Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797)

Mary Wollstonecraft was an English writerand philosopher who lived during the late 18th century. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of the early feminist movement and her work played a significant role in shaping modern feminist thought.

Early Life and Education:

Mary Wollstonecraft was born on April 27, 1759, in Spitalfields, London. Her father, Edward John Wollstonecraft, was a successful handkerchief weaver and her mother, Elizabeth Dixon, was a housewife. Mary was the second of seven children, but her childhood was not a happy one. Her father was an abusive alcoholic who squandered the family's money on drink and gambling. As a result, Mary's mother often had to work as a companion or housekeeper to support the family.

Despite these difficult circumstances, Mary was determined to get an education. She attended a local school for girls until the age of 14, but then had to leave due to financial difficulties. However, she continued her education by reading extensively on her own and attending lectures on a variety of subjects.

Writing Career:

In 1787, Mary moved to London to pursue a career as a writer. She began writing for the Analytical Review, a literary magazine that focused on politics, economics, and literature. Her articles on women's rights and education soon gained a following and she became a respected voice in the intellectual circles of London.

In 1790, Mary published her first book, "Thoughts on the Education of Daughters." The book argued that women should be educated in the same way as men, and that they should have access to the same opportunities for employment and self-realization. The book was well-received and helped to establish Mary as a leading voice in the emerging feminist movement.

In 1792, Mary published her most famous work, "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman." The book was a powerful defense of women's rights and argued that women were not inferior to men in any way. Mary argued that women had been systematically oppressed by society and that they needed to be given the same opportunities as men to achieve their full potential. The book was a landmark in the history of feminist thought and helped to inspire generations of women to fight for their rights.

Personal Life:

Mary's personal life was often tumultuous. In 1792, she met and fell in love with the American diplomat Gilbert Imlay. The two had a daughter together, Fanny, but their relationship was rocky from the start. Imlay was often unfaithful and the couple separated several times. In 1795, Mary attempted suicide after Imlay abandoned her for good.

In 1797, Mary met and married William Godwin, a philosopher and novelist. The two had been friends for several years and shared a deep intellectual connection. Mary became pregnant soon after their marriage, but died from complications during childbirth on September 10, 1797. She was buried in the churchyard of St. Pancras Old Church in London.

Legacy:

Mary Wollstonecraft's legacy has been profound. Her work helped to inspire the first wave of feminism in the 19th and early 20th centuries and continues to inspire feminist movements around the world today. Her ideas about women's rights and education were ahead of their time, and many of them are still relevant today.

Mary's life and work also inspired her daughter, Mary Shelley, to become a writer. Shelley went on to write the novel "Frankenstein," which is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of science fiction ever written.

In recent years, Mary Wollstonecraft has become the subject of renewed interest and appreciation. Her life and work have been the subject of numerous biographies, academic studies,