Shakespeare's Heroines

First published in 1832, Shakespeare¡¦s Heroines is a unique hybrid of Shakespeare criticism, women¡¦s rights activism, and conduct literature. Jameson¡¦s collection of readings of female characters includes praise for unexpected role models as varied as Portia, Cleopatra, and Lady Macbeth; her interpretations of these and other characters portray intellect, passion, political ambition, and eroticism as acceptable aspects of women¡¦s behaviour. This inventive work of literary criticism addresses the problems of women¡¦s education and participation in public life while also providing insightful, original, and entertaining readings of Shakespeare¡¦s women.

This Broadview Edition includes a critical introduction that places Shakespeare¡¦s Heroines in the context of Jameson¡¦s literary career and political life. Appendices include personal correspondence and other literary and political writings by Jameson, examples of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Shakespeare criticism, and selections from Victorian conduct books.