... engages with 18th-century notions of female identity, sexuality, and criminality, using a subtle mixture of counter-arguments to successfully flip the early conventions on their heads. Through her (very appropriately named) heroine Violenta, Manley examines the lack of options and loss of power women of the 18th century faced in a unforgivingly patriarchal society that punished them for straying from the societal ... ...

• Word Count: 1986
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: Graduate

... female rule or against it? Issues concerning the cult of Elizabeth, and her immortalisation in literature are also relevant. While he claims it was merely "absolute commandment" of his sister's desire, to be read only in her "idle times" the complexity and political relevance which provide a paradoxical base for gender construction would suggest that a much more serious message was being chronicled ... ...

• Word Count: 1452
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Graduate