Eighteenth-Century Women Writers and the Gentleman's Liberation Movement : Independence, War, Masculinity, and the Novel, 1778-1818.

In her study of late eighteenth-century women novelists, Woodworth argues that women writers' ideas about their own liberty are present not only in their portrayal of heroines but also in their treatment of male characters. She suggests that Frances Burney, Charlotte Smith, Jane West, Maria Edgeworth and Jane Austen all used their creative powers to liberate men from the very institutions and ideas about power, society and gender that promote the subjection of women.

Un jeune homme comme il y en a peu: Evelina and the masculine empire -- If a man dared act for himself: Cecilia and the family romance of the American Revolution -- The best were only men of theory: masculinity, revolution, and reform, 1789-1793 -- From men of theory to theoretical men: Smith, West, and masculinity at war, 1793-1802 -- A really respectable, enlightened and useful country gentleman: men of fashion, men of merit, and the rehabilitation of the landed gentleman -- Gentleman-like manner: gentlemanly professionals, merit, and the end of patronage -- You misled me by the term gentleman: a final farewell to foppery and nonsense.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 213-224) and index.

English.

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