The Mother's Legacy in Early Modern England
Author: Jennifer Heller
Publication date: 2016
Lisandra's thoughts:
The Mother's Legacy in Early Modern England: A Study of Women's Writing
The Mother's Legacy in Early Modern England by Jennifer Heller is an invaluable resource for exploring the emergence of women's writing during a time when public authorship was predominantly male. As noted, women faced significant barriers to writing and publishing, with only a few able to share their voices publicly. The 17th century marked a pivotal change with the rise of the "mother's legacy" genre, allowing a select group of women from various social ranks to express their experiences.
Heller’s study focuses on around 20 mothers' legacies from 1575 to 1673, analyzing texts that highlight the personal and social dimensions of motherhood during this period. Many of these writings were published during the time, while others have been rediscovered in recent scholarship. Heller states, “this study examines some 20 mothers' legacies... Many of these texts were published in the period, some have recently been printed in the context of the recovery of women's writing...” (Heller 2). This underscores the importance of these voices in understanding women's roles in early modern England.
Structure and Themes
Each chapter of Heller’s book examines the genre through the lens of different social institutions, revealing how motherhood was experienced uniquely across social strata. The perspectives of these women illustrate that motherhood was deeply influenced by one’s social status, personal circumstances, and historical context. Heller explains, “Each chapter... examines the genre from the perspective of a particular social institution” (Heller 10), highlighting the multifaceted nature of these legacies.
Heller identifies enduring social expectations that persist today. Here are key quotes from various chapters that reflect contemporary societal norms:
Chapter 1: The training of girls in early modern England emphasized their roles as wives and mothers, focusing heavily on religion and morality. “Their instruction certain was heavily weighted toward religion and morality” (Heller 11).
Chapter 2: The ideal mother was characterized as modest, pious, and devoted. “The characteristics of the ideal mother were broadcast everywhere... she was modest, pious, and selflessly dedicated to her children” (Heller 11).
Chapter 3: Gender roles placed different expectations on daughters and sons, with daughters warned to be chaste and obedient while sons were urged to cultivate self-restraint. “Girls are urged to be chaste, obedient wives, but boys are commanded to be pleased with their choice of wives and to treat them kindly” (Heller 11).
Chapter 4: The texts often reflect a desire to avoid controversy for personal advancement, revealing a tension between personal beliefs and societal expectations. “Legacy urges the reader to avoid controversy in order to secure personal development” (Heller 1).
Chapter 5: The mothers' writings also engage with the political upheaval of their time, revealing the risks associated with public expression. “They are distinctive in their close attention to the risks and consequences of religious and political schism” (Heller 12).
Contemporary Relevance
Heller’s work highlights how many of these social morals and expectations remain relevant today. Women continue to face pressures regarding obedience in marriage and child-rearing, while societal norms still dictate emotional expression for men. The book serves as a critical reminder of how historical narratives shape contemporary identities and relationships.
In summary, The Mother's Legacy in Early Modern England by Jennifer Heller provides a vital exploration of women's writing during a transformative period. It illustrates the ongoing impact of historical gender norms and the complex realities of motherhood, reminding us of the deep-rooted expectations that still resonate in the 21st century.
Citation: Heller, Jennifer. Mother's Legacy in Early Modern England. Routledge, 2016.