Description
By: Maria Edgeworth
Belinda by Maria Edgeworth is a delightful novel that tells the story of a young woman navigating the complex social conventions of early 19th century England. The protagonist, Belinda Portman, is a charming and intelligent woman who finds herself torn between duty and desire as she deals with the advances of numerous suitors.
Edgeworth’s writing is sharp and insightful, offering a clever commentary on the constraints placed upon women in that time period. She skillfully weaves together themes of love, marriage, and societal expectations, creating a compelling narrative that will resonate with modern readers.
The characters in Belinda are well-developed and multi-dimensional, making it easy to become invested in their lives and relationships. From the spirited Belinda to the manipulative Lady Delacour, each character brings something unique to the story, adding depth and complexity to the plot.
Overall, Belinda is a witty and engaging novel that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Regency-era England. Edgeworth’s keen observations and sharp wit make this a must-read for fans of classic literature and historical fiction.
Book Description:
When Belinda was published in 1801, it became both controversial and popular. Controversial because of the inter-racial marriage presented in the novel, and popular because it’s a very good comedy of manners, like Evelina by Fanny Burney. Belinda, like Evelina, is a soft and loving girl of 17, is coming to London with her aunt who directs her action in order to make sure that she’ll find a good match. But what will happen if Belinda will fall in love? Will Clarence Hervey, the man she loves, be able to marry her? It seems almost impossible, as he is secretly bringing up another woman to be a perfect wife to him and now, in all honor, he thinks he must marry her. These social novels about young women trying to find good husbands were admired by Jane Austen who referred to Belinda, among other novels, in her own novel Northanger Abbey: “’And what are you reading, Miss — ?’ ‘Oh! It is only a novel!’ replies the young lady, while she lays down her book with affected indifference, or momentary shame. ‘It is only Cecilia, or Camilla, or Belinda’; or, in short, only some work in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed, in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature, the happiest delineation of its varieties, the liveliest effusions of wit and humour, are conveyed to the world in the best–chosen language.”
