’s work we see his democratic political outlook, his religious roots, and his strong American values of individual life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Daniel Defoe: Literary Life & Reputation Defoe’s literary reputation

experienced many ups and downs.

It was almost sixty-two years after Defoe death that, his Defoe’s literary masterpieces began to be rediscovered.

Daniel Defoe is truly a writer who explored almost every aspect of the life of his time through his writings and did it with knowledge and insight.

Daniel Defoe: Literary Life & Reputation

Biographical Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY-DI19GzAg

Works Cited

Novak, Maximillian. Daniel Defoe: Master of Fictions. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. Print.

Daniel Defoe’s: “An Academy for Women”

Questions 1. What are some possible motives behind

Defoe’s Proposal? 2. How would you describe Defoe’s attitude

towards women? 3. How might a contemporary defender of

women’s rights, such as Hillary Clinton or Oprah Winfrey respond to Defoe’s essay?

4. Do you think that any issues related to the education and training of women are still controversial?

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

The End