Historical Figure
Mary Wollstonecraft
1759–1797
English writer and philosopher (1759–1797)
Talk to Mary Wollstonecraft
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
Mary Wollstonecraft was an English writer and philosopher best known for her advocacy of women's rights. Until the late twentieth century, Wollstonecraft's life, which encompassed several unconventional personal relationships, received more attention than her writing. Wollstonecraft is regarded as one of the founding feminist philosophers, and feminists often cite both her life and her works as important influences.
In Their Own Words (5)
Independence I have long considered as the grand blessing of life, the basis of every virtue; and independence I will ever secure by contracting my wants, though I were to live on a barren heath.
Dedication , 1792
To be a good mother — a woman must have sense, and that independence of mind which few women possess who are taught to depend entirely on their husbands. Meek wives are, in general, foolish mothers; wanting their children to love them best, and take their part, in secret, against the father, who is held up as a scarecrow.
Ch. 10 , 1792
The same energy of character which renders a man a daring villain would have rendered him useful to society, had that society been well organized.
Letter 19 , 1796
I write in a hurry, because the little one, who has been sleeping a long time, begins to call for me. Poor thing! when I am sad, I lament that all my affections grow on me, till they become too strong for my peace, though they all afford me snatches of exquisite enjoyment.
Letter to Gilbert Imlay (19 August 1794) , 1794
Situation seems to be the mould in which men's characters are formed.
Letter 23 , 1796
Timeline
The story of Mary Wollstonecraft, told in moments.
Publishes Thoughts on the Education of Daughters and becomes part of Joseph Johnson's radical publishing circle in London. She teaches herself French and German. She reviews books. She argues with everyone. Thomas Paine and William Blake are her friends.
Publishes A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. She argues that women aren't naturally inferior to men but merely uneducated. Educate them equally, she says, and watch what happens. The book is praised and mocked in equal measure.
Gives birth to her daughter Mary, who'll grow up to write Frankenstein. The delivery goes wrong. Infection sets in. She asks for William Godwin, her husband.
Dies of septicemia at 38, eleven days after giving birth. Godwin publishes her unfinished works and a memoir that reveals her love affairs and suicide attempts. He means it as a tribute. The scandal destroys her reputation for a century.
Artifacts (3)
More from the Enlightenment
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Mary Wollstonecraft's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.