Felicia_Hemans

“…if she knit blue stockings instead of wearing them it would be better” -Lord Byron The ideals and foundation of feminism can be traced all the way back to creation myths when Lilith rejected Adam (Feminism and Women’s studies). The idea of female equality and independence was a common theme among the first feminist writers, including Felicia Hemans. “Students of literature should consider not only Mary Shelley, but Felicia Hemans…” (A companion to romanticism, 397). Not considered a feminist until long after her death, Hemans strong female characters and importance of women’s power throughout her poems laid a foundation for later feminists. One of the first and most influential feminist writers, Hemans lack of paternal figures in her childhood and adult life, theme of female and maternal independence in her poems, and rejection of the patriarchal system made her a poet that feminists look back on for inspiration today. As a child Felicia was nurtured more and supported more by her mother. When she was young her mother taught her an array of different languages and urged her to pursue her creativity through writing. When she was thirteen her father deserted her mother for a “fresh start in Canada” (Longman, 835). Here she observed first hand what it was like to be a single mother having to support a family. Years later, when she was married with 5 children, her husband coincidentally deserted her for Italy. With 5 children and a sick mother she not only had to write because she enjoyed it, she had to write to support her family. Hemans prior poems about the importance of home life were overshadowed now by the “unreliability and treachery of men” (Longman, 835). The Wife of Asdrubal tells the story of a man who cowardly humbled himself and gave up his wife and children to keep his own life. “On him, who left her to that burning tomb, alone to share her children’s martyrdom; who when his country perished, fled the strife, and knelt to win the worthless boon of life” (Longman 838, lines 41-44). Here she is addressing the fleeting trait that men, or at least the men in her life, have when it comes to danger. From a feminist viewpoint this would be an example of the important message mothers send to their children about what is truly important. In an opinion piece in feminist blog these ideals can be seen in today’s world. “I am a feminist because of my mother and what she showed me about being strong and self-confident and to always make sure you can land on your feet no matter what decision you make.  My mother suffered from sexism and because she recognized it she worked hard to create a life where I had more experiences and rights than she did” (Feminism and Motherhood, an opinion piece). It also contrasts the Victorian viewpoint that the father is the paternal protector of the family and shows that women can be just as protective. The lack paternal figures in her life greatly aided her when writing poems about the seemingly great fatherly abilities in men. In The Wife of Asdrubal she is not only addressing men’s short-lived involvement with the family, she is addressing the power of maternal and feminine instinct, which is the second reason she is so greatly revered among feminist writers. “…the arms that cannot save have been their cradle, and now shall be their grave” (the wife of Asdrubal, lines 61-61). As depressing as this line is it shows that she has the ability to do what her husband could not; relieve her children’s suffering even if it had to be at her own hands. Another way she addresses the importance of female independence is by acknowledging the single mother. Felicia and her mother were both abandoned by their significant others and forced to support their families solely on their work alone. In Victorian times it would have been blasphemous for a woman to leave her husband, but just an unfortunate circumstance if a man left his wife. In Graves of a household she confronts the issue of single-parenting head on. “and parted thus they rest, who played beneath the same green tree; whose voices mingled as they prayed around one parent knee’ (Longman 859, lines 25-28). Here she is painting a visual picture of children surrounding only one parent. This could mirror her childhood with only her mother and siblings, or her children’s childhood without their father; “the same fond mother bent at night over each fair sleeping brow…” (Longman 859, lines 5-6). Heman’s support of female Individuality and the ability to raise a family on one’s own is a strong supporting trait feminists today have. In all of her poems there is an underlying theme of female strength, but in her poem Casabianca, she is directly identifying what it is about men that she disapproves of and indirectly is showing the strength women have and men lack. “My father, must I stay' While over him fast, through sail and shroud, the wreathing fires made way” (Longman 844, lines26-28). Here there is a ship burning and exploding in the ocean and this young boy won’t leave without his father’s permission. The reader knows the father is dead but the young boy still waits for his father’s word. Even though the father died this poem is still about the neglect young children feel from their father and how their innocence and love for their parents regardless of the circumstance, isn’t equally met. As a mother Felicia could sympathize with her children because they too grew up without a father, just like she did. An example like this would show the strength a father lacks and in contrast show the strength a mother has. Lastly, In contrast to her earlier writings about the importance of family, her later writings were filled with defiance of the patriarchal system. All of her later works applaud the single mother and her strengths while painting an absent portrait of the father. In both Casabianca and Graves of a household the negligent father isn’t included. Today feminists see women as strong individuals and also ignore the patriarchal system. “Feminists are typically concerned with female independence and autonomy; the ability of a woman to reject silence and express herself; and the rejection of patriarchy (rule by men)” (allexperts.com). Felicia Hemans strong message of female individuality at a time when it was frowned upon may have led to her decrease in popularity at the turn of the century but later inspired feminists to take the stance on issues they have today. Her strong female characters, lack of paternal influence, defiance of the patriarchal system and female and maternal strength in her poems is something that is influential to women today. Even though she wasn’t considered a feminist until long after her death, her work continues to inspire those who fight for that cause.