English Poetesses by Oscar Wilde
The work examines the contributions of female poets in English literature, highlighting Elizabeth Barrett Browning as the foremost figure. It contrasts her with Christina Rossetti, acknowledging Rossetti's artistic merit but asserting that Browning's work embodies a greater depth and passion. The text reflects on the historical context of women in poetry, tracing back to figures like Sappho, whose complete works are lost, and noting the limited but significant contributions of earlier English poetesses such as the Abbess Juliana Berners and Lady Mary Wroth. The narrative emphasizes the evolution of women's poetry, particularly after Browning's influence, which sparked a notable awakening in the latter half of the 19th century. It lists various poetesses who emerged during this period, recognizing their diverse styles and contributions, from the intellectual to the romantic. The author critiques the general quality of prose in English literature, suggesting that women could bring a refreshing perspective to prose writing. The text also acknowledges the challenges faced by women in the literary field, noting that while many poetesses produced work of high quality, none reached the absolute genius of Browning. It reflects on the cultural significance of these women, their struggles, and their artistic expressions, ultimately celebrating their role in shaping the landscape of English poetry. The work concludes with a call for a greater focus on prose, advocating for the unique qualities women could bring to that genre, while recognizing the rich legacy of female poets in history.
By Oscar Wilde · First published 1887 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Poetry, Biography · 3,603 words
First lines
(_Queen_, December 8, 1888.)
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English Poetesses is listed on Textopian as an essay by Oscar Wilde, dated 1887 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Oscar Wilde
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Criticism, Poetry, Biography, Historical Literature, Feminist Literature
- Length: 3,603 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Literary Criticism — The work analyzes and critiques the contributions of female poets, particularly focusing on Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Christina Rossetti.
- Poetry — The text discusses various poetesses and their works, emphasizing the poetic form and its significance.
- Biography — The book provides biographical insights into the lives and influences of notable female poets.
- Historical Literature — It reflects on the historical context of women's poetry in England and its evolution over time.
Tags
Biography · Literary Criticism · Poetry · Feminism · Victorian Era · English Literature · Women Writers · Intellectual History · Social Commentary · Cultural Analysis · Historical Context · Societal Norms