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Romantic Outlaws summary
Brief summary
Romantic Outlaws by Charlotte Gordon is a dual biography that tells the captivating stories of Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter Mary Shelley. It explores their rebellious spirits and their significant contributions to literature and feminism.
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Romantic Outlaws
Summary of key ideas
The Early Years of Mary Wollstonecraft
In Romantic Outlaws by Charlotte Gordon, we delve into the lives of two remarkable women, Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter, Mary Shelley. We begin with Wollstonecraft's early life, marked by poverty, an abusive father, and an alcoholic husband. Despite these adversities, she taught herself to read, wrote her first novel at 21, and opened a school with her sisters. However, the school's failure and her sister's death plunged her into depression. These experiences would shape her feminist beliefs and her later work.
Wollstonecraft's move to London marked a turning point in her life. She became a governess and then a translator, which allowed her to meet influential people and engage in intellectual discussions. She soon began writing for Joseph Johnson's radical magazine, The Analytical Review, where she championed women's rights and criticized the institution of marriage. Her seminal work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, published in 1792, made her a pioneering figure in the feminist movement.
Wollstonecraft's Love Affairs and Motherhood
Wollstonecraft's personal life was as tumultuous as her professional one. She had numerous love affairs, including a passionate but ultimately disastrous relationship with the American adventurer Gilbert Imlay. Despite their tumultuous relationship, Imlay and Wollstonecraft had a daughter, Fanny, whose birth marked a period of great personal happiness for Wollstonecraft. However, Imlay's infidelity and abandonment led Wollstonecraft to attempt suicide.
Her second attempt at love was with the philosopher William Godwin. Despite their radical beliefs on marriage, they initially kept their relationship secret. However, Wollstonecraft's pregnancy forced them to marry, and she gave birth to her second daughter, Mary, in 1797. Tragically, Wollstonecraft died from complications just ten days later, leaving behind a grieving husband, two daughters, and a revolutionary legacy.
Mary Shelley's Formative Years
The second half of Romantic Outlaws focuses on the life of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, the daughter left motherless at ten days old. Her childhood was unconventional, marked by her father's radical beliefs and a household filled with influential writers and intellectuals. Mary's literary inclinations were encouraged from an early age, and she soon began a romantic relationship with the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who was already married at the time.
At just seventeen, Mary accompanied Percy on a trip to Switzerland with her stepsister Claire Clairmont and Lord Byron. It was during this trip, as they were confined indoors due to bad weather, that Mary wrote her most famous work, Frankenstein. The novel, published anonymously in 1818, was an immediate success and established Mary as a significant literary figure.
Tragedy and Resilience
The latter part of Romantic Outlaws delves into the tragedies that marked Mary Shelley's life. She lost three children in infancy and endured the deaths of her half-sister, her husband, and her close friends. Despite these hardships, Mary continued to write prolifically, producing novels, short stories, and travel books, and editing her late husband's works.
In her later years, Mary Shelley was recognized for her literary achievements and was respected as a leading figure in the Romantic movement. She died in 1851, leaving behind a legacy that, like her mother's, was marked by resilience, intellectual prowess, and a fearless commitment to challenging societal norms. Romantic Outlaws ends with the poignant reflection on the lives of these two extraordinary women and their enduring influence on the feminist and literary worlds.
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What is Romantic Outlaws about?
Romantic Outlaws by Charlotte Gordon is a dual biography that tells the captivating story of two extraordinary women: Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter Mary Shelley. Set against the backdrop of the 18th and 19th centuries, the book explores their rebellious and revolutionary lives, their contributions to literature and feminism, and the enduring legacy they left behind.
Romantic Outlaws Review
Romantic Outlaws by Charlotte Gordon (2015) delves into the captivating lives of mother-daughter duo Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley, shedding light on their remarkable contributions to literature and feminism. Here's why this book is a gem:
- Explores the interwoven lives and legacies of two extraordinary women, offering a nuanced portrayal of their impact on society.
- Unveils the personal struggles and triumphs of these literary icons, revealing their resilience and determination amidst societal constraints.
- Brings to light the radical ideas and pioneering spirits that define Wollstonecraft and Shelley, making their stories both enlightening and inspiring.
Who should read Romantic Outlaws?
Readers interested in the lives and works of Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley
Those curious about the historical and social context of the Romantic era
People who enjoy biographies that explore the complexities of relationships and identity
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Romantic Outlaws FAQs
What is the main message of Romantic Outlaws?
The main message of Romantic Outlaws is empowerment through unconventional women's lives.
How long does it take to read Romantic Outlaws?
Reading Romantic Outlaws takes time, but the Blinkist summary can be read quickly.
Is Romantic Outlaws a good book? Is it worth reading?
Romantic Outlaws is a worthwhile read, offering inspiring stories of remarkable women.
Who is the author of Romantic Outlaws?
The author of Romantic Outlaws is Charlotte Gordon.
What to read after Romantic Outlaws?
If you're wondering what to read next after Romantic Outlaws, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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