Emma Woodhouse and Sylvia Robson: (in)dependent heroines and their narrative fates

A talk by Dr Emma Probett.

At first glance the fictional lives of Gaskell’s Sylvia Robson and Jane Austen’s Emma Woodhouse are almost complete opposites. Emma is described as “handsome, clever and rich” and as such she is always at the heart of Highbury society: Sylvia, though beautiful, comes from a very modest household, and is neither book-smart or socially adept. However, both heroines move through their narratives on remarkably similar tracks. They eschew many rules, which are often forgiven and never firmly corrected during their childhood years, leaving them ill-prepared for the level of surveillance they come under as they transform over the course of their respective novels into young women and are held to standards they have never had to abide by before. In this talk we will compare and contrast Sylvia’s Lovers and Emma in an exploration of the independent heroine prototype of the long nineteenth century who tries to move and act outside of the confines of a tight and ever-vigilant community, and the long-lasting consequences that come with their youthful actions.

London meetings take place at Francis Holland School, 39 Graham Terrace SW1W 8JF (Tube: Sloane Square). Doors open from 12.45 and you are welcome to join us for lunch (not provided – bring a packed lunch) before the talk.  talks begin at 2.00pm

Tea/coffee and refreshments will be provided after the talk. Places are £10.00, payable in cash on the day. Booking is not necessary, although it would help our planning if you could let us know that you hope to come. Contact Jenny Keaveney 07791 309784 –