The depiction of women in the Spectator

Abstract

This dissertation analyzes the 635 Spectator papers to determine how they depict women and to see how this depiction compares with those of other contemporary authors. After a look at the historical and literary backgrounds of the depiction of women, the discussion turns to the more than eighty papers on marriage. Addison and Steele are strong believers in marriage, terming it the state of highest human felicity. And contrary to writers like Chesterfield, Addison and Steele believe that marriage offers both partners benefits and responsibilities. Other Spectator papers examine female fashion, admonishing women to put aside the excesses of cosmetics and dress. Finally, despite occasional moments of condescension, both authors reveal that they value women with able and refined minds. They nevertheless espouse the traditional view that a woman's primary roles are those of wife and mother.