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A review by giuliakyj
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft
4.0
The historical context in which the Vindication was written cannot be ignored when reading the book. Mary Wollstonecraft herself, even if she had revolutionary thoughts for that time, unconsciously was highly influenced by a patriarchal society and many times the contemporary reader might disagree with her. Still, women's emancipation and education are two essential elements upon which her arguments are based.
To be written at the end of the 18th century, I find it brilliant and provocative, a fair (again, considering the historial period) critique of society. However, I think this shouldn't be the first reading for someone who wants to approach feminism; the topic should be studied from contemporary sources first, to have the means to identify the Vindication's weaknesses and mistakes.
It is also very interesting to see how feminism emerged and trace how it developed over the centuries.
Mary Wollstonecraft is a person I'd love to have a coffee with while talking about feminism. She gave me the feeling of being a clever and open-minded person who would gladly listen to your arguments to learn more about feminism, even if they are in contrast with her ideas. This is, at least, how it felt reading the Vindication.
To be written at the end of the 18th century, I find it brilliant and provocative, a fair (again, considering the historial period) critique of society. However, I think this shouldn't be the first reading for someone who wants to approach feminism; the topic should be studied from contemporary sources first, to have the means to identify the Vindication's weaknesses and mistakes.
It is also very interesting to see how feminism emerged and trace how it developed over the centuries.
Mary Wollstonecraft is a person I'd love to have a coffee with while talking about feminism. She gave me the feeling of being a clever and open-minded person who would gladly listen to your arguments to learn more about feminism, even if they are in contrast with her ideas. This is, at least, how it felt reading the Vindication.