Lynn K.
English 540
Discussion Topic
10-13-05

Belinda has turned a deaf ear to Mrs. Stanhope and is charting her own course.  While living with the Percival family, she examines “by her reason the habits and principles which guided her conduct,” establishing “in her own understanding the exact boundaries between right and wrong.” (232)

Several very different female role models are presented to Belinda.  Mrs. Freke, who champions the “Rights of Women,” (229) is described as one who could be “perfectly familiar or strangely rude, just as suits the convenience, fashion, or humour of the minute.” (224)   Mr. Vincent offers the colonial model and speaks of creole women who “ are all softness, grace, delicacy.” (233)   Lady Anne Percival displays knowledge, but “   “ without any pedantry or ostentation,” (216) her gentle wit “ like the refulgent moon.” (232)   And Belinda and Vincent discuss an engraving of Lady Delacour “ in the character of the comic muse.” (236)

What “ cultural work” is being performed by these texts?  What do you see as the author’s perspective?  What seems to be Belinda’s perspective?