Laura P.
English 540
9/20/05
Thesis / Question Cecilia“The rectitude of her heart and the soundness of her judgment had hitherto guarded her both from error and blame, and, except during her recent suspense, had preserved her tranquility inviolate: but her commerce with the world had been small and confined, and her actions had little reference but to herself.” pg 351

My question is about both character (personal) and how that is applicable to feminism in Cecilia (or Evelina). Cecilia is resilient (at this point in the novel) and self-reliant; how can we read this philosophy of self-reliance (to whatever degree) as potentially feminist? If Burney considered her novels to be instruction, what kind of instruction is she trying to give women about being self-reliant?