Mary Wollstonecraft

The First of a New Genus

1790

After only a year as a governess, Wollstonecraft quit her job to pursue authorship. This was a radical choice, since women were usually unable to support themselves. She learned French and German and translated texts, but she also published her own books. Her most notable work was Vindication of the Rights of Men.

The French Revolution and the Reign of Terror

1793

Mary Wollstonecraft spent a lot of time in France during the revolution. She witnessed many acquaintances and friends die. Eventually Wollstonecraft came under suspicion, as a British citizen in France at the time. Her partner, Gilbert Imlay, lied and told authorities that they were married in order to protect her and give her rights as an 'American citizen.' Wollstonecraft gave birth to their daughter in 1794, but unfortunately Imlay eventually left her.

Suicide Attempts

1795

After her rejection by Imlay in 1795, Willstonecraft attempted suicide, though Imlay saved her life somehow. When she eventually relized that their relationship was over for good, she attempted suicide again. She considered her suicide attempts deeply rational: "I have only to lament, that, when the bitterness of death was past, I was inhumanly brought back to life and misery."

England and William Godwin

1796

Wollstonecraft eventually returned to her literary life. During that time, she began a unique courtship with William Godwin, and the two became pregnant and decided to marry. This revealed that she had never married Imlay, and she and Godwin faced many social consequences. She gave birth to her daughter, Mary, on August 30th 1797, and unfortunately Wollstonecraft died on September 10th from blood poisoning.

References

1800

Kuiper, Kathleen. “Mary Wollstonecraft | Biography, Beliefs, Books, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, & Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 September 2022, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mary-Wollstonecraft. Accessed 19 September 2022.