First published in 1832, Shakespeares Heroines is a unique hybrid of Shakespeare criticism, womens rights activism, and conduct literature. Jamesons 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 womens behaviour. This inventive work of literary criticism addresses the problems of womens education and participation in public life while also providing insightful, original, and entertaining readings of Shakespeares women.
This Broadview Edition includes a critical introduction that places Shakespeares Heroines in the context of Jamesons 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.
