Research Paper On Mary Astell

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Mary Astell has been described as one of the early feminists who truly believed in what she wrote even if it was not socially acceptable. She was able to persevere through the hardships she had as a young adult. Through her sharp tone, she spread the idea of women’s rights and education. Mary Astell is one of the most influential women in history, and women in western civilizations have felt the effect of her work.
Astell was able to obtain an education at a time when women were not provided with one. She was born on November 12, 1666 in Newcastle on Tyne. Her family was strict Anglican. Astell did not attend school, but she was instead taught at home by her uncle, Ralph Astell, who gave her an interest in politics and philosophy (“Astell, …show more content…

Margaret Atherton, the writer of “Astell, Mary (1666-1731)”, contends, “She has been hailed as an early feminist” (355). Through her sharp wit, she spread the ideas of education for women. She argued against marriage at a time when marriage was not an ideal arrangement for a woman. She was unapologetic for her ideas and writings. She gained a following of women based on her works as well as a following of detractors of her work. However, she kept writing, and eventually Queen Ann considered following what Astell wrote (“Astell, Mary” 33). Judith A.V. Harlan and Kathleen McCoy, writers of “Mary Astell (1666-1731)”, wrote “Although Astell’s works were all published anonymously, she was an early champion of women’s causes, and her arguments influenced the early Feminist discussions” (166).
Women across western civilizations have felt the effects of one of the most influential women in history, known as Mary Astell. Most may not know her name, but without her, education for women would never have been an issue. The controversial work she produced made many in England think about the issue of women’s rights. Mary Astell is not to be forgotten among women in the

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