Exploring the Literary Lives and
Reputations of: Daniel Defoe & Mary
Astell
By: Colin Furlong &Sara Tokach
Mary Astell
Literary Life and
Reputation
Mary Astell: Literary Life & Reputation
•Followed the philosophical writing of Lock and
Descartes
•Study of sciences drove her to write "A Serious
Proposal to the Ladies..."
•Academy proposed was a retreat for the education
and improvement of women
•Concerned with women's morality
•Conservative feminist: still believed in marriage, the
monarchy and the Church of England
Questions
1. Behn as a female writer was racy
and controversial, especially
compared to Astell's conservative
feminism. Who would have had more
of an impact on you, if you were part
of their society?
2. Astell's idea for an academy for
women was considered extreme, by
some. Is there any kind of
establishment now that you think
would raise this kind of controversy,
or be considered extreme?
Daniel Defoe
Literary Life &
Reputation
Daniel Defoe: Literary Life & Reputation


Best known for his work
titled: “Robinson
Crusoe”.
In Defoe’s work we see
his democratic political
outlook, his religious
roots, and his strong
American values of
individual life, liberty
and the pursuit of
happiness.
Daniel Defoe: Literary Life & Reputation



Defoe’s literary reputation
experienced many ups and
downs.
It was almost sixty-two years
after Defoe death that, his
Defoe’s literary masterpieces
began to be rediscovered.
Daniel Defoe is truly a writer
who explored almost every
aspect of the life of his time
through his writings and did
it with knowledge and
insight.
Daniel Defoe: Literary Life & Reputation
Biographical Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYDI19GzAg
Works Cited

Novak, Maximillian. Daniel Defoe: Master of
Fictions. New York: Oxford University Press,
2001. Print.
Daniel Defoe’s: “An Academy for
Women”
Questions
1. What are some possible motives behind
Defoe’s Proposal?
2. How would you describe Defoe’s
attitude towards women?
3. How might a contemporary defender of
women’s rights, such as Hillary Clinton
or Oprah Winfrey respond to Defoe’s
essay?
4. Do you think that any issues related to
the education and training of women
are still controversial?
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
The End