PERSONAL THOUGHTS PERSONAL THOUGHTS PERSONAL THOUGHTS
of Jennifer L. Ellis
Mary Wollstonecraft is one of the best known women activists of the 18th century. Her beliefs and cry for equality will forever
be a major part of the feminist movement. However, what is failed to be mentioned about Wollstonecraft is how her personal relationship with Imaly had a negative effect upon Wollstonecraft. On the other hand, her relationship with Godwin had a positive effect upon Wollstonecraft.
When Wollstonecraft's relationship with Imaly ended, she went into a state of depression. She was less active in the movement during her mental turmoil. However, when she met Godwin, who was supportive of her passion for equality, her spirits were relit and she became active again.
After reading about her relationships, it was clear that
Wollstonecraft's desire to fight was mainly determined by the pace in her relationships. If the relationship was going great, then she would be content and ready to fight. However, if the relationship was going badly, she became depressed and lost her energy to fight.
Overall, Wollstonecraft was a great leader of her time, but the pace in her relationships determined her attitude toward the struggle for equality.
Work Site
Nixo, Edna."Mary Wollstonecraft:Her Life and Times."Aldine House: London,
1971.
Wardle, Ralph M. "Collected Letters of Mary Wollstonecraft."Cornell
University Press: Ithaca and London, 1979.