Abstract
This article focuses on the sentimental poems of Maria Smith Abdy, a popular nineteenth-century British poetess, whose work highly influenced female readers in Victorian Britain and America but who vanished from literary history due to her association with literary annuals and periodicals, both considered minor literary venues by the academy. In its attempt to reintroduce and substantiate the relevance of this lesser-known poet to the canon and to feminist studies, this article examines thematic and rhetorical tensions informing Abdy’s poetry, tensions born of and fueled by the interrelationship between the poetess and the editorial constraints of the annuals. It argues that Abdy, by assuming theologically conservative positions through which to register political criticism, is able to gain entree into public debates, such as those on slavery and the abuse of the working class. This strategy allowed her to transcend accepted norms of propriety for women of the time while providing a way to draw back when her voice pushed the limit of acceptability, thus serving as a critique of patriarchy.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.