Women in the Literary Market 1800-1900

Entering the Literary Market
horizontal rule
A constellation of nineteenth century social and religious beliefs reinforced public opinion that women were ill suited for intellectual pursuits. It was widely agreed, for example, that the nature of woman was dictated by her biology, which destined her for marriage, motherhood, and little else.

Nineteenth century English society viewed men and women as belonging to two distinct and separate spheres. Men controlled and participated in the public sphere of politics, business, and artistic achievement, while women were restricted to the private sphere of home, family, and motherhood. For women, the doctrine of "separate spheres" placed an ambition to write in direct conflict with their social roles.

continue to Learned Poets
introduction
early role models
entering the literary market
learned poets
getting into print
charlotte bronte and george eliot
sin and sensation
new women
education
journalism
activism
L.T. Meade
the three volume format
credits
home
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